Check out our interview with talented artist ASTN who recently released his latest record “LA Don’t Look Good On U.”
“This was the first song I wrote after moving to LA last year… it’s actually written from the perspective I had [of LA] before I even moved [out here]. I’ve lived here long enough now to know that this city doesn’t change everyone, but it definitely swallows many” says ASTN.
Follow ASTN @astnmusic
Hi Austin, please tell us a little about you?
Well, I’m an introverted 22 year old that loves music, video games, and football. That’s pretty much me in a nutshell.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I’ve always had my mind set on going into music, but originally it was as a drummer. I picked up producing when I was about 15 and started singing when I was 18. I hardly ever left my room so I was constantly on my computer just working on music and one day just decided to release it. I never looked back.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
Blackbear was my biggest influence when I first started. I honestly don’t think I’d be where I am now if I didn’t find his music. I chose to make music because I genuinely was bored with life and wanted a purpose. I think I’ve found it.
Do you play any instrument?
I grew up playing drums, picked up piano when I was 13, and started playing guitar around 18. Basically everything I need to do what I do now.
Do you ever get nervous?
All the time. I’m the king of being nervous.
Tell us about your new record “LA Don’t Look Good On U?”
“LA Don’t Look Good On U” is a song I wrote back in November of 2019. I had just moved to Los Angeles about 4 months before and was just taking it all in. LA is such an overwhelming city and the lifestyle that associated with it is hysterical. I knew I had to write a song about it.
What’s the story behind this track?
Well it’s actually written from the perspective of how I perceived LA before I moved there. Everyone thinks it’s this super glamorous place where everyone parties nonstop and to be honest, that’s definitely what I thought before I moved. Being here for almost 2 years now has taught me that it’s not always like that.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
It’s for sure a double edged sword. I love hearing that my music has had an impact on someone’s life. When I get messages like that, it inspires me to write more. Unfortunately I’m not a huge advocate for social media. I love what it does for artists and the opportunities it creates but it’s draining sometimes.
What’s next for ASTN in 2021?
Music, music, and more music. I hope the people like new music because it’s gonna be a lot of that.
What is you favorite song? And why?
Currently my favorite song is ‘better together’ by Luke Combs. I used to hate country music because I grew up listening to it and it just got old after a while. Now that I’m a songwriter, I can appreciate country music more because there’s so much great storytelling in that genre.
Any loves other than music?
Big fan of football thanks to my dad. Also love motocross and anything that has a motor. Video games also come to mind.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I’m definitely trying to meet someone from like the 1500’s who lived in France or something. I feel like meeting somebody from back then would be wild.
Best advice ever given?
If you aren’t getting bread today, find a way to open a bakery tomorrow.
How’s a typical day in your life?
Wake up at 9 or 10 am, get a shower, walk down the street and get coffee, go into my studio and figure out my goals for the day, eat lunch at 1 pm, work towards goals until 7 pm, eat dinner, then watch a movie with my girlfriend or play video games. Sorry if that’s crazy specific but that’s me everyday.
Name one your strengths?
Being independent is my greatest strength.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Watching football and building a lego set I just bought. I’ve been into lego a lot recently.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
cover me up – Morgan Wallen
What is your own definition of happiness?
Doing what you love. I think that’s what brings happiness to my life. I know that I’ll look back in 30 years and won’t regret a thing.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I don’t eat a lot of healthy food but I gotta stop sleeping on broccoli. That’s a crazy vegetable.
And your favorite cheat food?
fried chicken.
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Seeing them on their phone the entire date.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
That’s tough. My life has changed so drastically in the past 2 years that I can’t even imagine what it’ll be like in 5.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Business casual cowboy.
What do you think of Social Media?
I love it for how it allows artists to grow. I hate the highlight reel aspect of it.
Where we can follow you?
@astnmusic everywhere
Movie: Dumb and Dumber
Travel Destination: Switzerland
Sports Team: New Orleans Saints and Alabama Crimson Tide
