Shawn Austin's career in country music has already had some great moments and early successes, and now he looks to continue that pattern with the release of his latest single, What Do I Know, and its new lyric video.
We caught up with the BC singer in Toronto to talk about his busy summer festival season, his outlook and ambitions for his music and career, and what the plan looks like moving forward. While we had him with us, we also played a Festival Season edition of 5 Quick Questions that we have for you further down in this post.
What Do I Know was released on April 12, 2019, and was a great choice for a new song to give to fans and country radio. In the two months since it dropped, Austin's fans and country lovers have already listened almost 400,000 times on Spotify and YouTube. And now fans have a new opportunity to dig in again with the official lyric video.
We talked to Shawn about the new song and more new music on the way (it's coming. Be ready for new singles and a collection coming in the form of an EP or album) and he told us that he's excited to have it ready to follow-up his debut release. While we talked, we also got to the point of chart success and ambitions. Shawn was very modest in telling us (not for the first time) that he still can't believe that his debut single, Paradise Found went Top 10. And as we talked about songs going that high, or higher, getting all the way to number one, he told us his goal. Shawn Austin was honest was he told us that getting to the top of the charts would be a thrill and something he'd love to do. But, the more important goal for him is consistency.
The Steelhead Music artist would love to pepper the Top 10 on the country music charts. He sees the importance and validation of doing that over and over again. And he knows that it can act as some gauge on the reception and quality of the songs he's releasing throughout his career, not just a single track that catches the buzz. Getting to the top is on the mind of every artist, but a long, successful career with songs that fans love is a great goal to have.
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As we chatted, we got to the upcoming summer festival season, which will be the busiest of Shawn's young career. With no fewer than nine festivals lineup up (and the possibility of more being added to his schedule), he knows that he's going to be busy. And he loves it. Austin knows that the opportunity to cross the country (he'll go from PEI to BC, with many stops in between) and play for crowds that love country music is going to be great. He also told us that he loves the way those fans embrace the festival format, investing in and giving a chance to new acts that they may not know, while also getting ready and hyped for the headliners.
We've got a list of Shawn Austin's 2019 music festival dates at the bottom of the post. But before we get to that, hit play and check out our Festival Season edition of 5 Quick Questions. Find out who he'd line up for, who he'd want to do a surprise duet with, and who he's looking forward to seeing this summer.
Thanks to Shawn for taking the time to hang out with us while he was in Toronto. Stay tuned for more from him, including his own festival preview and recommendations. And a little something special as we get closer to his wedding this summer!
Shawn Austin 2019 Music Festival Schedule
Cavendish Beach Music Festival - Cavendish, PEI
Country Thunder - Craven, SK
Rock The Fort - Fort Steele, BC
Sunfest - North Cowichan, BC
Big Valley Jamboree - Camrose, AB
Rockin' River Music Festival - Merritt, BC
Manitoulin Country Fest - Little Current, ON
Boots and Hearts Music Festival - Oro, ON
Country Thunder - Calgary, AB
