STREAM INTERVIEW: 4/30/17
LISTEN ON AIR: 4/31/17
Now I just want to say that the phone lines are blowing up because this boy...well...man is here. Austin Nimmo is right here in the studio with us! Welcome! AUSTIN: *Laughs* Hey Elvis, it's really good to be here so thank you for having me. Hi to all the people listening in right now. Hope you're having a blessed day.
A new haircut and everything!AUSTIN: Haha yeah, I usually get a haircut every few months because my hair grows back so fast! Last year I had long hair though pretty much for the whole year, wanted to try something new. But I thought it was time to get another one, it's gonna grow back in no time though. Watch.
It's been ages. I think the last time we actually spoke had to be like what? Five years ago? AUSTIN: That....was two years ago Elvis! I had to have been here when I released my debut album. Yeah, I remember being here. Not five years, not that much time has gone past. *laughs*
Fearless only came out two years ago?! Whoa, you've come a very long way and very fast.AUSTIN: Yeah, that's the truth. Everything moved so quickly that even right now as I go on my third album I'm still like, whoa, life is a crazy super fast roller coaster. It seems longer because I've done so much in the span of just four years, which was my from my debut single, until now that I feel like I've been doing this forever, but now, I'm still pretty much still getting a hold of everything. It's gotten much better though, I've had many learning experiences to I know where I stand now.
It's now 2017, and you've got a hot new single out right now that we're going to premiere right here on the air. Excited? Because I think we all are!AUSTIN: I'm incredibly excited. I always get the jitters when I release new music. I know my fans have been waiting for something new for a long time and I'm just ready to get back to doing what I love to do. I love to promote and release new stuff, I love to see my fans and everything that comes with releasing new material, and I miss them. So yeah, very much so excited haha.
So let's back track a little shall we? How has the new year been treating you?AUSTIN: Sure. This year, so far.... I think has been neutral for me. It could be a lot worse but I think it's too early to really tell. I'm just blessed to be alive and breathing. So I can't complain.
With that said congratulations on everything you've achieved thus far. I remember you when you just starting out.AUSTIN: You sure you remember when? *laughs*. Yeah, thank you. Like I said before, it went by so fast and I've done so much in a short span of time that I kind of feel like I've been doing this for so long, but at the same time feeling like everything went by incredibly quickly. It's pretty crazy. I remember actually hearing you play "Adore You" here years ago when that first came out, thank you again for that, by the way.
You had a great years of success in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Do you ever feel the pressure to stay consistent and do all the same..this year?AUSTIN: I definitely do feel the pressure but I tend not to let it get the best of me. I constantly remind myself that I have a purpose in everything that I do and everything happens for a reason and what will happen, is meant to be. I naturally stay consistent, like I never really have long bouts of time where I'm doing absolutely nothing pertaining to my music. I'm kinda like always either writing string arrangements, writing lyrics, recording or just playing my guitar. But in terms of releases, there's always that feeling of pressure but I never let it consume me. I kind of just put the music out there and know in my heart that is speaks to people, and people who follow what I do can relate to that and that kind of subsides that nervousness. Knowing you're being consistent not to be successful, but to serve a purpose to your fans.
Probably one of the biggest success stories for you was the announcement of your Pepsi deal. Being only 18 years old, how did it feel to be sought after by such a brand?AUSTIN: It was huge for me. I never even thought I'd be considered for such a big project but when they approached me.. I was for one flattered, and two, kind of nervous about it all. But I'm excited for the plans coming up for the next line of things I have with them. One thing for me, and luckily, is that they've given me the chance to express my ideas and say "no" to certain aspects that I don't agree with, I'm not just there doing what is told to me. I've got a creative hand in the projects they release that include me and I usually stay away from things that people can take offense to, so no one really has to worry about that with me.
Absolutely. You released Fearless in 2015 and released an album just the following year! How do you constantly stay inspired to continue to work?AUSTIN: Just knowing that I can use my platform to make a difference and just loving to make music! I've been a music lover for so long that no matter what goes on in my life, I still want to record and write music, and that's why I find that my releases aren't so far apart from one another unless there's a bigger reason for it. I'm always thinking of the next thing, and I think that's what keeps me inspired. I also know there's many people out there who really look up to me too and look for new music to listen to and what not, my austies. They keep me inspired.
You're constantly a staple for the tabloids and criticism, so how do you deal with it all? AUSTIN: I just deal.....you never truly get used to it but you try your hardest to. I mean, it was really hard for me in 2015 when I was just turning 16, I was a little kid and wasn't fully understanding why people disliked me so much and why celebrities on twitter wanted to say such hurtful things. Oddly enough, it reminded me of back when I was in primary school but it's the damn music industry this time. So at first it was really tough for me and it caused me to rebel, do stupid things because I was angry and didn't know how to release that built up anger, or know how to be a kid under the scrutiny of the public eye. It did more damage then good but it was a learning experience, I learned that you can't trust many people, and I learned to revert that tension into releasing it through writing, and creating music.
