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Exclusive Austin Webb Q&A: On Beginnings, 'Raise 'Em Up', & Hoping To Duet With Cassadee Pope!

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If you’re a lover of good melodies then you’ve got to get to know country singer Austin Webb. Hailing from South Carolina, this 25-year-old's dream is to make it in the competitive world of country music and considering he’s got the support of Tim McGraw’s close friend and long-time collaborator Byron Gallimore – who signed him to his Streamsound Records label two years ago – I would say his future looks bright. But even if he didn’t have the support of a label like Gallimore’s, Austin has abundant talent to make it on his own. Believe me. He has the talent of writing good songs and most importantly to come up with the best melodies. Just listen to his latest single “Raise ‘Em Up” and you’ll see what I mean. Austin and Byron are currently working on a studio album which should see the light of day in the coming months. You just hold on 'cause the wait will be worth it.

Austin Webb started writing from a very young age. When he was just nine years old he began writing poetry, and then at 16 he picked up a guitar, learned how to use it, and started pouring his emotions into songs. After finishing high school, he played a few gigs up and down the East Coast. During his first trip to Nashville, he met country legend Charlie Louvin whom Austin immediately befriended and had the opportunity to open for him that very "first meet" day. Then, in 2011, Austin won local South Carolina songwriting competition, ironically called the Nashville Connection, and moved to Music City. There, after recording a few demos, got connected to Byron Gallimore, and then rest is history! Now part of the Streamsound Records family, Austin is looking to release his debut album as soon as possible but for the time being he's happy with giving fans new songs and playing shows all across the U.S.

Earlier this year, Austin’s released his latest single “Raise ‘Em Up” which is an extremely catchy “country soul” song – as Austin likes to call his sound.

Get to know more about up-and-coming country singer Austin Webb in our exclusive interview below. He discussed with Directlyrics.com about his beginnings, his move from South Carolina to Nashville, his new single, future album, what his Top 5 songs of the moment are or who would be his dream collaboration!

The Interview

1. To break the ice, where are you answering this Q&A from, and what's your day been like?

Right now I’m sitting on the balcony of my hotel in Beverly Hills/ Los Angeles. I just got back from a 6.5 mile hike up the HOLLYWOOD SIGN. Today is breezy, sunny, and perfect.

2. You are very attached to your Martin guitar. What’s the story?

I bought a Martin DCX1E for $350 when I was 25 years old, and I retired it last year when I made my Grand Ole Opry Debut. It's beat to pieces and has a lot of character including, autographed photos of Kris Kristofferson and Guy Clark on the back. I’ve written hundred of songs on that guitar.

3. You like to write your own songs and pour your emotions into them, what’s the song-writing process like for you? Do you go straight for the lyrics or come up with a melody first?

I go through phases with “what comes first”. Sometimes its melody, sometimes its words. Sometimes it’s simultaneous.

4. You've worked very hard to be where you are right now. I read you’ve had up to 25 different jobs, one being at a BMW assembling line, to pay for your singing career dream. Does all that hard work feel worth it now that you are a signed singer and are touring across the country?

I’ve definitely had to do a lot of hard work, but I don’t mind it. It’s important to have to work hard to get what you want in life. It makes my life now so much more appreciated. I’m so grateful to know what hard, physical labor is. I still have to work hard, just lucky I’m not digging a ditch, ya know? All I’m trying to do now is keep my job. Ha!

5. On one of your trips to Nashville you randomly met country legend Charlie Louvin at a road restaurant. You soon became friends, and he even invited you to play on stage with him at the Smokehouse in Monteagle, Tennessee. What was your reaction when you realized it was Charlie at the restaurant? And, what was the first memory of him that came to your mind when you heard about him passing away?

I was shocked when we first met and devastated at the hearing of his passing. He was a real and subconscious influence in my artistry. I don’t believe we met by chance. Sometimes I think he was angel before he went to heaven.

6. You permanently moved to Nashville after winning a local song-writing contest back in your home state of South Carolina in 2011. The demo of the song you entered made its way to Grammy award-winning producer Byron Gallimore (Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Sugarland). He eventually signed you to his Streamsound Records label. How do you remember your first conversationwith Byron? And what's it like working with him in the studio?

The first time Byron called me, I thought it was a bill collector so I didn’t answer. Eventually, I called him back and met him at his house. Unlike a lot of other people, he knew for a fact that he wanted to work with me and was upfront and honest about it. He’s a great guy. Offered me a publishing deal immediately and then a record deal weeks later. I’m grateful to work with him. He’s become like a family member.

7. You’re currently working on your debut album. How far are you into the recording process? And when can Austin Webb fans expect to have it?

I’ve cut 16 songs so far and am narrowing down now. The album is going to sound like me. To me, its gonna feel like the breeze in California or the first cup of coffee in the morning. It feels right.

8. Your latest single is "Raise 'Em Up". It’s an amazing song! The melody in the pre-chorus is especially too irresistible and dreamy. For those who haven’t heard "Raise 'Em Up" yet, though, what would you say is the message of the song?

There’s no real deep or introspective message in this particular song other than I just wanted a party song that would be about country living. I wanted to write the same theme and clichés in country music in what I think is a little more innovative and fresh. Saying, “ I’m a six foot, six pack can of a man, Skoal ring, road king, spit n a can," paints a better picture than saying,“I’m tall, drink beer, travel and spit".

austin webb directlyrics interview

9. Does the origin of "Raise 'Em Up" have a fun story? Or did you just come up with it in the studio?

I wanted a song that I could end a set with where the crowd would sing the chorus without ever hearing it before. It worked! I love the energy it brings.

10. "Raise 'Em Up" is actually your third single. You released a first single “It’s All Good” in 2012, and then "Slip On By" in 2013. All three songs are country but they have different sounds and tempos. Will your debut album be a mix of these?

My debut album will be comparable to a quilt. Each song stands unique on its own but stitched together it makes one cohesive piece of art.

11. What kind of music and artists did you grow up listening to?

Motown, Country Radio, old country music/ Bluegrass/ Soul/ Gospel/ Roots/ Folk/ Americana--I listened to a variety of music growing up.

12. You have a few tattoos on you. What’s the one with the most special meaning?

My favorite is my tattoo of the chorus to Tom T Halls song, “Old Dogs Children and Watermelon wine.” It reminds me what’s really important in life.

13. What are Austin Webb’s Top 5 songs of the moment?

Jackson 5 - I’ll be there

Frank Sinatra - My way

Janis Ian - At Seventeen

Bob Dylan - I want you

Dean Martin - Volare

14. You’ve played a few concerts in the latest years. What’s one anecdote that you will always remember?

I’ve had a lot of fun on the road for 10 years now and the most funny and memorable nights come with the fans having fun. I love country fans so much!

15. Favorite book?

I prefer to say authors more than books. I really love O. Henry and his short stories like "The Last Leaf/ Cop and the Anthem” I read a good bit of poetry as well. Another author I enjoy is Joseph Cambell.

16. You dream collaboration would be with....? And how do you imagine your song together to sound like and be about?

I’d like to do a duet with Cassadee pope, I think it would sound like the vision of butter melting on pancakes.

17.Thank you so much for your time, Austin! Is there any last thing you would like to share with our readers at Direct Lyrics?

Well thank you! I hope to see each and everyone of you out on the road! Reach out to me on Facebook and Twitter (@AustinLWebb) I'd love to hear from ya!

By on August 28, 2014
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