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Today (11.28), rising country artist Austin Michael releases his new song “Back on a Barstool.” Rooted in the classic storytelling traditions of icons like Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard — and echoed in modern voices like Cody Johnson — Austin taps into the plainspoken grit and honesty of everyday life. Written by Austin, Heath Warren (Bailey Zimmerman) and Sam Martinez (Tyler Braden), “Back on a Barstool” unfolds as a raw, last-call confessional, exposing the sting of heartache he knows he brought on himself.
Listen to “Back on a Barstool” here
The track is the latest preview from Austin Michael’s recently announced album Lonestar, arriving March 6, 2026. The 13-track collection offers an authentic look into Austin’s journey, tracing his path from a Texas cattle-roping cowboy to a genuine country troubadour. Rooted in the raw spirit of classic country storytelling, the album features 11 brand-new songs, each written or co-written by Austin, showcasing his knack for vivid scenes, honest emotion, and straight-shooting lyricism. He has already shared two preview tracks: “Hard Earned Heartache,” written with Sergio Sanchez (Morgan Wallen, Bailey Zimmerman), which captures the ache and reflection after a relationship’s collapse, and “Whiskey on a Wildfire,” co-written with Sanchez and John Kraft (TRAIN), which ignites the heady thrill of a new and risky love. Across Lonestar, Austin reflects on his identity as a Lonestar—a symbol of his Texas roots and a lens through which he views his own coming-of-age. Raised on a ranch in Van Alstyne, Texas, his youth was shaped by hunting, fishing, rodeos, and team roping, cultivating independence, grit, and self-reliance. Over the past five years, as his ambitions shifted from rodeo to music, Austin has honed his craft as a songwriter and performer, returning to this formative ethos to explore what it truly means to bet on himself—a philosophy he calls “wishing on a Lonestar.”
Pre-Save Lonestar 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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