Austin Williams

An earnest troubadour who slyly modernizes his traditional country, Austin Williams first earned attention in 2023 for his modulated power ballad "Wanna Be Saved." A minor-key slow-burner, the song nodded at post-grunge but dressed its brooding in electronic rhythms and effects, a combination that helped the singer build an online following. Williams emphasized his sincere streak on his debut EP, also titled Wanna Be Saved, but he soon showed signs of humor: he followed his breakthrough with "90s Rap Mashup," a novelty medley of old hip-hop hooks delivered in a country style.