Do you ever read something and feel upset by it?AUSTIN: Now? Not so much. You kind of grown numb to it but it takes a long time to learn how to rap your head around becoming bulletproof to what people say, and I even talk about that in the new single. But before, I use to feel really upset by certain things and I would go back and reply and say hurtful things back. And I regret it, because it's just adding to the circus that people want.
I remember! I use to see many headlines just of you going back and forth with other celebrities, what made you feel the need to stop? It was pretty funny to say the least. AUSTIN: Yeah it might've been funny for certain people and even the people who said the things about me, but it wasn't really funny for me. I grew up dealing with that, having people constantly target me and I thought as a child, you know, once I get in the music industry it's going to stop because I'm going to be "cool", a "celebrity" and "famous". *Laughs* boy was I wrong. It became worse. But I found a way to just not pay attention to it as much as I did, not be stuck to twitter, and focus on other things. And oddly enough it look a long while to come to that realization, but I'm really glad I did that.
It's a day in age now where people simply dislike you, or anyone for absolutely no reason! I get heat all the time, so I understand that. AUSTIN: I do too. People always hate or dislike something. But unfortunately, that's just life.
Just please tell your Austies not to attack me, they are LETHAL! AUSTIN: Haha! Don't worry, they know you're good person! I know they can be lethal and I appreciate their passion for me, but I don't always like the wars with other celebrities fans and stuff, it just causes unnecessary rivalries that people sometimes take seriously.
Looking at your success story, you have also found some important individuals in your life, one being your friend Kato, who we love as well! Many people want to know if you are still friends? Are you? AUSTIN: Of course! That's family right there, that's my brother. When I was the new kid on the block, Kato was instantly there for me. He's older than me but we both came into the business at a really young age so I know he was able to relate and understand what I was going through. I learned a lot from him on how to maneuver around the industry and I really thank him for that. He's a real caring person and the tabloids and twitter-verse like to say really silly things about our relationship or make up lies about how we aren't friends. It's silly, because at the end of the day we're bros and he's a dad now! It's pretty crazy!
Seeing him as a dad, is just like, wow. Where has time gone? AUSTIN: Exactly, but he's a great dad. I see him with the twins and it's the nicest thing. I'm really happy for him.
We saw a budding friendship with Jordan Avogandro as well! AUSTIN: Yeah, Jordan and I were lads some time back. I wrote his debut record for him and featured on it, and after that he kind of just ran with it and I don't hear from him anymore. It's weird, but I see he's doing big things. He's on The New Heroes, I wish him the best but I haven't had a lot of contact with him at all lately.
Like you said with Kato, of course people love to try and pit the pop boys against each other, but your fans want to know your thoughts on that.AUSTIN: My thoughts on people pitting industry boys against each other? Well, it's part of the business. Everyone has their opinions but I'm in support of anyone who's in support of me. I don't really care to be rivals with this or that person, or form judgments about it because that's what people want. When you become too judgmental or overly opinionated, you just look like a try hard. I just let people do them, and if you like me, I like you, if you don't then....hey. It's life.
Definitely, we agree. Another important individual also happens to be your girlfriend Layla Sanchez, how are things goingAUSTIN: Things are...moving along well. Our relationship at this point is actually stronger than ever. Layla's really the sweetest girl I've ever met and I couldn't be happier in being with someone like her. But you know, due to certain circumstances, things could be better.
I know this is personal, so we really don't have to go there. AUSTIN: We're already here...
Earlier this year, um, there was a potentially tragic story that developed, and we haven't heard from Layla since it happened, can you tell us alittle bit about what's been going on?AUSTIN: For obvious safety reasons...I can't really get into detail but basically, there's a person out there who, for whatever reason, wants to hurt Layla. She hasn't done anything to anyone, she hasn't hurt anyone....she can barely hurt a fly. But someone tried to really inflict damage on her, and failed. And now there's people, who've leaps and bounds to get the bottom of it, and it's really coming along. Its just hard to deal with, knowing there's someone out there who wants to hurt the person you really love and for no reason.
[And odd silence instantly comes over the studio. Austin balls his fists and looks down].
I really commend you Austin, because it might be a lot taking on something like that, with someone you love. AUSTIN: It's probably......one of the hardest things to deal with.
[Austin continues to look down, without picking his face up. You can't see him, but it looks as if he's on the brink of tears, speaking about the very sensitive subject. You can hear it in his voice, that his throat sounds clogged, shortly before before muffled whispers are heard][Whispers from crew: Austin, do you need a moment?] ELVIS: We'll be back after break!
We're here on Elvis Duran with Austin Nimmo! [applause]. AUSTIN: We sure are!
This year is already turning out to be a good one for you, you met the Queen of England!! AUSTIN: Yeah, that was one of the best days of my life, I kid you not Elvis. I'll never forget that.
Must I say it's an achievement in its own to be doing that while representing your own country of Australia.AUSTIN: For me, it definitely was. If you were to ask me what I felt was the biggest accomplishment of my career and entire life so far.... it would be representing my country at the Westminster Abbey where I got to meet the Queen of England. That was literally something that I never even dreamed could happen because I thought it never COULD happen. There's so many people who proclaim themselves as queens and what not, but she's a REAL queen. Like, in the flesh. So to just represent Australia and be there was truly an honor.
