RDD: Elk City Teen Rocks Sold Out Shows

Oklahoma's small towns, large landscapes and one light towns have inspired a fair share of country musicians.

Friday, September 5th 2014, 6:36 pm

By: Karl Torp


Oklahoma's small towns, large landscapes and one light towns have inspired a fair share of country musicians.

But 14-year-old Austin Rios is making a name for himself through rock-n-roll.

The Elk City teenager plays the drums and is returning to school after a summer of touring the country with a band.

"Everyone gets up and has a bad game. When I get on the drums, I feel like I can release it," said Rios, about his motivation.

At the age of 8, Rios started to play the drum covers of famous bands and posted his performances on YouTube.

While on a road trip with his family to go to band camp years ago, Rios reached out to the band "Digital Summer."

He was wondering if he could get autographs and pictures with the band.

Digital Summer not only said "yes," band members recognized Austin from his drum covers online and asked then then 12-year-old to practice with them.

Last year, when Digital Summer was looking for a new drummer, they asked Austin join the band.

This summer, with Rios on drums, Digital Summer played throughout the U.S.

"I don't want to sound weird, but I almost broke down and cried," said Rios about his emotions before one of the biggest shows this past summer.

Rios father drove the tour bus.

"I still have to be a parent to all of them, not just him (Austin)," said Ram Rios.

Austin said he won't let the fame get to his head.

The 14-year-old is a freshman at Elk City High School this year and has already joined the school band.

"It's a very, very fun journey," said Rios.

If you have a story to tell, go to our Red Dirt Diary page, and fill out the form.


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