Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Richardson.
Austin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I slipped out of my mom’s, and that’s the only time you’ll ever catch me slipping. Ever since then, I’ve been a dog. I grew up playing instruments, sports, and being a theater kid; so I was always finding ways to express myself. I grew up in Gwinnett County. Early on, I was hustling in the schoolyard selling candy and rubber band balls out of my backpack. I was 10. So, you know. If it’s money to be made, then it’s money on the way. During my years in high school, we would freestyle, and I took one person’s compliment way too seriously, and now I’m trying to become a rapper. I fell in love with acting and directing through seeing theater plays in high school and feeling connected to the performances. It made me realize the impact art actually has on Humans. I spent many years feeling my music wasn’t good enough, so I would practice in silence until I had something great to show. Nowadays, it’s about gaining the platform. I got the vision, I got the message, I just need the platform. I grew up seeing my parents work hard, so it’s only right I follow suit and forge my path. And create something revolutionary.
Closed mouths don’t get fed, but closed ears don’t get paid.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but you know, obstacles face me. I’m still standing and proud what I’ve been able to overcome because depression and life in general is a heavy tasks we all share. Sometimes, I’ve lost my way just in my head, contemplating the worth of it all and even my music. I think one of the biggest struggles I’ve been trying to overcome is sharing my music and myself because my art is a lot of me and what I’m feeling. And it can get hard to accurately capture that feeling when you’re early on. You want things to go how you envision it in your head. But it’s a marathon not a sprint. I know I’ll be ok, God got me. I’d say the biggest thing is not worrying about the outcome or if there’s a why to it all. There doesn’t need to be an answer just move forward. Not everybody’s going to like you, but it’s about being genuine and having love for what you do.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I try my best to share the feeling that I’m feeling throughout all of my art forms (acting, music, filmmaking). Music and acting has been my main focus recently and trying to create from the heart has been my main goal. I’m most proud of when I hear somebodies played my song 40 times just because it hit them at just the right moment in their life. I’m most proud of my Album or EP that’ll be coming soon. I like to think of my art as a world that’s not just music. It’s like a cinematic universe. My work is an extension of me, and I try to express that through feeling.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I see success as being able to help people. It’s not about what I have but what I can give back. Once I can buy my mom a house, everything else is excess. I already feel successful to have made it this far in life and now it’s all about keeping the momentum and creating a greater path for myself and future generations. My main goal is to open a theater company in Atlanta based around diversity and inspiring creativity, and the desire for learning in the youth. I want everyone to know they’re worthy and capable and that life is a chance to try your hardest in the short time we have. Spread love, not war.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://spotify.link/6mvsw3ltzDb
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/hennygco?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCxR6I3cVeFrc5nqq1C8oscg?si=WHYvRShdqRjyKv8O
Image Credits
Photographers: @Wilshotit and Ashley Yeon
