We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Auburn McCormick. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Auburn below.
Hi Auburn, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
I left Nashville behind! The music scene in Nashville came to a halt along with everything else in early 2020. During that time I struggled a lot with my creativity and purpose in music. I wasn’t feeling inspired or joyful when it came to writing or performing. I took a hard look at what living in Nashville for the past 8 years had gotten me…and to be honest I wasn’t impressed. I was performing the same gigs, at the same places, for the same people, for no money, and it was getting me nowhere. I decided it was time for a change! I got the opportunity to visit Austin, Tx and I immediately fell in love. So the next thing I knew, I packed all my belongings and I’m drove across the country to my new home. It was a huge risk to leave music city behind for a place I knew nothing about, BUT it has been the best decision. I have been able to perform awesome gigs (for good money too ;), meet amazing people, and grow my fan base more than I ever did in Nashville. Don’t get me wrong me though, I still love Nashville! I visit often to write, record, and perform. But Austin is where I belong…for now ;)
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi! My name is Auburn McCormick. I am a country singer-songwriter who grew up in a small town in Mississippi. I was raised around music and don’t really remember a time when I wasn’t singing or dancing. It wasn’t until a life altering car accident that I decided to pursue music as a career. I realized through that experience that life is too short not to chase your dreams. I went to school in Nashville where I got a BA in Commercial Music. After graduation, I started writing and recording the stuff I have out now! My goal as a writer is to create songs that make people feel something. Whether it is sadness, joy, anger, or healing I always want my songs to connect with people. My goal as a performer is to take people on a journey. I want to make them feel included in the music, or make them laugh in between songs, or make them feel seen or heard through conversations afterwards.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
March 7, 2008 I was involved in a tragic car accident. Me, my little sister, and my dad were on our way to school one morning when an 18-wheeler rammed us from behind, sending us into oncoming traffic where a pickup truck t-boned us. It was a ghastly scene. Miraculously, my little sister walked away with nothing but a few scratches. As for me and my dad, that wasn’t the case. We were both rushed to hospital where I underwent emergency surgery. I was placed in a medically induced coma and life flighted to Lebonheur because they were more equipped to handle my injuries. I had multiple broken ribs, facial fractures, broken collar bone, lacerated kidney, brain bleed…you name it, I had it. The doctors were not sure of my fate but hoped for the best. After 7 days I came out of the coma and my cognitive function and abilities were questioned. I performed well…except that I couldn’t sing because of the trauma to my vocal cords. This was devastating but I was determined to lot let this be the case for long. 3 days later, I walked out of the hospital. It is a miracle I even survived the accident, and another one that I completely healed and was able to leave the hospital in only 10 days, and lastly, that I got my voice back and it is even stronger than it was before! Funny enough, I am thankful this happened. It taught me the frailty of life. I was given a second chance and I will not waste it! I will chase my dream for as long as I have on this earth.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
This is easy! There are sooooooo many ways you can support an independent artist like me! You can like and comment on our posts. You can share our music with your friends and family. You can buy our music and merch. You can come to our shows. You can send us encouraging messages. You can tip us at shows. You can hire us for private events or help us book shows. Basically, if you believe in an artist and their music, then don’t be afraid to show it! 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.auburnmccormickmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auburnmccormick/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/auburnmccormickmusic
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@auburn.mccormick
Image Credits
Lee Steffen for the article picture. Devon Wikstrom for the extra photos.