Former rodeo star turned country newcomer Austin Michael is proving that his grit isn’t just for the arena with the release of his new single, “Why Not Whiskey.” A raw, honky-tonk-driven anthem, the track pairs traditional country swing with a barroom realism that touches on everything from shattered relationships to outrunning the pain. Co-written with heavyweights Joe Clemmons and Shane Minor, “Why Not Whiskey” serves as the fourth preview to his highly anticipated 13-track collection, ‘Lonestar’, which is out March 6th. The song highlights Michael’s transition from a 15-year-old viral sensation on ‘American Idol’ to a formidable Nashville songwriter, blending the self-reliant ethos of his Texas upbringing with a vulnerable, troubadour-inspired edge that has already amassed over 17 million streams.
‘Lonestar’ marks a definitive coming-of-age for the 22-year-old artist, who spent years sleeping in his car in Nashville to knock on doors for a chance to be heard. The album features a lineup of powerful previews including “Back on a Barstool,” “Hard Earned Heartache,” and “Whiskey on a Wildfire,” each detailing the winding road from a Texas ranch to the stages of Music City. Having already shared the spotlight with icons like Justin Moore and Chris Young, Michael’s straight-shooting storytelling is anchoring him as one of the most authentic voices in the modern neotraditional movement. Whether he’s roping on national television or delivering a “bottom-of-the-glass” confessional, Michael remains rooted in the independence of his “Lonestar” identity, offering a collection that is as much about perseverance as it is about country music.