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Austin Michael Inks With Warner Chappell Music & Rafter 3 Music

June 27, 2024/by Lorie Hollabaugh

Pictured (L–R): L3/Rafter 3’s Peter Hartung, Warner Chappell’s Benji Amaefule, Austin Michael, Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, L3/Rafter 3’s Cody Villalobos and Joey Gonzalez

Austin Michael has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Rafter 3 Music, the new publishing arm of L3 Entertainment.

Growing up on a ranch in Van Alstyne, Texas, Michael learned at an early age to rope, ride, hunt and fish. Rodeo life seemed to be in the stars for the Texas native, but at 15, he wound up on Luke Bryan’s shoulders roping Katy Perry on American Idol. It became one of the most viral videos of the competition series’ 2019 season, and the feedback on his vocal ability was the turning point for Michael as he started pursuing a career as an artist.

He has spent the last five years polishing his songwriting and guitar skills, driving to Nashville, sleeping in his car and knocking on every door for an opportunity. With relentless perseverance, Michael aims to further launch his career, continue to release new music and grow partnerships.

“I couldn’t be more excited to work with Austin and his team at this exciting time in his career,” says Benji Amaefule, Manager, A&R, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “His talent level is off the charts, and he is already writing songs that will be the soundtrack to fans around the country.”

“We’re very excited to have Austin join the Warner Chappell team of fantastic writers and administrators,” shares Peter Hartung, President, L3 Entertainment/Rafter 3 Music. “It’s a great songwriting home for Austin as he embarks on what promises to be a great career in country music!”

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Lorie Hollabaugh
Lorie Hollabaugh
Hollabaugh, a staff writer at MusicRow magazine, has over 20 years of music business experience and has written for publications including American Profile, CMA Close Up, Nashville Arts And Entertainment, The Boot and Country Weekly. She has a Broadcast Journalism and Speech Communication degree from Texas Christian University, (go Horned Frogs), and welcomes your feedback or story ideas at lhollabaugh@musicrow.com.
Lorie Hollabaugh
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https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Austin-WCM-signing-scaled.jpg 1793 2560 Lorie Hollabaugh https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png Lorie Hollabaugh2024-06-27 11:04:182024-06-27 11:05:50Austin Michael Inks With Warner Chappell Music & Rafter 3 Music

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