We recently connected with Austin Bishop and have shared our conversation below.

Austin , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

My first paid show was at the only bar in Livingston, AL where I was going to college at The University of West Alabama. A lot of the students at UWA found out I was playing at the Brass Monkey Saloon, and I guess wanted to see if I was actually going to do it. I ended up playing 5 hours instead of the 4 that was originally scheduled and the place was elbow to elbow. A lot of my teammates were there, but also people I had never seen before. They were singing the songs with me and everyone seemed to really be enjoying themselves. I remember looking over at the crowd and just taking it all in and I’ll never forget that feeling. After the bar closed and I had packed up and got paid, I realized that I had made more money in that 5 hours than I did in two months at the grocery store I was currently working at while in school. Music has always been something I learn on and turn to in good times and bad and I and knew right then that music is what I wanted to pursue. Since that day its been a grind, and not every show is like that first one, but I still get the same feelings when I see smiling faces and see people singing and having almost as good of a time as I am.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am from the small town of Piedmont, AL located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the North East part of the state. Raised by my grandparents from the age of 6, I played sports all my life and ended up playing college football at Jacksonville State University for two years and eventually finished out my football and academic career at The University of West Alabama with a degree in Special Education. I am married with three children. I started my music journey in college after one of my former college coaches told me I should try to pursue music and write my own songs after watching a Youtube video of me playing and singing. My first performance in front of a crowd of people was at the annual talent show UWA has every year with around 500 people in attendance. (I was scared to death). Since then I have been promoting and booking myself around the country coast to coast. I have played in front of 3 people at shows and I’ve played in front of 3,000 people. I try to give the same show and effort no matter how many are in the crowd because those three people could need to hear some music because of a difficult day, week, year, or life they may have had. Music has helped me through hard times and if I can help one person, like so many artists help me daily, then I will give them all I have. I am most proud of the fact that I have gotten this far being an independent artist and plan to stay that way. Although I have gotten help from countless friends, family, and even fans, a lot goes on behind the scenes that get overlooked and that is where the grind of the business really is. The shows are the fun and easier part.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I hear a lot of people say “I wish there was a way I could help you” when we discuss my journey, goals, and what is next for me. I always tell them the best thing they can do is promote and share my music through social media and word of mouth. One share of a Facebook post, tiktok, instagram reel, etc. puts that media in front of thousands of new people who may not know who I am. It takes 3 seconds to like and share a post and that 3 seconds you take to share something could change everything. If we can share videos of fights, politicians, sports moments, and cats, we can spread the word and love for the artists we enjoy by sharing their videos as well.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

A lot of people who start their journey in the music industry go in blind with dreams of making a million dollars or having a number one hit song on the radio. While those accolades and accomplishments would be nice that has never been a major goal of mine. At the end my goal is to reach an audience who may have a similar story to mine and show them that hard times don’t last, tough people do. I hope that my music brings people peace and happiness when they need it most. I also just want to pay my bills and take care of my family doing something that I genuinely love. I will be the first to tell you I am blessed to have made it this far and long in the industry, but I will also tell you that I’m just getting started and will always be on the grind to grow for my family, my self, and my listeners.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.austinbishopmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abishopmusic/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Abishopmusic/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ABishopMusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Austinhunterb1/featured?app=desktop
• Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@abishopmusic

Image Credits
I own the rights to these photos