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Austin Rogers is leading R&B’s new renaissance from “Tip” to the HBCU Tour

In an era where R&B is evolving at lightning speed, Austin Rogers is proving that the genre’s soul is still alive and thriving. The Atlanta-born singer-songwriter has captured hearts with his breakout hit Tip, amassing 2.4 million impressions and earning co-signs from industry heavyweights like Missy Elliott, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Megan Thee Stallion.

But Austin’s mission goes beyond chart success. His music fuses nostalgia with innovation, pulling from the Southern soul he grew up on while embracing bold, modern production. That authenticity is front and center in his “I Know” visual series—a cinematic exploration of love, heartbreak, and the complexities of dating in today’s culture. By blending film and music, Austin offers a layered storytelling experience that resonates across generations. Including a rave release alongside.

Thematically, he isn’t afraid to touch real-life truths, from the materialism shaping modern relationships to the resilience inspired by his mother and the hope sparked by President Obama’s election. “I wish to create that same unification and mobilization through music,” he says.

Now, as he prepares for a national HBCU tour, Austin is deepening his connection with young Black audiences—a continuation of his “I Know My Fans” campaign, which has already strengthened the bond with his supporters through meetups, interactive content, and giveaways.

Looking ahead, he’s set on expanding his sound by blending R&B with alternative, dance, and choir elements. For now, get familiar with this trailblazing talent. Also be sure to check out our exclusive REMIXD Magazine interview, as we spoke with Atlanta’s rising R&B sensation, Austin Rogers, to talk about his meteoric rise, the creative heartbeat behind his music, and the vision that’s propelling him into the genre’s next chapter. This is a look at an R&B force redefining what it means to connect, create, and inspire.

Introducing Austin Rogers

Staying in the spotlight, “Tip” has amassed over 2.4 million impressions—congratulations! When you first created the track, did you envision it becoming such a viral moment?

Thank you, I appreciate that. I knew that it was a big, catchy record for sure. You always hope that a song becomes a moment but being the first record I put out with my team I was definitely amazed at the feedback and popularity the song gained. It was one of the best feelings I have had so far as an independent artist.

• Your sound blends Atlanta soul with modern R&B in a way that feels both nostalgic and new. How do you approach crafting a sound that honors the past while pushing forward?

I think I already have an old soul and gravitate to that nostalgia that I grew up and loved on. However, I also am still young and diverse in my tastes so I would say I dont really think of an approach but just give what I am feeling in that moment and work to refine what is there. I find that just makes it the most authentic to what I’m feeling/hearing in that moment without overthinking it.

The artistry

• The ‘I Know’ visual series feels like a cinematic leap for you. What inspired you to fuse film and music in such an intentional way, and how do you think visuals amplify the emotion in your lyrics?

I definitely think we are living in a time of visual need. I also wanted to tell the story in a different way visually so the audience can grasp all of what this record means. Everyone who knows me knows I love film and a good aesthetic so with that blend I think you can create something really special.

• You’re known for your emotionally charged lyrics and vulnerability. When you write, do you lead with personal experience, or do you draw from observation and storytelling?

When writing, I definitely lead with personal experience because its easiest to pull from those raw emotions. However, that sometimes can be used as a starting point to tell a story that I might not fully experience but see it going on within the world and want to tell that story too. I want to encompass all of the emotions and experiences that we go through as beings.

• How do themes like tricking, heartbreak, and self-awareness reflect the reality of love and dating in today’s culture, especially from a Black male perspective?

I think especially living in Atlanta, it is just something that we see everyday. Social media has also pushed a lifestyle that encourages people to value materialistic things over meaningful connection. Love isn’t being measured in the same way anymore and people are now only price tags.

• You’ve mentioned being inspired by your mom’s resilience and the hope of Obama’s election. How do those early influences still shape the way you create today?

My mom is my driving force in many ways. Her tenacity is something that I carry with me and keeps me going by understanding what hard work means. The unification of African Americans that transpired following the Obama election is something very important to me. I wish to create that same unification and hopefully mobilization through music and spreading valuable information within our community.

