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Today (12.19), Rising country artist Austin Michael releases his new track “Why Not Whiskey.” “Why Not Whiskey” wears the scars of heartbreak with a honky-tonk heartbeat, pairing traditional country swing with a timeless, barroom sound. It traces a familiar attempt to outrun a shattered relationship, but adds realism like “talking to mama” and “smoking marijuana”. Written by Austin Michael, Joe Clemmons (HARDY, Warren Zeiders), and Shane Minor (Kenny Chesney, Cole Swindell), the song leans into classic country storytelling, and is bound to be a go-to anthem for traditional country music fans.
Listen to “Why Not Whiskey” here
“Why Not Whiskey” is the fourth preview to Austin’s recently announced album Lonestar, out March 6, 2026. The 13-song collection showcases Austin’s unique knack for crafting straight-shooting, troubadour-inspired stories from his own experiences of loneliness and heartbreak. Featuring 11 brand-new tracks, each written or co-written by Austin, Lonestar shares a vulnerable glimpse into his journey from an adolescence of hunting, fishing and roping in Van Alystyne, Texas to life as an emerging country powerhouse, all while never straying from his self-reliant identity of a Lonestar.
Pre-Save Lonestar here
Additional Lonestar previews include “Back on a Barstool,” written with Heath Warren (Bailey Zimmerman) and Sam Martinez (Tyler Braden), a raw confessional about self-inflicted heartache, “Hard Earned Heartache,” written with Sergio Sanchez (Morgan Wallen, Bailey Zimmerman), a vulnerable retelling of a relationship’s collapse, and “Whiskey on a Wildfire,” co-written with Sanchez and John Kraft (TRAIN), a turn to the thrill of a relationship.
Listen to “Back on a Barstool” Here
Listen to “Hard Earned Heartache” Here
Listen to “Whiskey on a Wildfire” Here
At just 22, Austin has already built a remarkable foundation for his legacy, moving from rodeo life in Texas to a multi-faceted country artist in Music City. At 15, he appeared on American Idol, creating one of the season’s top three viral moments when he roped Katy Perry off Luke Bryan’s shoulders. Shortly after, he released his self-titled debut album, igniting a lifelong passion for writing and connecting through music. Today, Austin Michael has amassed over 17 million streams and shared the stage with artists including Justin Moore, Randy Houser, Chris Young, and Joe Nichols, proving his talent and storytelling resonate far beyond his Texas roots.
Austin is represented by L3 Entertainment (Justin Moore) and Shore Fire Media.
Lonestar Tracklist:
- Back In The Saddle (Austin Michael, Anthony Gabuzzi)
- Cowboys Don’t Act Like That (Austin Michael, Philip Morgan, Chris August)
- Lonestar (Austin Michael, Sergio Sanchez, Jon Kraft)
- Why Not Whiskey (Austin Michael, Joe Clemmons, Shane Minor)
- Movin’ On (Austin Michael, Philip Morgan, Mark Chandler, Chris Sligh)
- Slow Burn (Austin Michael, Cam Newby, Lynn Hutton)
- Least Of My Worries (Austin Michael, Phil Morgan, Chris Sligh)
- Barrel Racin’ (Austin Michael, Philip Morgan, Kyle Schlienger)
- Whiskey On A Wildfire (Austin Michael, Sergio Sanchez, John Kraft)
- Texas Hold ‘Em (Austin Michael, Sergio Sanchez, John Kraft)
- Hard Earned Heartache (Austin Michael, Sergio Sanchez)
- Back On A Barstool (Austin Michael, Heath Warren, Sam Martinez)
- Hearts Break Too Easy (Austin Michael)
About Austin Michael:
Growing up on a ranch in Van Alstyne Texas, Austin Michael learned at a very early age to ride, rope, hunt and fish. Rodeo life seemed to be in the stars for the Texas native, however fate intercepted that dream. He was just 15 years old when he wound up on Luke Bryan’s shoulders roping Katy Perry on American Idol. It became one of the most viral videos of American Idol’s 2019 season but the feedback on his vocal ability was the turning point for Austin as he started dedicating his life towards a career as an artist.
He has spent the last 5 years honing his songwriting and guitar playing skills, driving to Nashville, sleeping in his car, knocking on every door for an opportunity. Through his relentless perseverance he has launched his career with new partnerships, and a constant stream of releases, amassing over 8 million streams in the past 12 months independently.
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