Austin Williams – Billboard’s Top 10 list of Emerging Country Artists

Country music is changing. New artists are mixing it up, blending genres of rap, hip hop and rock, and attracting younger audiences. This was indeed the case when Austin Williams took the stage at the Old Town Music Festival in Murrieta, California, in June.

Williams, who has taken the country music world by storm, is just 20 years old and looks more like a baseball player than a cowboy. His rich country voice belies his looks, however, as he belts out his debut song, “Wanna Be Saved,” which put him on Billboard’s Top 10 list of emerging country artists. To date, his music has garnered over 87 million streams across all platforms.

Raised in Pleasant View, a small country town near Nashville, Tennessee, Williams was a 15-year-old high school baseball player when he had much-needed back surgery. Working hard to return to baseball, he discovered a love for singing and writing country music. He taught himself guitar and began recording songs. The overwhelming response to his artistry has earned him a huge fan base of all ages, and praise from the country music industry.

His career began in May of 2023, but even with his limited experience, onstage he is a natural. He creates an instant, easy rapport with the crowd, treating them to traditional country songs, as well as his passionate originals.

At the festival the 95-degree heat was relentless, and the arena offered little to no shade. Despite the sweltering heat, the crowd was up and dancing, channeling Williams’ enthusiasm and energy.

In addition to his debut single, “Wanna Be Saved,” Williams played the hip-hop inspired “90s Rap Mashup,” “I Can’t Right Now,” “Wrong Truck,” “Quitter,” and “Nothing Left But Leaving.” Some of his originals combine country music with R & B, creating what some call Country Soul. His classic offerings were “I’ll Fly Away,” and Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried.” The audience cheered him on when he played the hit Lynyrd Skynyrd song, “Sweet Home Alabama.” Williams told us that his next ep to be released is called, “Broken Things Break Things.” His performance was a dynamic blend of songs that kept us attentive and eagerly anticipating his next move. Whether his music is country, soul, or rock, it is passionate, authentic, and inspiring.

To learn more about this rising star, look for him at austinwilliamsmusic.com. If you get the opportunity to see Austin Williams and his phenomenal band live, don’t hesitate. Buy the tickets! He is superb on stage and has a bright future ahead of him.

Backstage360.com would like to thank the Old Town Music Festival of Murrieta for their hospitality.