Shawn Austin has been busy this year. Most recently, he’s been celebrating the release of his latest single, “Tailgate to Heaven” featuring Chris Lane, and the announcement of his signing with Local Hay Records as their flagship artist.
“Tailgate to Heaven” features Austin’s smooth vocals, a rock-country flare, and Chris Lane was the perfect match for the duet. Their voices just elevate one another.
“After an unpredictable year, it’s a great feeling to finally get this project out,” explained Austin. “This song symbolizes a huge step in my career. The whole team has been working so hard and I’m truly honoured and thankful to be welcomed to this growing musical family. This is just the start!”
RELATED: Check out one of Shawn’s previous singles “You Belong” …
Shawn Austin has accumulated over 17 million streams, two top ten tracks, and a CCMA nomination for “CCMA Rising Star” in 2019. Backed by the absolute confidence of Dallas Smith, Shawn Austin is making wave in Canadian country music.
An Interview with Shawn Austin
Jenna: What have you been up to over the last year or so? Tell us about what you’ve been working on.
Shawn: It’s been a very different year for us all, but as a team we decided to take a break from releasing music and really drill down on what the next chapter would be about and sound like.
One of the silver linings of the pandemic for me has been having the time to focus on the details.
J: Congrats on signing as the flagship artist for Local Hay Records! What’s this process been like for you? What are you looking forward to as you leap into this new adventure?
S: It’s been a whirlwind but I’m honoured to be the first artist on Local Hay. I think it’ll be a complete game changer. It feels a bit synergistic to be able to have my current team and the Big Loud team come together on this.
In the first few weeks I’ve already noticed a huge difference to the way things will operate going forward and couldn’t be happier with the direction. I’m excited for what the future holds.
J: You dropped a banger last week, featuring Chris Lane and it’s getting so much love. Tell us about “Tailgate to Heaven.”
S: I’ve been crazy about this track from the second I heard it. I feel like it’s right in my wheelhouse and has that sound that I’ve been building on since ‘Paradise Found’. Like everything I try to do, it’s purpose built with the live show in mind so I can’t wait to connect with the fans on this one when we hit the stage again.
J: What are you looking most forward to with your upcoming project? What can listeners expect from the music you’ve been working on?
S: This feels very much like the next step (and a big step) up in my career.
There are new opportunities that are opening up because of this new team and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. It’s a little nerve wracking in certain ways but I’m ready for the next challenge.
RELATED: Check out “Get Me There” by Shawn Austin …
J: Do you have any upcoming shows, livestream events, or otherwise where we can catch you playing? What are you looking most forward to with live music coming back?
S: We do have several live shows coming in the next few months and I cannot wait to get back on stage. I’ve always said my favourite place is behind a mic with a bunch of like minded music lovers so that’s my focus right now.
I can’t wait for the world to open again fully.
J: Anything you’d like to say to fans and listeners?
S: I hope everyone has made it through the craziness of the pandemic and I can’t thank you all enough for continuing to connect with all your favourite artists. You’re all the sole reason why we get to live our dreams and there’s nothing better than hearing you sing your hearts out at shows.
I can’t wait to see you all again soon!
You can follow Shawn Austin on Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok and Facebook.
Stream “Tailgate To Heaven” By Shawn Austin ft. Chris Lane
Jenna
Country music lover with an unhealthy collection of concert t-shirts. Always looking for up and coming artists. Believer in music's ability to soothe the soul. Connect with me on Instagram and Twitter.