• Artists like Missy Elliott, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Megan Thee Stallion have shown love for your work. What does that kind of recognition mean to you, and how does it impact your confidence as a rising star?

It’s surreal. Getting love from icons like Missy Elliott, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Megan Thee Stallion—it means the world. Missy’s support reminds me that I’m part of something bigger coming from the Icon that she is. Tracee’s taste is undeniable, that stamp of authenticity really propelled me. Megan’s energy fuels me to keep pushing, seeing first hand where it can take you to keep going. It’s more than validation—it’s motivation. If they see something in me, I have to keep showing up and proving them right.

The artist behind the art

• Coming from Atlanta, a city with such a rich musical legacy, how has your hometown influenced your style, work ethic, or creative direction?

Atlanta raised me—so the influence is in everything. The city’s sound, soul, and hustle shaped my style and work ethic. There’s a certain pride and boldness that comes from growing up around legends and innovators. You can’t come from Atlanta and play it safe—we’re known for pushing boundaries. That energy is in my music, my visuals, and how I move as an artist.

• Additionally, as we know, R&B is in the middle of a renaissance. How do you define your place in this new wave, and what do you think the genre needs more (or less) of?

I see myself as part of the new wave that’s honoring R&B’s roots while pushing it forward. I’m blending vulnerability with boldness by pulling from the past, but not being stuck in it. The genre needs more risk-taking, and less fear of blending genres or breaking rules. R&B is alive and evolving, and I’m here to help shape what’s next.

• Your “I Know My Fans” campaign is such a unique way to build community. What inspired that initiative, and how has it shifted your relationship with your audience?

I wanted my audience to feel close to me, especially at this stage in my career. Its important to garner that relationship so they can help see and curate my story as an artist as it continues to grow. I want them to stay in tune with what I have going on and know that I care for them. It means so much to see their support in one place.

Memorable Moments

• What’s been one of the most surprising or touching fan interactions you’ve had since launching the campaign?

I think one of the most touching interactions that happens pretty frequently is other artists, or aspiring artist, telling me that my journey is inspiring them to start or continue theirs. I know firsthand how difficult and vulnerable it is to begin and continue pushing artistically so it is great to hear that I can help add to someone finding that drive within themselves.

• When people look back on Austin Rogers five or ten years from now, what do you hope they say about your contribution to music and culture?

I hope they see the journey and rawness that I want to bring to R&B through my music. I want to walk a specific lane that I haven’t necessarily seen done yet and be a new face for the people. This will all be done in time but I hope they say I brought something unique and immovable.

• If you could collaborate with any artist across any genre—alive or passed—who would it be? What kind of song would you want to create?

I would definitely say Michael Jackson. How could you not say the biggest superstar of all time? It would be amazing to learn from such a dynamic artist, performer and all around talent.

What’s next?

    •    Maintaining momentum, you’re gearing up for a national HBCU tour. How important is it for you to connect with students and young Black audiences in that way?

Yes, that is something very important to me. As I mentioned, black mobility is something I am very passionate about. I went to THE hbcu, Howard University, and was headed to law school before pivoting towards my musical journey. My primary drive was making sure my community has the information and resources needed to succeed and be on the same playing field as everyone else. I believe music has the platform to be able to spread that information and reach the community in a much larger way. 

• What’s next for Austin Rogers—musically, visually, and as a brand? Are there new territories or sounds you’re ready to explore?

What’s next is expansion—in every sense. Musically, I’m diving deeper into storytelling and experimenting with new textures, blending R&B with alternative, dance, and choir elements. Visually, I’m building a world—something cinematic that matches the emotion in the music. As a brand, I’m stepping into more creative direction, fashion, and storytelling across mediums. I’m not just making songs—I’m creating experiences. I’m ready to explore whatever territory pushes me to grow and stay true.

• Lastly, is there a message that you’d like to leave with fans?

Stick with me. I have so many things I cannot wait to share musically and just of myself. This is only the beginning and I cannot wait to grow alongside you all. Also, thank you for seeing me, for feeling the music, and for helping push me. This means the world to me and so does your energy.

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN ROGERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Instagram | Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube 

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