Landon Austin's Breakdown
"This was a great starting point for me because it enabled me to build an audience, tour, and continue to release music."
Landon Austin is a multi-hyphenate with a long career. Songwriter, singer, content-maker, Landon’s first foray into entertainment was on YouTube – vlogging, covering songs, and creating mashups of pop-hits. His page took off quickly and he soon had a fanbase excited for the originals he penned and recorded such as "Once in a Lifetime" and "Armor". Landon has had continued success by producing a consistent catalog of cover albums, many featuring duets with other artists such as Meghan Tonjes, Molly Reinhold, and Lauryn Evans. Landon’s breadth of talent has led him to success beyond the entertainment industry as a sought-after promoter of products through his social media and even as an entrepreneur in other fields like real estate. Nashville-based for many years, Landon has a unique break-in story and invaluable insight into how consistency will always move you forward.
How would you describe what you do in the entertainment industry? Not just your title, but your actual day-to-day.
I produce and write music on a day-to-day basis. I also work with brands to promote products on Instagram.
Describe your first paying job in the industry. How did it help to advance your goals or define your trajectory? Would you choose this entry point again?
In 2011 I became a full-time YouTube vlogger/ musician. I was a big fan of YouTube at the time and decided to start making my own videos. Within a month of producing my own content of original cover songs, I was able to pay my rent from ads on my videos and song sales on iTunes. This was a great starting point for me because it enabled me to build an audience, tour, and continue to release music. If I was starting today I would focus more on producing TikTok content, but for 2011 Youtube was a great launching pad.
Describe the moment you felt you "made it". What did it look like and how did you arrive there?
I felt I had made it when I realized I could pay all my bills from making music. Within 3 months of making videos, I was able to quit my other job of valeting cars and focus on music full-time.
What do you wish you knew before you took your first step into the industry? What essential advice could have informed your expectations, timeline, approach, etc…
I wish I knew how to produce music before I got into the industry. The early years of my business were highly dependent on other people because of my lack of knowledge in producing/mixing. This reliance on other people was a huge hindrance for me initially. I had to work on their timeline, I had to have resources to pay them, and ultimately it slowed my growth. The moment I started to learn how to do these things for myself it opened doors for me that would have never been opened otherwise.
What still excites you about the industry? If you had 48 hours in the day where else would you be exploring in the industry?
I still just love making music. With my limited time now I spend more time working than learning and if I had 48 hours a day I would go back to school to learn more about production and mixing, or I would study other producers to learn more about my craft.
Where can we follow along with you?
Instagram.com/landonaustin or you can hear my music at landonaustin.com