Thanks For The Music

Rising Country Music singer-songwriter/Foundry Records recording artist Austin Merrill’s “Whiskey & Water” music video made its broadcast and digital premiere on The Heartland Network’s show Country Music Today. As part of the world premiere, it streamed simultaneously on both The Heartland Network and Merrill’s social media pages, as well as The Heartland Network’s Roku Channel. Merrill is certainly an artist to look out for as his songs continue to rise up the charts and his genuine lyrics capture the hearts of all who listen. Merrill is currently in the studio with producer Mark Bright putting the finishing touches on his second EP, scheduled to be released later this year.

“I am so excited to have my video for ‘Whiskey & Water’ premiere on The Heartland Network,” says Austin Merrill. “I really stayed true to my roots with this song, so I can’t think of a better partner on this release than The Heart of Country. Thanks a million for the support.”

As part of the recent Facebook Live event, Keep The Music Playing, Austin Merrill joined the stage with some of Nashville’s finest featuring Shenandoah and friends: Michael Ray, T. Graham Brown, Aaron Tippin, Katie Austin and hosted by Inside Edition’s Megan Alexander. The event had over 235,000 viewers across the globe that watched it live, as well as highlights being featured on Fox News and Inside Edition. Presented by Foundry Records, this event accepted donations online via Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp Foundation / Music City Inc to aid Middle Tennesseans who were affected by Covid-19 and the recent tornadoes that devastated the area.

How to donate: Donate online at visitmusiccity.com/nashvillestrong/donate Text NASHSTRONG to 615-551-5122 Check: payable to Music City Inc. at 150 4th Avenue North, Ste. G-250, Nashville, TN 37219

• Music City Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

Watch the “Whiskey & Water” music video world premiere on The Heartland Network’s Facebook page HERE.

Visit http://smarturl.it/AustinMerrillWhiskey?utm_source=2911+Media+Alert&utm_campaign=9e25807ee6-2020-04-03_AustinMerrill_WhiskeyAndWater&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6ce95af186-9e25807ee6-56171341&mc_cid=9e25807ee6&mc_eid=3806f6c0fa to stream / purchase.

To keep up with future announcements follow Merrill’s socials linked below and visit his website.

Additional Airings on Country Music Today: Saturday, April 4 12:00am ET / 11:00pm CT Saturday, April 4 6:00pm ET/ 5:00pm CT Sunday, April 5 6:00am ET / 5:00am CT

Upcoming Facebook Live Events: Tue Apr 14 GrassRoots: Live from the Living Room 7pm CT Thu May 07 Romeo Entertainment Group: Couch Concert Series 3pm CT

About Austin Merrill: With a rich, distinctive voice and a knack for writing powerful songs with catchy melodies, singer/songwriter Austin Merrill is proving to be one of country music's brightest rising stars. His unique sound is both traditional and modern, a seamless blend with mass appeal that feels just as much at home on stage as it does on the farm.

With Grammy-award winning producer Mark Bright (Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Reba) at the helm, Austin released his debut EP, Whiskey & Water, earlier this spring. Together, they have crafted an impressive 5-track project that embraces Austin's 90's country upbringing while showcasing his contemporary songwrit­ing and Bright's musical vision that effortlessly tran­sitions to the ears of today's Country listener. Every track on the project was penned solely by Austin. Music played an essential role from an early age for the Oregon native, helping forge a strong sense of individual­ity and creativity in a multicultural family. Country music was family music for Austin, and the influences of his fa­vorite childhood artists such as Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, and Shenandoah, can still be heard in the music he writes and sings today. Austin first came to town as an award-winning upright bassist and accomplished sax player. After graduating from Vanderbilt University, Austin answered another lifelong calling that he could no longer ignore: he joined the U.S. Army and is currently commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Tennessee Army National Guard. Being an officer in the Army has taught him countless life lessons and given Austin the chance to serve the common good while pursuing a burgeoning music career. The first single off the EP, "You'll Come Knocking," was featured on Spotify's New Boots Playlist and has garnered over 400,000 streams.

About Heartland: Heartland, currently reaching more than 36 million TV homes in addition to thriving Roku® and livestream audiences, features programming comprised of syndicated and first run shows along with digitally restored content pulled from the vaults of Music Row, creating a country music and lifestyle experience that brings delight to lovers of every generation and genre. The program lineup includes The Red Green Show, Reflections with host Keith Bilbrey, Positively Paula starring Paula Deen, More Than the Music, Morning Beats, Bluegrass Ridge, Music City Tonight, Texas Music Scene, Gaither Gospel Hour, and several popular video blocks. To learn more about Heartland and the network’s availability in your area, visit watchheartlandtv.com or facebook.com/watchheartlandtv.