Independent pop/R&B artist Austin Markham follows his previous release, “Look At Me Now” with his debut EP Me. which released August 13. These tracks are snapshots from some of the artist’s most significant moments in life; reminiscent of icons like Justin Bieber, Markham delivers buttery vocals, undeniable depth, and a fresh take on pop/R&B music. Each track on Me. is polished and filled with personality — there is not one ‘skip’ on this project — showcasing the level of artistry achieved by such a fresh artist. The singer songwriter presents authenticity and vulnerability with a devilish swagger that shows listeners exactly who Austin Markham is at his core.
“This EP is the start of my story, something so personal and true to who I am and what I stand for. This is the first time I have shared my feelings about growing up without a father, the first time I have boldly said “look at me now”, and the first for so many things.” – Austin Markham
Me. tells stories of turmoil, revealing personal hardships that have yielded profound impacts on the singer-songwriter. The opening track and lead single, “Look At Me Now,” expresses the dissonance between people’s expectations of us versus who we really are; this song embodies the triumph of self-confidence over self-doubt. Similarly, the anthemic “Changed,” will not only be stuck in fans’ heads, but calls upon listeners to “walk with their head high” in spite of toxic environments we often find ourselves in. The singer-songwriter pushes himself to open up about growing up without his dad on the heart wrenching “Not Okay.” Markham illustrates the importance of faith, intuition, and determination through translating his personal experiences into a bold and authentic project.
Markham based the foundation of this record in his personal relationships. He engaged in intentional conversations with peers across all aspects of his life — his mom, therapist, friends, and collaborators — to isolate the experiences and emotions at the core of Me. Themes like pain, doubt, and loss permeate the project, adding a forward layer of melancholy throughout the arc of the EP.
“It was scary writing from a place of true vulnerability. All of these songs were birthed out of conversation. We started each write with an intentional conversation and that conversation guided our writing.” – Austin Markham
Me. serves as both comfort and motivation — Markham brings these songs to life with the intention of inspiring hope and action for listeners who have experienced hardship. Growth can be painful, scary, and at times, demand more from us than we feel we are able to give. This is the soundtrack that gives listeners the reassurance to overcome their most difficult experiences, and the permission to celebrate their authentic identity.
“I hope listeners take away a little courage every time they listen to these songs. Courage to find themselves and to then be themselves.” – Austin Markham
Austin Markham is a Nashville-based 21-year-old pop/R&B singer-songwriter set to catch your attention with vulnerable lyricism accompanied by buttery vocals. He works endlessly to perfect the music he puts out, and pushes himself to be a role model of confidence, self-love, and perseverance to listeners of all backgrounds. Although his music falls under the pop/R&B umbrella, Markham effortlessly blurs the lines between genres, creating an environment for various discussions and feelings. Fans should look forward to Markham’s debut EP Me., releasing August 13.
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