We chat with singer, guitarist, and road warrior Austin Meade to talk about his upcoming album Almost Famous, arriving November 7. From growing up the son of a Baptist preacher to teaching drums and eventually carving out his own lane in rock and country, Austin opens up about the stories, struggles, and humor behind his music.

He shares how Almost Famous became his most personal record yet — written and recorded between a Nashville garage and his own spare bedroom — diving into themes of ambition, burnout, and perseverance. We dig into the inspiration behind songs like the tongue-in-cheek title track “Almost Famous” and heartfelt tunes like “Honey Do Ya,” plus how his storytelling connects across albums from Black Sheep to Abstract Art of an Unstable Mind. Austin also reflects on life on the road, lessons from opening for ZZ Top and Godsmack, and how he’s learned to balance the grind with family life.

Jonathan’s Drinking: Samuel Maverick Private Reserve