Album Review - Monica Austin's Midwest Mama

Monica Austin is not your typical blonde-haired, blue-eyed female country artist. In her first full-length album, Midwest Mama, Austin doesn’t just bring another generic collection of love songs. This is a true storytelling record. An autobiographical homage to every little piece of her as a real woman in country music. From notebooks full of material dating back to her first EP in 2020 this album truly gives us the most insight into who she is as an artist.

“PUSH” by Alborn – EP Album Art | Photos provide by: Alborn

There’s a song about moms cutting-loose. There’s a song thanking her sisters for being there for her every step of the way. There’s a song about her brother who served time in prison and what that meant to her and her family. Fun party tunes, a county rock song in drop D, and of course a ballad or two, this album has it all. As a women in country music she touches on every facet and every mood. Every sunny day and every not-so-bright shining moment meant to really connect with the audience in a way that she hopes will become her signature.

Monica Austin’s album release show at Rock Island Brewing Company | Photo – Roberta Osmers, Local Scene Magazine.

“The important thing is that I want people to understand what it is that they are going to listen to when they hear these songs.” Austin told the Echo. “This isn’t a typical, cookie-cutter album. This is truly a personal journey written to share what it really means to be a working women in country music today.”

Monica Austin grew up in a small trailer park in Cambridge, IL. Her writing style highlights the Midwest and where she came from, the struggles she faced, her songs resonating deeply with locals and giving outsiders a true glimpse of life in the Midwest. Her bare feet performances stand out as do her lyrics in the crowd of cowboy boot-wearing crooners.

Monica Austin performing at the great Mississippi Valley Fair 2022 | Photo: Monica Austin’s Facebook page

Austin has been heavily influenced by the great women in county from the 90’s. The likes of Wynonna Judd, Martina McBride, Faith Hill and Reba were her favorites as a young girl, and even today. You can hear the influence in her stage shows but there’s more, something Monica, true grit and powerful sound that capture the audience each and every time.