Photo: Noreen Nooner
-Micca Terrell
A Sycamore High School junior is celebrating a major milestone: his first record deal. Austin Williams signed with MC1 Nashville on Dec. 4 and will be in the studio to record his self-penned single in early January, just in time for his 17th birthday. Williams’ song “Are You Really Gone?” should be out in February on all major streaming platforms like iTunes and Spotify, said Missy Williams, Austin’s mother.
From an early age, Austin would sing for anyone that would listen, and has always loved music, particularly old school country, Williams said. He enjoys local artists like Brian Callihan, Adam Sanders, Darryl Miller, Larry McCoy, and Mo Pitney, and country legends like Merle Haggard, Vern Gosdin, Keith Whitley, and Shenandoah.
His family realized he was ready to take his favorite pastime to the next level when he was about 14. At that time, Austin had major back surgery due to a condition he had since birth.
Photo: Noreen Nooner
“He woke up (from the surgery) and started singing to the nurses. It was his way to take his mind off the pain. They all loved it! During rehab, he spent a lot of time writing and singing and we realized this is more than fun,” she said.
An avid baseball player, Austin didn’t have any formal musical training as a child. “When we discovered that music was an opportunity, we started investing in guitar lessons. But he’s really done everything on his own,” Williams said.
The young recording artist will be performing his new song and others after the first of the year, and his family is excited and humbled with the opportunity for Austin to showcase his talent, she said.
When asked about where Austin wants his musical career to take him, his mother said, “Wherever God leads him. He will give it 100% and see what happens, but Austin still plans on attending college.”
The Williams family said they work together to support their son. “We are there for him. We listen, we critique, and we are present. We want the best for him and will help to get him there,” she said.
You can hear Austin Williams and Friends perform at a live concert and meal event at The Livery Stables Events Hall on Feb. 5, 2021.
For more information about the event, visit Austin Williams’ Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/TheAustinWiiliamsMusic/.
