Podcast Summary: "Second Chances and New Chapters with Austin John Winkler"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Takin' a Walk
• Host: Buzz Knight (iHeartPodcasts)
• Description: The "Takin' a Walk" Music History on Foot podcast, hosted by Buzz Knight, delves into music history by exploring insider stories from various guests, sharing anecdotes and insights about musicians, bands, and their creative processes.
• Episode: "Second Chances and New Chapters with Austin John Winkler"
• Release Date: May 23, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of "Takin' a Walk," host Buzz Knight welcomes Austin John Winkler, the original lead vocalist of the rock band Hinder. Austin is renowned for his role in Hinder's breakthrough album Extreme Behavior (2005), which featured the massive hit "Lips of an Angel." The conversation centers around Austin's musical journey, his experiences with fame, personal struggles, and his latest project with his new band, The Founder, along with their new EP, Walking Dead.

Personal Reflections and Early Influences

Walking Down Memory Lane Austin begins by reflecting on his early inspirations in music. He shares a poignant memory from his childhood:

"It was the first song that... took me away from Earth and sunk me into their world." ([06:57])

He recalls hearing "Janie's Got a Gun" on the radio around the age of six or seven, marking his deep initial connection to music. This experience ignited his passion for rock and roll, shaping his future as a musician.

Influences Beyond Rock Austin also acknowledges the unexpected influence of artists outside the rock genre. He credits Eminem for inspiring his lyrical abilities:

"If this guy can walk into a genre that he's not really supposed to be in and... write some crazy, crazy, amazing rhymes, I can pull it together and write some rock songs." ([08:35])

This cross-genre inspiration highlights Austin's versatility and openness to diverse musical influences.

Rise to Fame and Personal Struggles

Rapid Ascent in the Music Industry Austin discusses the swift rise to fame he experienced with Hinder. From writing his first songs at 19 to achieving a number one hit by his mid-twenties, the journey was both exhilarating and overwhelming.

"I never looked back. And all of a sudden, you're playing in front of 15,000 people singing songs you wrote right back to your face." ([09:50])

Impact of Fame on Personal Life With fame came significant personal challenges. Austin candidly talks about the toll it took on his mental and physical health:

"Probably four or five years without writing anything... it was a lonely time." ([12:31])

He admits that the pressures of his career led to periods of misery, making it difficult to continue pursuing music during those dark times.

New Beginnings with The Founder

Creative Rebirth After overcoming personal struggles, Austin found a renewed passion for music, leading to the formation of his new band, The Founder. He emphasizes a desire to return to raw, unpolished rock and roll, drawing inspiration from classic bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath.

"I wanted to set out and do something completely different and not so polished... more raw." ([14:37])

Collaborative Process Austin highlights the collaborative nature of creating the Walking Dead EP, particularly praising his guitarist, Randy Sanders:

"Randy Sanders... brings something to the record that just blows my mind. Each solo is phenomenal." ([16:00])

He underscores the importance of instinctual creativity in the studio, allowing the music to develop organically without strict plans.

Exploring the Walking Dead EP

Track Highlights and Themes Austin delves into specific tracks from the Walking Dead EP, sharing his personal connection to the songs. He particularly mentions "The Fall," a deeply personal track about the end of a significant relationship:

"It's a very personal song... takes you to a place." ([17:13])

Creative Vision The EP represents Austin's commitment to creating music that is both raw and emotionally resonant. He contrasts his current work with the prevalent overproduced rock music, aiming for a sound that retains clarity and melodic depth.

"I wanted to pursue something a little more like, still kind of sexy rock and roll, but a little more raw." ([16:00])

Looking Ahead: Live Performances and Future Aspirations

Upcoming Performances Austin reveals plans to tour with The Founder, performing in clubs to test and refine their new sound. He's enthusiastic about reconnecting with fans through live music:

"We're going to start playing some clubs and I'm going to test this as founder out on the road." ([18:10])

Future Collaborations When asked about dream collaborations, Austin expresses a desire to stay focused on his current journey rather than planning future projects:

"I haven't really thought about collabs at all... just looking forward to being out with the fans again." ([18:51])

Impact and Legacy

Positive Influence Through Music Austin acknowledges the profound impact his music has had on listeners facing various struggles. He is humbled by messages from fans who found solace in his songs:

"To have somebody... say I helped them with bulimia and songs like Super Jaded... is unbelievable to me." ([11:49])

Commitment to Transparency His experiences have reinforced the importance of being open and transparent through his music, aiming to help others through his storytelling and emotional honesty.

Conclusion

In "Second Chances and New Chapters with Austin John Winkler," Buzz Knight provides a platform for Austin to share his journey from rapid fame with Hinder to overcoming personal adversities and embarking on a new musical chapter with The Founder. Austin's candid reflections on his influences, struggles, and creative process offer listeners an intimate glimpse into the resilience and passion that drive his artistry. As he looks forward to performing live and connecting with fans once again, Austin embodies the spirit of reinvention and the enduring power of music to heal and inspire.

Notable Quotes:

• "If this guy can walk into a genre that he's not really supposed to be in and write some crazy, crazy, amazing rhymes, I can pull it together and write some rock songs." — Austin John Winkler ([08:35])
• "I wanted to set out and do something completely different and not so polished... more raw." — Austin John Winkler ([14:37])
• "To have somebody... say I helped them with bulimia and songs like Super Jaded... is unbelievable to me." — Austin John Winkler ([11:49])

Note: This summary intentionally excludes advertisements, introductions, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the meaningful dialogue between Buzz Knight and Austin John Winkler.