Austin John Winkler, the multi-platinum selling rockstar and former frontman of Hinder, has returned with a bold new chapter: the Founder. More than just a name, the Founder symbolizes Austin’s complete artistic rebirth. With this new musical entity, Austin has hit the reset button, taking full control of the creative process and allowing the music to exist within a collective identity rather than a single persona.
Kicking off Thursday, July 24, the “Summer 2025” Tour marks a major milestone for Austin John Winkler, celebrating both his debut solo EP Walking Ded (released March 14) and a new chapter in his career as a solo artist. The nine-date East Coast run will showcase Austin’s signature rock ‘n’ roll sound, co-headlining alongside Oklahoma City’s Aranda, with support from special guest A.D.A.M. Music Project.
“This tour is about reconnecting with fans in a raw, honest way,” Austin shares. “I’m proud of the music we’re bringing out, and sharing the stage with Aranda just takes the energy to another level. It’s gonna be loud, it’s gonna be real, and it’s exactly what rock ‘n’ roll is supposed to feel like.”
| DATE | CITY / STATE | VENUE |
| Thursday, July 24 | Madison, WI | The Annex |
| Friday, July 25 | Flint, MI | The Machine Shop |
| Sunday, July 27 | Columbus, OH | King of Clubs |
| Tuesday, July 29 | Buffalo, NY | Iron Works |
| Wednesday, July 30 | Bedford, MA | The Vault |
| Thursday, July 31 | Vineland, NJ | Landis Theatre |
| Friday, August 1 | Thomasville, PA | Racehorse Tavern |
| Saturday, August 2 | Akron, OH | The Afterlife |
| Sunday, August 3 | West Dundee, IL | Rookie’s Rochaus |
Launching the Founder as an artistic sanctuary, this endeavor becomes a full-circle home for his music, allowing him to finally shape the sound he’s always envisioned. No stranger to telling stories of his life through music, Austin brings it all to this project — from climbing out of the depths of addiction to confronting heartbreak soaked in pain and regret, and the quiet grief that follows when you’ve hit rock bottom. With emotionally charged vocals that have echoed through countless stages, he’s shared anthems of life, love, and loss. Having experienced the dazzling highs of fame and the devastating lows of substance abuse, he faced his demons head-on and emerged with a powerful story to tell.
Walking Ded is a testament to Austin’s hunger for raw, authentic rock ‘n’ roll. Swapping self-destructive habits for the clarity of creation, the Founder channels his energy into his guitar, delivering a message of resilience and reinvention for both longtime fans and new listeners alike.