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Love Sick Radio

Love Sick Radio is the debut EP by the American singer-songwriter, Austin John Winkler,[1] former lead singer of the rock band Hinder.[2] It was released on April 22, 2016,[3] through his independent label, Winkvine Music.[4] The EP marked Winkler's first official solo project following his departure from Hinder in November 2013.[5]

History

Following his departure from Hinder in November 2013,[6] Winkler began writing and recording new material with the intent of launching a solo career.[7] The earliest track associated with the project, "Carry You" was partially written as far back as 2009, and one of the first demos recorded shortly after his exit from the band and was previewed on his social media platforms in early 2014.[8]

Over the next two years, Winkler kept fans updated through Instagram by sharing demos,[9] handwritten lyrics,[10] and studio snippets.[11][12] The writing process drew heavily from Winkler's personal life, including themes of addiction, emotional recovery, heartbreak, and transformation.[13]

On April 10, 2015, Winkler announced that he would be holding talent auditions for instrumental members of his touring band as a [solo artist in Los Angeles.

Recording sessions for the EP spanned from late 2013 through early 2016 and took place in various studios across Nashville and Los Angeles. Winkler served as co-producer alongside Danny Schmitz, and the project saw collaborations with guest artists including country music singer Jessie James Decker on the song ballad, "Howlin'"[14] and Winkler's then girlfriend at the time, Sophie Summers on the track “The Plague.”

Winkler confirmed another track for his upcoming solo album titled The Plague on May 17, 2015.

In the first half of July 2015, Winkler shared what seemed to be an official album cover on his official Facebook and Instagram page. He also posted on his Instagram what looked like a website streaming his new solo album. He also revealed that the album could be released as early as September 2015.

On July 29, 2015, Winkler updated his bio on his Facebook page and confirmed the following songs will be released on his upcoming solo studio album in the fall of 2015, the songs are; "Clique to Follow", "The Plague", "Road to Paradise", "I Hate That I'm Loving It", "Bright Side" and "Control".[15]

On September 22, 2015, Winkler posted on his Instagram that new music would be coming next week.[16]

During the middle of September 2015, Austin revealed to his Instagram followers that he would be starting a new trend called "#MusicMonday" which would be him releasing a new clips of songs from his solo album every Monday to hold fans off until a release date. The audio clips are mastered versions of the songs that will be on his upcoming solo album, the audio clips can be found on Austin's Instagram or on YouTube.[16]

On March 7, 2016, Austin released a statement saying "Ok people Love Sick Radio is being mastered right now!! Sorry I've been MIA but life happens and you got to handle your shit the best you can! #love #sick #radio and thank you all so so so much for your #patience #passion and I know it's frustrating! Hope you all are doing very well! Can't wait to see you!!!". The statement confirmed that his album would be named Love Sick Radio and it is being mastered right now.[17] Austin announced on April 18, 2016 that his debut six-song EP Love Sick Radio will be released on April 22, 2016 via Amazon.[18]

Release promotion

In late 2015, Winkler began sharing mastered previews of the EPs tracks via Instagram, announcing that the project would be released “very soon.”[19][20]

Love Sick Radio was officially released on April 22, 2016, through most major digital outlets. Though not backed by major record label for promotion, the EP garnered attention from Hinder fans who had been patiently waiting for new solo music by Winkler ever since leaving Hinder in November 2013 earlier work and served as a reintroduction of his musical identity as a solo artist.[21]

Track listing

All songs written and composed primarily by Austin John Winkler, co-writer credits sourced by the "BMI Songview" database.[22]

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Clique to Follow"
3:17
2."The Plague" (featuring Sophie Summers)
3:13
3."Carry You"
3:43
4."Howlin'" (featuring Jessie James Decker)
3:42
5."Road to Paradise"
3:02
6."Hate That I'm Loving It"
3:21
Total length:20:18

References

  1. ^ "Former HINDER Singer AUSTIN JOHN WINKLER Returns With 'Love Sick Radio' Solo EP". Blabbermouth.net. Staff. Retrieved 10 May 2016.
  2. ^ "Ex Hinder Singer Austin John Returns on 'Love Sick Radio'". Loudwire. Chad Childers. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
  3. ^ "Austin John Winkler Is Back As A Solo Artist and Doing Just Fine". National Rock Review. Erich Morse. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
  4. ^ "BMI Songview: Austin John Winkler - Winkvine Publishing". BMI. WINKVINE PUBLISHING. Retrieved 31 March 2025.
  5. ^ "HINDER's CODY HANSON Rules Out Reunion With AUSTIN WINKLER: 'Our Focus Is On The Future'". Blabbermouth.net. Staff. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
  6. ^ Chris Payne (2013-11-20). "Hinder Loses Lead Singer Austin Winkler". Billboard. Retrieved 2016-07-26.
  7. ^ "Austin Winkler Addresses His Departure From Hinder". antMusic. Staff. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
  8. ^ "Austin Winkler working on new solo music!!". MusicJunkiePress. Marisol. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
  9. ^ "In Conversation- Austin John Winkler (formerly of Hinder)". Rock Show Critique. Joseph Suto. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  10. ^ "Interview with Austin Winkler and he is back, stronger than ever!". MusicJunkiePress. Marisol. Retrieved 15 May 2014.
  11. ^ "Instagram". Instagram. 2015-10-19. Retrieved 2016-07-26.
  12. ^ "Austin John Winkler interview 5/15". Chief Music Management. 2014-06-20. Archived from the original on 2016-05-17. Retrieved 2016-07-26.
  13. ^ "Instagram". Instagram. 2014-10-18. Archived from the original on 2021-12-26. Retrieved 2016-07-26.
  14. ^ "Ex-HINDER Vocalist Austin Winkler Returns as Austin John with Solo EP". AlterRock. Staff. Retrieved 11 May 2016.
  15. ^ "Austin John Winkler - About". Facebook. 2016-04-22. Retrieved 2016-07-26.
  16. ^ a b "Instagram". Instagram. 2015-09-21. Retrieved 2016-07-26.
  17. ^ "Instagram". Instagram. 2016-03-01. Retrieved 2016-07-26.
  18. ^ "Love Sick Radio [Explicit]: Austin John: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2016-07-26.
  19. ^ "Instagram". Instagram. 2015-10-05. Retrieved 2016-07-26.
  20. ^ "Instagram". Instagram. 2015-10-26. Retrieved 2016-07-26.
  21. ^ "Interview with Austin Winkler as we talk about his new EP, Love Sick Radio". MusicJunkiePress. Marisol. Retrieved 17 May 2016.
  22. ^ "Ex Hinder Singer, Founding Member Austin John Winkler Is Back With A 6 Song Solo EP "Love Sick Radio"". RockTotal. Chief. Retrieved 17 May 2016.