Get to Know ‘Grunge-Country’ Artist Austin Snell, the Latest ‘Highway Find’

Austin Snell is quickly finding fans in Nashville and beyond, including on The Highway. In fact, the 25-year-old country artist and TikTok sensation is our latest “Highway Find”!As a Highway Find, Austin will be featured on SiriusXM’s The Highway channel, from his music to news about his rising career. Already, The Highway has wasted no time playing Austin’s rendition of Cassadee Pope’s “Wasting All These Tears.” Listen to the cover throughout the week on Channel 56 on your radio and the SXM App.

“I remembered hearing this song by Cassadee Pope in 2013 and loved it,” Austin said of the cover in his social media post. “I forgot how much the song resonated with me, so I covered it… The reaction was positive, so I had to put it out as people were asking for it!”

Although Austin’s still young, he’s already served his country and overcome a “series of personal trials” on his road to stardom. Since serving in the United States Air Force and undergoing serious surgery — “resulting in the loss of four inches of his spine” — he’s been on the rise with his first-ever release, “Excuse the Mess,” and latest song, “Get There First.”

Originally from Dudley, Georgia, Austin Snell moved to Nashville in May 2022. He soon made his mark on Music City with “Excuse the Mess” in September of the same year. “Excuse The Mess” amassed more than 1 million streams in its first week, thanks to his enthusiastic TikTok following. Austin’s unique blend of rock and country, which he’s coined as “grunge country,” grabbed the attention of artist development and publishing company River House Artists. Austin followed up his breakout hit with his “Wasting All These Tears” cover, before releasing his second original song, “Get There First.” Learn more about Austin here.

So, Austin’s a “Highway Find,” but you’re still wondering what exactly that means? The Highway Finds is the channel’s ongoing commitment to spotlight great new country music talent. Being named a Highway Find is highly anticipated by country artists and fans alike, and has brought early recognition to familiar country stars such as Parker McCollum, Luke Combs, Gabby Barrett, Maren Morris, Dan + Shay, and Florida Georgia Line. Check out more information about The Highway Finds here.