• Artist Name:  Austin Merrill
• Hometown: Bend, OR

1. What project(s) are you currently working on?

I’m actually stepping back into the studio later this month. My excitement level is 10/10.

2. What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?

I’ve been drawn toward music and a music career since I was a kid, but I made a conscious decision to pursue it halfway through college. Before that, the plan was to join the CIA. No joke.

3. If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?

I am currently commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, wrapping up my tenure in the Tennessee Army National Guard. If I weren’t pursuing music, I would likely be a full-time soldier.

4. What is your favorite downtime activity?

I’m a bigtime snowboarder. I grew up 30 minutes from a ski resort out west, and my friends and I used to go carve down the mountain on Saturdays. Not much of that here in Tennessee, but my snowboard is sitting there in my closet, just waiting for the next ski trip.

5. Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

Well, maybe if my next single becomes a smash hit, I’ll have a chance with her. So I ain’t telling you haha

6. Who is your favorite sports team(s)?

I always root for Notre Dame, and I like seeing my alma mater Vanderbilt do well. Also whichever team Tom Brady is on. I guess I’m a Bucs fan now.

7. What is the last movie that you watched?

Whatever came up last on the Netflix queue (quarantine, amirite?). My favorite movie of all time is The Nightmare Before Christmas. The music, the vision, the uniqueness of it all: that’s a movie for the ages.

8. What is the last album you listened to?

I recently went back and listened to Kenny Chesney’s album Cosmic Hallelujah. It’s still amazing.

 9. If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?

If I only had one album, it would be Where The Light Is, a live album John Mayer recorded back in 2007. That’s my all-time favorite, even me being a country artist. That record brings me endless awe, relaxation, and inspiration.

 10. What is the greatest country song of all time?

Wow that’s a tough one. There are a million, but I’m gonna have to go with “Gone Country” by Alan Jackson. “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” by Toby Keith is up there somewhere too.

 11. What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?

We were driving through the Midwest one time and came across a charming little Dutch town in the middle of Iowa called Pella, complete with windmills, tulips, and stroopwafels. Right in the middle of corn country. That has to be my favorite town so far.

 12. What is your favorite meal?

I eat a lot of Chipotle, and I never get tired of it. But my mom makes some enchiladas that are out of this world.

 13. Who is your dream duet partner?

There are so many great artists I would be honored to collaborate with, but one that stands out in particular is Colbie Caillat. I think our voices would blend well together.

 14. Who would you like to go on tour with?

Man, if I could ever open for Alan Jackson that would be a dream come true. He’s my favorite country artist, and if I couldn’t go on tour with him, I’d definitely settle for just sitting down with him and talking music.

 15. What is your ultimate career goal(s)?

I suppose every artist has specific goals to some extent, but I really just want to keep making a living sharing my art with people. I’ll do that as long as I am able, and as long as the fans keep responding so positively. That said, I very much look forward to the day I get to play the Opry stage.