Interview: Austin Snell on new music, touring, challenges, influences

By Neil Shumate, OOTB Publications

Before releasing his new 7-song EP Home Sweet Hell this Friday, Aug. 22, country music artist and twang-rock singer-songwriter Austin Snell took time out for an OOTB interview.

The EP—releasing via River House Artists/Warner Music Nashville, produced by Andrew Baylis (Brantley Gilbert, Jelly Roll)—follows the Georgia native and U.S. Air Force veteran’s 2024 debut LP Still Bleeding.

Snell recently toured with Brantley Gilbert and starting mid-September he will take the new EP on the road for an extensive headlining tour through early November, including a performance at Bourbon & Beyond.

What’s your favorite song to perform live in front of an audience, and why that song?

“Pray All The Way Home” had been my favorite for a while now. I love the energy and the story it brings.

When you’re on the road, what’s the one thing you miss most about home?

My girlfriend, Ally’s home-cooked meals. I eat a lot of McDonald’s on the road.

With your sound known as “grunge country,” who would you say is your all-time favorite rock artist and your all-time favorite country artist?

My favorite band of all time is 3 Doors Down. My favorite country artist of all time is such a tough question, but it’s between Alan Jackson or Keith Whitley.

As a musician, musically, who are your biggest influences?

I draw a lot of influences from a lot of different people, so I couldn’t give you one. I listen to a lot of indie music and I think that influences my songwriting a lot.

As a lyricist, who are your favorite songwriters?

I think Stephen Wilson Jr. is criminally underrated as a songwriter. I’d love to work with him.

What’s been the biggest personal challenge you’ve faced in your own life and how have you overcome or are overcoming that, if you have?

I would say self-doubt and just anxiety in general. I tend to downplay my accomplishments a lot. It’s something I’ve always dealt with and learning more about it every day.

Besides touring, what’s next for you as far as new releases, current writing, more videos?

I’m releasing Home Sweet Hell on August 22 and I’m really excited for this new sound I’m digging into. Writing about different things, I feel like I’ve fallen in love with music all over again the last few months!

Pre-Save

https://austinsnell.lnk.to/homesweethell

Tracklist

1. Home Sweet Hell

2. Stuck In The Sticks

3. Miles

4. Heavy Metal

5. Drunk

6. I Mean It

7. Family Tree

Tour Dates

https://www.austinsnell.com