Austin John Winkler is an American singer, songwriter and musician best known for being the former lead singer of the American rock band Hinder. Since his departure from Hinder, Winkler has continued his career, but as a solo artist, under the name Austin John. Austin's first release as a solo artist, a six-song EP titled Love Sick Radio was released on April 22, 2016.
Hinder
Winkler was one of the founding members of Hinder and recorded a total of one EP, four studio albums and released 24 singles to radio while with them during his 12-year tenure with the band. On November 10, 2013, it was announced via Loudwire that Hinder had officially parted ways with Winkler, stating, "We hold no animosity towards Austin, and wish him the best. Although it was a difficult decision, it was the best thing for everyone involved and time for us to move on. This summer and fall tour was a tough one. We want to thank the fans for all their overwhelming support." It was confirmed by Winkler through a statement. Soon after the announcement that he and Hinder had parted ways, Winkler quickly stated he would continue his career as a solo artist.
Solo career
2013–2017: Work with Tantric and ''Love Sick Radio''
In August 2013, a video posted on YouTube by Hugo Ferreira of the band Tantric revealed that Ferreria and Winkler had established a very good friendship and that Winkler was help writing songs for Tantric's then-upcoming album 37 Channels. Tantric's 37 Channels album was released on September 17, 2013 and Winkler was featured on two tracks titled "Bullet" and "Fault". On October 17, 2014, Winkler posted via his official Instagram account that he had signed to Universal Music Group as a solo artist. On November 8, 2014, Winkler performed as a special guest alongside Tantric at the Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood, California on a stop while on their Blue Room Archives tour. Winkler performed the song "Fault" with Tantric, Winkler co wrote the song with Tantric lead singer Hugo Ferreira in the summer of 2013, the song is featured on the album 37 Channels with Winkler providing guest vocals. Austin announced on April 18, 2016 that his debut six-song EP Love Sick Radio will be released on April 22, 2016 via Amazon. Austin performed his debut solo show on July 7, 2016 at the Whisky a Go Go in Hollywood, California. Since Austin has announced shows throughout Texas and Nashville, Tennessee in August 2016. Austin also announced that he is still currently recording for his debut full-length LP which should be released sometime in 2017. He added to the fans overwhelming support for the song "Phoneline to Heaven" it will be mastered and added to the record. On June 9, 2017, Austin announced his first major tour as a solo artist, Austin would embark on the Love Sick Radio tour in the fall of 2017 with Smile Empty Soul and Madam Mayhem as his support. On August 30, 2017 it was announced that his former band-mates in Hinder was suing him for trademark infringement, the lawsuit alleged that Winkler was using Hinder's logo to promote his solo performances, the lawsuit stated that Winkler signed a Leaving Member Agreement when he departed the band, "acknowledging that he has no rights in the, or to promotional use of the name Hinder, and accepting a very limited license for use of the mark under certain express restrictions."
After wrapping up his fall 2017 tour Austin stayed secluded for the most part, being inactive on most of his social media platforms with the exception being a clip Austin shared via his Instagram in January 2018 of a song he recorded citing that his musical influences growing up was Eminem and Marilyn Manson, the song however still remains unreleased. Austin announced in March 2020 that he was writing and recording for his debut solo album. On March 13, 2020 he released three new full length songs via Instagram TV to preview his upcoming album. He posted the tracks titled, "Phoneline To Heaven", "America Whatever" and "Super Jaded." The songs were available on March 14, 2020 and removed after 24 hours.
Personal life
After shooting a music video for Hinder's version of the song "Born to be Wild" for NASCAR, Winkler began dating actress and model Jami Miller who was a dancer in the video. In late 2007, the two became engaged. On December 21, 2007, Winkler was arrested for suspicion of DUI after leaving his engagement party. The two became married on July 30, 2008. The two wed in Hawaii. Winkler wrote a song for their wedding titled "The Love I Live For". The song was never released but it can be found on YouTube. Austin and Jami separated in late 2014. Austin officially filed divorce on December 2015. Austin's divorce papers stated he just wanted a clean break. In their divorce settlement Austin settled to share half of his rights to 81 Hinder songs with Jami, however of all these songs it does not include "Lips of an Angel". Upon that settlement Austin also had to pay Jami $12,000 in retroactive spousal support that was owed in 2017. After that Austin owed her nothing else and was allowed to keep his property and 2016 Infiniti SUV. As of 2016, Austin has been dating friend and frequent collaborator Sophie Summers. In November 2017, a temporary restraining order was placed on Austin by an ex girlfriend. In the summer of 2019, Winkler revealed to his fans that he was becoming very ill via social media. He did not disclose what exactly his condition was but fans started noticing his significant weight loss from previous posts. Winkler has given updates saying he is getting better.
