EP356 From Noise to Country: Steve Austin’s New Musical Journey

Tom sits down with Steve Austin of Today Is the Day to discuss his new outlaw country-inspired solo album “Marked Cards and Loaded Dice,” songwriting authenticity, life in rural Maine, and the emotional experiences that shaped the record.Steve reflects on growing up listening to classic country artists like George Jones and Willie Nelson before discovering heavier music through AC/DC’s “Back in Black.” The conversation explores how those early influences resurfaced in a deeply personal album blending traditional country instrumentation with cinematic songwriting and raw emotional honesty.The episode also dives into Steve’s songwriting process, the importance of human connection through music, and how difficult life experiences inspired some of the album’s most powerful moments. Steve discusses writing “The Rain Keeps Coming Down” during a period marked by family loss and the emotional aftermath of the COVID era.Additional topics include:Outlaw country and classic country influencesToday Is the Day history and evolutionSongwriting during grief and hardshipLiving off-grid in MaineHeating costs and rural living realitiesFilming at Acadia National ParkUpcoming tours with Napalm Death, Eyehategod, and PentagramAuthenticity in underground music cultureYoung fans discovering heavy musicSteve also shares details about upcoming live performances, future videos, and his collaboration with filmmaker Zev Deans.If you enjoy outlaw country, underground metal, noise rock, sludge metal, and artist deep dives, subscribe for more long-form conversations with independent musicians and heavy music legends.#SteveAustin #TodayIsTheDay #OutlawCountry #HeavyMusicPodcast #CountryMusic #NoiseRock #UndergroundMusic