On Friday, July 25, Austin John Winkler made an appearance on Loudwire Nights, where he passionately discussed the exciting new chapter in his career, focusing on his latest project, The Founder. Winkler elaborated on the reasons he believes this moment is pivotal for him to dive deep into this venture, emphasizing the artistic freedom it provides.

Make sure to catch the full insightful conversation in the player located near the end of this article.

Winkler expressed, “I always wanted to be part of a band, to engage in something that transcends just my personal identity and creates an air of mystery,” sharing this thought with host Chuck Armstrong. He emphasized the significance of being part of a collective experience rather than just a solo act.

He described his new music as “a reintroduction into rock and roll.” Reflecting on his previous work after leaving Hinder, he noted that it leaned more towards a pop record style, which didn’t align with his core musical identity.

Feeling a strong pull to return to his roots in music, Winkler revealed that this drive was the catalyst for his new project and the debut EP from The Founder, titled Walking Ded. This project is a heartfelt expression of his journey back to authentic rock sounds.

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“The Founder represents the culmination of everything I’ve experienced,” Winkler shared. He articulated how this project reflects his evolution as an artist in a more genuine and raw way.

When asked about his renewed desire to be part of a band, Winkler reminisced about his early experiences with Hinder. He noted, “Experiencing immense success at a young age comes with its own set of challenges. Achieving everything I ever dreamed of with my first record was surreal but also overwhelming.” He expressed that after a while, the music he was creating began to feel repetitive and lacked the excitement he once had.

Despite never wanting to step away from Hinder, Winkler acknowledged that he needed a break at that time. The band’s continued success without him felt like a heavy burden to bear, which affected him deeply.

He confessed, “It took me some time to find my way back.” Reflecting on his time in California, he described a period where he felt lost, grappling with various health issues that made the journey back to his musical roots challenging. Fortunately, he eventually rediscovered his path.

Key Insights from Austin John Winkler’s Appearance on Loudwire Nights

• Winkler explained why it was crucial for him to continue crafting raw and personal songs for The Founder: “When I began creating new music, I felt it essential to instill a sense of authenticity in my work. It’s vital for me to present a version of myself that is true to who I am at this moment. This is one of the greatest challenges for any artist: to genuinely convey their essence through their music. That’s what I aimed for with Extreme Behavior; I was that youthful, adventurous 23-year-old just trying to party and navigate life.”
• Winkler shared his love for performing live music: “The stage feels like my sanctuary. It’s where I can truly express myself and release all the frustration that weighs me down. Performing is incredibly therapeutic for me.”
• Discussing the inspiration behind his latest song, “F the World,” Winkler revealed, “I had a dream about a girl who appeared in my life when I was at my lowest point. At that moment, I decided I wouldn’t give anyone else a chance. She softened my heart, and the song is called ‘F the World’ because when I met her, everything else seemed insignificant in comparison to being with this incredible person.”

Catch the Full Interview and Discover More Insights in the Podcast Player Below

Austin John Winkler joined Loudwire Nights on Friday, July 25. The show is available to replay online, and you can tune in live every weeknight at 7 PM ET or through the Loudwire app. Additionally, check to see if the show is accessible on your local radio station, and listen to interviews on-demand for more engaging content.