Austin Wesson is a veteran independent guitarist and songwriter who just dropped his debut solo album in 2023. The lifelong musician made his debut in 2020 with the single “Bike Mike & New Orleans”. That track introduced a multi-talented rock from Alabama with a high-octane modern rock sound, inspired by alternative rock and metal heroes from the 80s to the present.
Prior to embarking out on his own, Austin Wesson played in two different popular hometown bands. His new album is a tribute to his former band members, whom he considers family. Although the record is his solo debut, he explains how the tribute quickly grew into a group project.
Artificial Minds is the brand new album from Austin Wesson, released worldwide via all major streaming services on August 25, 2023. The eleven-song set takes listeners on a guitar-fueled ride through the life and times of a young bunch of musicians trying to find their way in the unforgiving and often hazardous music business. We follow their journey through the euphoria of rock & roll abandon, to its heartbreaking and often tragic aftermath of addiction and depression.
From the substance fueled Big Easy party-rocker “Bike Mike & New Orleans”, to the melancholy piano/guitar ballad “Kings of Lust”, on Artificial Minds, Austin Wesson and friends weave together elements of alternative and hard rock into their own unique vibe. They pair groove metal riffs (“Call it a Life”) with Seattle grunge (“Spellbinder”), and melancholy dark-pop ballads (“Both Sides Now”).
Lyrically the record spotlights the lives and lifestyle of a group of 20-something musicians, seeking fame, fortune, and a good time. Though the party is fun at first, as the record progresses, the stories get darker. Tunes like “Boulder” and “Drunken Monster” shine a light on the dark corners of addiction, alcoholism, and domestic violence.
Throughout it all, Austin Wesson delivers some world-class guitar work. This is a guy who knows his way around a Les Paul, and isn’t afraid of the volume knob. His band of Alabama virtuoso rockers match his riffing and shredding with some arena-worthy thunder.
Check out Artificial Minds in its entirety below, or listen on your favorite streaming service. You can also hear the title track and the Sunset Strip rocker “Cool Breeze” on the Deep Dive : Pop & Rock playlist. We had the chance to chat with Austin Wesson about the record. Check out his answers to our 8 questions below. Follow the links at the end of this artist to connect with the artist.
8 Questions with Austin Wesson
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in a small town called Sylacauga, Alabama. About 45 mins from Birmingham.
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been making music since I was 10 years old, so around 18 years.
Who are the musicians involved in your project?
This project is sort of a collaboration between a lot of local musicians. But the core team is me, Tristan Bunn, David Cagle and Adam Ragsdale. We’ve also got features by David Joiner, Zach Pendergrass, Jason Whetstone and Hunter White.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
My biggest musical influence is Slash. He’s a pretty cool guy. I think so, anyway. Jonny Greenwood from Radiohead pushes me to try to be better everyday, though.
What is your greatest non-musical influence?
This is a tough question, but if I had to answer I’d simply say everyday life. It’s so short and complicated and we all take it for granted.
What inspired you to create this project?
This project started out as a kind of solo venture. Funny enough, almost everyone I had ever worked with ended up on it. I wasn’t in a band anymore in 2017 and I needed to do something. So I just started recording songs at Bates Brothers Recording and it all came together from there.
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
My plans for the future would be to try and push ourselves into greater and terrifying territory. I like bands that reinvent themselves naturally over the years.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
I would just like to say that I appreciate everyone that has been gracious enough to check out our album so far. We love hearing all of the feedback and can’t wait to make more!