AUSTIN CELEBRATES LOCAL HAY / BIG LOUD SIGNING WITH RELEASE
OF FIRST SINGLE, “TAILGATE TO HEAVEN” FEATURING
PLATINUM-SELLING SUPERSTAR, CHRIS LANE
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“TAILGATE TO HEAVEN (FEAT. CHRIS LANE)” AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE TODAY
August 11, 2021 (Toronto, ON) — With two Top 10 and Top 20 singles already under his belt, today Vancouver’s Shawn Austin launches a new chapter in his career as he becomes the flagship signing to new Canadian-based imprint, Local Hay. Founded by two-time CCMA Entertainer of the Year and PLATINUM-selling artist Dallas Smith, along with award-winning producer Scott Cooke, and partner Alex Seif, Local Hay is a joint venture with Nashville-based label, Big Loud Records.
In celebration of today’s announcement, Local Hay/Big Loud have released Austin’s debut single on the imprint — “Tailgate To Heaven” (Feat. Chris Lane). Listen to it HERE.
“We are thrilled to be launching this new joint-venture with Local Hay,” said Seth England, Partner, Big Loud Records. “We’ve known Dallas and Scott for many years and have watched their artist development process with Shawn Austin behind the scenes. We want to congratulate them on this first signing with Shawn – and officially welcome them to the Big Loud family.”
“Tailgate To Heaven” features Big Loud Records’ flagship artist and PLATINUM-selling country superstar, Chris Lane and it introduces fans to a new direction for Austin. “After an unpredictable year, it’s a great feeling to finally get this project out,” explained Austin. “This song symbolizes a huge step in my career. The whole team has been working so hard and I’m truly honoured and thankful to be welcomed to this growing musical family. This is just the start!”
Written by Canadian songwriter Kelly Archer, along with Will Bundy and Rodney Clawson, with production by Scott Cooke and executive production by Joey Moi, “Tailgate To Heaven” demonstrates an elevated sound for Austin. It also provides a full-circle moment for Austin, since he once opened for Lane back in 2018. “I’m humbled to have Chris Lane on this track,” said Austin. “Between having the opportunity to do a run of shows with him in 2018 and simply being a fan of his for so long, it’s an incredible full-circle moment for me that couldn’t have come at a better time.”
“We’ve been believers in Shawn from day one and are thrilled that Big Loud feels the same,” said Dallas Smith. ”Having Shawn work with a team that I trust wholeheartedly allowed us to create something we’re all really proud of and we can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”
With a larger project forthcoming, fans can be sure that Austin will continue pushing boundaries. “The theme for my new music as a whole is to show how far I’ve come and how, with my team, I’m continually working to raise the bar,” says Austin about what he’s been working on behind the scenes. “This project is making me excited about what we’ve already accomplished but even more so about where we’re going.”
With 17.5M on-demand global streams, two Top 10 singles, two Top 20 singles and a finalist spot on NBC’s Songland (2020), Austin’s genuine talent and incredible dedication has him positioned to become 2021’s fastest climbing country artists.
