Three things NRA Country loves are our brave service members, first responders and of course country music. When we discovered Michael Austin—a U.S. Air Force veteran, retired deputy sheriff and current country artist—we knew he fit the NRA Country brand. His newest single, which he co-wrote, is called “God, Guns and Country Music” and celebrates what he believes in as an American patriot. Austin even recites the 2nd Amendment at the beginning of the song. With a bold sound influenced by the legends of Outlaw Country, Americana and Rock, Austin achieved chart success in over 25 countries with his debut CD “Neon Halo.” He won over fans on Season 4 of NBC’s “The Voice” and recently completed 21 concert dates with NRA friend Ted Nugent. NRA Country’s Vanessa Shahidi caught up with Michael Austin to ask him a few questions and learn more about the talented artist.
VS: Do you have a favorite personal firearm?
MA: I love my SIG Sauer P226. My father gave it to me when I started at the Sheriff’s Academy and it led me to earning the Top Gun Award at graduation. It was the same gun he carried as a deputy and just an all-around great gun.
VS: What was it like to share the stage with Ted Nugent?
MA: Being on tour with Uncle Ted will cause anyone to step up their game. He always talks about being filled with the Spirit of the Wild. It’s contagious and was a rush when he called me blood brother. It was amazing to hear him say my name and how he was proud to share the stage with me as a red-blooded American patriot.
VS: You’ve served our country in the Air Force and as a deputy sheriff. Tell us what you’ve seen that makes you proud to be an American.
MA: I’ve had an amazing journey, both serving overseas and then here in the United States. I saw teamwork at its finest. I saw heartbreak at the loss of a teammate, partner, brother or sister who believed, like me, that this country was worth laying it all on the line for. It didn’t matter where you were from. By the time you all came together, it was about where you would go as a team.
Visit MichaelAustinLive.com to learn more about the talented artist and his latest release, “God, Guns and Country Music” from his album Good Life.
NRA Country is a lifestyle and a bond between the country music community and hard-working Americans everywhere. It’s powered by pride, freedom, love of country, respect for the military and the responsibilities of protecting the great American life. Visit nracountry.com, follow us on Facebook facebook.com/nracountry, Twitter @NRACountry, and NRA_Country on Instagram
