Utah Singer-Songwriter Blends Classic Country Roots with Modern Storytelling
EAGLE MOUNTAIN — Just two years ago, Austin Whitney stepped onto an open mic stage for the first time, armed with three cover songs and a lifetime of doubt echoing in the back of his mind. Growing up, he had been told more than once that he wasn’t a good singer. For years, he kept his voice mostly to himself.
But one concert changed that.
Inspired by the performance he witnessed, Whitney went home, signed up for an open mic, and took a leap. What started as a single night of testing his courage quickly turned into something more — writing original music, booking longer sets, and chasing bigger stages. Today, the Eagle Mountain resident is preparing to release a new single, “I Dream Of You,” a deeply personal song inspired by his wife and children and the realization that life’s simplest dreams often carry the greatest meaning.
So just be kind to people!
From performing as a frontman at Ebenezer’s Barn & Grill in Bryce Canyon to writing a Christmas Eve song for his Oma in memory of his Opa, Whitney’s journey blends perseverance, family, and a growing love for storytelling through country music. The Cedar Valley Sentinel recently spoke with Whitney about his influences, his songwriting process, and what’s ahead.
Below is our Q&A with Austin Whitney:
Q&A with Austin Whitney
Q: How did you first get into country music, and who were your biggest early influences?
A: I first got into performing country music about two years ago. Growing up, I was told a time or two that I wasn’t a good singer, so for a long time I didn’t sing in front of people — aside from family.
Then I went to a concert and was so inspired that I came home, looked up an open mic near me, and prepared three cover songs. After I sang at that open mic, I had so much fun that I started writing my own music. I just wanted to do more and more — longer sets, bigger shows, everything.
Some of my biggest influences growing up were Alan Jackson and George Strait. As far as artists who got me to start performing, that would be Lainey Wilson, Riley Green, and Luke Combs.
Q: When did you realize music could become more than just a hobby?
A: The moment I knew music could be more than just a hobby was when I was hired as a lead singer down in Bryce Canyon at Ebenezer’s Barn & Grill.
If you had told 15-year-old me — who had just been told he couldn’t sing — that one day a singer I’d looked up to for years would reach out and ask me to sing as a frontman every night in his place, I would have called you a liar.
Q: What’s the story behind one of your original songs — what inspired it?
A: I’m excited to release a new song soon called “I Dream Of You.” I was inspired to write it by my wife and kids, which is probably why it’s so special to me.
In my 20s, I used to dream about making more money, buying a bigger house, a bigger truck, or a nicer car. Even when I started accomplishing those “dreams,” I realized each time I would just want something else — something bigger.
Now, when I look back on my life, I realize the simple dreams I had of finding my wife and raising my kids are the dreams that truly matter. They’ve left me with a bigger sense of fulfillment and purpose. So keep an eye out for the new single coming soon.
Q: How has living in Eagle Mountain influenced your music or career path?
A: Eagle Mountain has influenced my music in a couple of ways. First, it takes so long to drive anywhere from Cedar Valley that I get a lot of time to work on my vocal techniques — and to get inspired by new song ideas.
That’s not a joke either. I get so much time to think and explore new ideas while I’m driving that sometimes I forget about the traffic — unless I’m trying to get to a show. Then traffic is very much at the forefront of my thoughts.
Q: What has been one of your most memorable performances so far?
A: My favorite performance so far has been playing a song I wrote for my Oma in front of her on Christmas Eve. My Opa had passed away, so I wrote a song about him for her and gave it to her as a Christmas present.
It wasn’t the biggest performance I’ve ever had, but it was definitely the most special to me so far.
Q: What does your songwriting process look like?
A: My songwriting process usually starts with just a line or phrase. I’ve got a long list of song titles and concept ideas in my phone that I write down whenever I feel inspired.
Then I play a few chords on my guitar to find the groove that fits the feel of the song. Some songs come pretty easily once I get into the groove, and some are a struggle — but that’s the beauty of it, right?
Q: What projects or goals are you currently working toward?
A: I mentioned that I’ve got a new single coming out soon titled “I Dream Of You.” I think a lot of people will resonate with it, and I’m excited to see what everyone thinks.
Q: What advice would you give to young musicians here in Cedar Valley?
A: I’ve been given two pieces of advice that I’d share:
- We’ve all heard the phrase, “It’s all about who you know,” which is 100% true. Really awesome opportunities come from knowing people. But more importantly than just knowing someone, they need to like you. So just be kind to people.
- Don’t have an “it’s you or me” mentality. There are plenty of opportunities for everyone. Collaborate with people, try new things outside your comfort zone, and new opportunities will come.
Q: How can local residents best support you?
A: I’ll be doing a few acoustic shows at surrounding restaurants in Eagle Mountain, so come out and say hello. I’m partnering with Swinging Dance Co. down in Provo on March 13 for a full-band show and swing-dancing concert.
Follow my social media to stay up to date on show announcements — @AustinWhitneyMusic on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. I’m also on all streaming platforms, so wherever you listen to music, check it out under Austin Whitney.
As Whitney continues building his career from right here in Eagle Mountain, his story feels refreshingly relatable. Two years removed from his first open mic night, he’s releasing new music, playing local shows, and writing songs rooted in family, faith, and everyday life.
And if we’re being honest, the line about dreaming of “making more money, buying a bigger house, a bigger truck, or a nicer car” already sounds like the opening verse of a country hit. It has all the right ingredients — ambition, reflection, and a hard-earned realization that the things we chase aren’t always the things that matter most. Thankfully for listeners, Whitney turned that perspective into something deeper: a song about fulfillment, family, and the dreams that last.
For Cedar Valley residents, supporting Whitney is simple — stream the music, follow the shows, and maybe catch one of his acoustic performances around town. After all, it’s not every day you get to say you saw a country artist on the way up, back when the drive across Cedar Valley gave him time to write the next verse.
Readers can follow Austin Whitney at austinwhitneymusic.com and on his social media platforms for upcoming releases and performances.
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.