07/10/2025
Austin Jenckes : The Soulful Storyteller of Modern Country - By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
stands out in the contemporary country landscape as a "gnarly, but vulnerable, country-blues singer" with a profound commitment to authentic, introspective songwriting. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, his career is a testament to the power of personal narrative in music, combining a powerful, soulful voice with lyrical honesty often missing from mainstream country.
Early Life and Musical Roots
Born in Duvall, Washington, Jenckes's musical journey began early, inspired by his singer-songwriter father. He started playing guitar and singing around the age of nine, accompanying his father to open mic nights. This early exposure instilled a deep connection to music, which became an essential refuge after his parents divorced when he was 13 and, tragically, his father died by su***de three years later when Austin was 16.
He continued to hone his craft throughout college at Western Washington University, playing gigs at local venues, which he credits for keeping him "humble and true" to his musical vision. His early sound was a powerful combination of Southern rock and folk music, always focused on emotional storytelling.
Breakthrough on The Voice
In 2013, Jenckes gained significant national exposure as a contestant on Season 5 of the NBC reality competition, The Voice. He chose country superstar Blake Shelton as his coach after performing Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Simple Man" in his blind audition. He advanced to the Top 10, an experience he described as a surreal "culture shock" that ultimately provided a huge platform for his music and greatly expanded his fanbase. This period helped him transition from a regional performer to a recognized national talent, validating his long-held musical aspirations.
Musical Style and Thematic Depth
Jenckes's musical style is frequently praised for bringing the roots of country music—soul and blues—into the modern age. Rolling Stone has lauded his introspective songwriting chops. He is a multi-genre vocalist with tens of millions of streams, who also specializes in top-line writing and pop vocal performances, demonstrating a versatility that transcends strict genre boundaries.
However, his most compelling work is in the country-folk realm, where his lyrics offer "direct dispatches from the never easy but unquestionably rich life he's lived." The recurring theme across his work is vulnerability and raw honesty, transforming personal hardship into universally relatable art.
Key Songs and Themes:
"Fat Kid" (feat. Lori McKenna): The titular track of his 2019 debut album, If You Grew Up Like I Did, is a potent anthem for "outcasts." Though he didn't write it, Jenckes was the first artist to hear it and deeply connected with its biographical nature, which is rooted in his own experience of being teased for his size growing up. The song resonated with a wide audience, both literally and with anyone who has felt socially alienated.
"If You'd Been Around": This deeply personal co-written song is a poignant letter to his late father, meditating not on the death itself, but on the long-term, adult trauma of growing up without a father figure. Jenckes has spoken about the song's therapeutic effect, opening up emotional conversations with his family. The track highlights the emotional weight and complexity Jenckes is unafraid to explore.
Post-Show Career and Industry Success
After The Voice, Jenckes moved to Nashville, initially intending to focus on songwriting for other artists. He spent a period writing across genres—pop, rock, country, and soul—before realizing that personal fulfillment required him to put his "whole heart into putting my own music out and performing."
His career is marked by several significant achievements:
Debut Album: He released his debut full-length album, If You Grew Up Like I Did, in 2019. The album solidified his identity as a candid storyteller and artist.
Grand Ole Opry Debut: A significant career highlight was his debut at the Grand Ole Opry, where he received a standing ovation and was called back for an encore by Vince Gill.
Songwriting/Vocal Credits: While focused on his own artistry, his vocal and writing talents remain highly sought after. He has written and performed on songs for artists including Morgan Wallen, Lee Brice, Jordan Davis, and Blake Shelton. He has also been a featured vocalist on projects for artists like Lainey Wilson and Brad Paisley.
Film/TV Placements: His music has also been featured in major media, including placements for shows and games such as Riverdale, Madam Secretary, Assassin's Creed, and the Super Bowl.
In essence, Austin Jenckes is a dedicated craftsman who has channeled personal tragedy and a commitment to emotional honesty into a compelling modern country-blues sound, earning respect in Nashville both as a distinctive vocalist and an acclaimed songwriter.
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