Former Roper Puts A Twist On An Iconic Rodeo Event, New Song “Barrel Racin’” Out Now

Today (1.20) rising country artist Austin Michaelreleases his next single "Barrel Racin.'" When you think of barrel racing, you think of a women's-only event at the rodeo. Austin's new song "Barrel Racin'" isn't about your typical rodeo event-he spins the meaning into "racing to the bottom" of a whiskey barrel, while still keeping the familiar references to the iconic rodeo event.

Drawing from his roots in rodeo and the Texas cowboy way of life, he puts a comical twist on heartbreak, paired with a catchy melodic rhythm that'll stick in your head as you envision rodeo stars rounding barrels. The track is written by Austin, Philip Morgan (Chase Matthew, Whitney Wren,) and Kyle Schlienger (Brett Young, Trace Adkins.)

"Barrel Racin'" is the final preview track in advance of his album Lonestar, out March 6th, 2026. Drawing inspiration from legends like Willie Nelson to modern country standouts like Cody Johnson, the 13-track collection, explores what it means to be a Lonestar, both a reflection of his isolated childhood in the small town of Van Alstyne, Texas and an outlook on the unique traits that separate him from the crowd. More info on Lonestar here

Austin's latest song adds to the expansive list of preview tracks in advance of Lonestar, including "Slow Burn," the perfect Friday night anthem, "Back in the Saddle," a straight-ahead country song about his Texas hometown, "Cowboys Don't Act Like That," a fresh take on a cowboy's heartbreak,"Why Not Whiskey," a honky-tonk retelling of a shattered relationship, "Back on a Barstool," a last-call confessional on self-inflicted heartbreak, "Hard Earned Heartache," a declaration of fault after a rough breakup, and "Whiskey on a Wildfire," an admission on the thrills of new love.

Listen to "Slow Burn" here

Listen to "Back in the Saddle" here

Listen to "Cowboys Don't Act Like That" here

Listen to "Why Not Whiskey" here

Listen to "Back on a Barstool" here

Listen to "Hard Earned Heartache" here

Listen to "Whiskey on a Wildfire" Here

Austin is represented by L3 Entertainment (Justin Moore) and Shore Fire Media.

Lonestar Tracklist:

1. Back In The Saddle (Austin Michael)
2. Cowboys Don't Act Like That (Austin Michael, Philip Morgan, Chris August)
3. Lonestar (Austin Michael, Sergio Sanchez, Jon Kraft)
4. Why Not Whiskey (Austin Michael, Joe Clemmons, Shane Minor)
5. Movin' On (Austin Michael, Philip Morgan, Mark Chandler, Chris Sligh)
6. Slow Burn (Austin Michael, Cam Newby, Lynn Hutton)
7. Least Of My Worries (Austin Michael, Phil Morgan, Chris Sligh)
8. Barrel Racin' (Austin Michael, Philip Morgan, Kyle Schlienger)
9. Whiskey On A Wildfire (Austin Michael, Sergio Sanchez, John Kraft)
10. Texas Hold 'Em (Austin Michael, Sergio Sanchez, John Kraft)
11. Hard Earned Heartache (Austin Michael, Sergio Sanchez)
12. Back On A Barstool (Austin Michael, Heath Warren, Sam Martinez)
13. Hearts Break Too Easy (Austin Michael)