How was it meeting her? There was a video of you two speaking as well.AUSTIN: Did you see I was so nervous?! She's just so historic and important...I didn't know how to act. The advisers before hand told us not to say anything to her, just stand there, greet shake her hand but then she spoke to me and I kind of didn't even know how to respond but I played it really cool, she's so nice. Said some really uplifting words to me. I hope I get to meet her again one day.
Now onto your new music! You've got a new album on the way, what can you tell us about it? AUSTIN: Yes! The new music, it's my third studio album and I've been in the studio recording the follow up to Unscripted. What I can tell you is that I am really proud of whats coming of it. I'm working with amazing people to create a really strong and empowering album for myself and for my fans. So far when I listen to it, I feel such a burst of confidence, and that's what I wanted to do with this one. I want people to listen to this new record and feel like they can't take on any trial and tribulation that they may be facing and I really think we need that in music right now. With so much negativity going on everywhere, so many unhappy people, I just want to make people feel happy with my new album and know they can listen to it and feel that "Strength", and inspiration. Aside from that, it's going to be yet another personal album of mine, I like to write person records. Ones that come straight from my heart and even ones I think of off the back of my head. I know many people will be able to relate to many of the topics coming out of thew new album, I can't wait for everyone to hear it.
What do you hope to do differently with this album than your previous two?AUSTIN: I think there's going to be a lot of personal growth once again with my new album. There's a lot of growing I've done from my first album, Fearless, to the second with Unscripted, and I think many will hear that there's even more growth musically with the upcoming album. I don't want to give too much away before the album is even done, but I'm proud of what's being made in the studio. I've been working really hard.
Your new single from the album! Strength is out now! Before we premiere it right here, what can you tell us about this song?AUSTIN: YES! "Strength"! It's an official single from the album and this record here, is something that I wrote that kind of sums of where I am and where I think people need to be. There needs to be a time where an individual finds that inner strength inside of them. It gets tough, it gets very hard because there's people who will try and torture you and break you but everyone needs to stick together and be bulletproof. I wrote this song because I want people to listen to this and hopefully feel that much stronger, I get my fans who write to me all the time about being bullied, and being broken down by people, and it's heartbreaking because I've dealt with this too and it doesn't feel good. I just want them to listen to this and feel that much stronger, that's really all I want. I want to at least try and use my platform to at least make a difference musically for people. For my fans to be able to listen to me and understand that like them, I have to find that inner strength as well with my personal life. So yeah, that really sums up the song, haha.
How was it working with Sunny Monroe to create it? AUSTIN: Sunny Monroe is the best. She's very creative and very good at what she does. So it was really just a breeze to work with her. Smooth experience, I'd love to work with her again.
Following a song like "Looking Up", what do you hope to achieve with "Strength" ? AUSTIN: I just want to achieve more moments where my fans have told me thank you for getting them through tough times because of my music. That's better than what any success can bring. Truthfully.
Your sometimes an easy target for criticisms on your music, are you expecting the same with this one? AUSTIN: Of course! People will criticize, that's just how it is. No matter how hard you try to work on something, there will be people who pay you dust or overlook you on purpose. Even the ones who you think are close to you. But that's just how it is. So I, of course expect it. But I don't really intend on changing myself or my sound for anyone though. As long as my fans appreciate me and I continue loving what I do, I have nothing to prove.
"Strength" is definitely a song that sounds empowering and its good that we have more positive music coming out, we need it right now in this day in age. AUSTIN: I definitely think so too. But the album will include many different topics as well. I'm just really excited to continue to create music and release my third album. I feel like it's been so long, but it hasn't. I'm just always so anxious to get new music out!
We're definitely excited as well so you can come back and show us all the new music you've recorded. But speaking of music, who's some of your favorite songs or artists out right now?AUSTIN: I'm really enjoying everything that my friend Eilidh is doing right now. It was a funny experience working with her for the last album on City That Never Sleeps. Also enjoying Dominic Brown's new song, Mandy Williams and her whole story and build up to this new album, that new group LUXX, who's just delivering some really good tunes, and of course Kidd Amaze and Johnny Carter. Really just everyone, I try and give everyone a bit of time, I sometimes hate answering who my favorites are because I try not to be so selective, I know we all work hard.
All these celebrity names and it instantly makes me think of the FCA's. You're up for five awards including Best Male Artist, and the Fan Favorite Award just to name a couple. Are you attending?AUSTIN: I'll definitely be attending and I appreciate the nominations! It should be a really fun night. Hoping Erica Hess makes an appearance. She's always hilarious.
Seeing that we are running out of time, before we premiere the new song, I want to say thank you for being here, it's been a pleasure Austin! Always keep your head up. AUSTIN: Of course, Elvis, thank you so much for having me.
Wishing you all the best! Here is Austin Nimmo's brand new single, Strength! And it's out right now! 'STRENGTH' BEGINS PLAYING AS SCENE FADES OUT