Why Did Austin Leave Hinder
Austin Winkler, the founding lead vocalist of the rock band Hinder, departed the group in 2013 after a decade of mainstream success. The split followed the release of the band's third studio album, "When the Smoke Clears," which marked a shift in their commercial trajectory. Winkler cited a desire to focus on personal growth and solo projects, stepping away from the rigorous touring schedule that defined the band's peak years. His departure was confirmed through a joint statement from the remaining members, who emphasized that the decision was mutual and respectful, allowing both parties to pursue separate creative paths. The band, formed in Oklahoma in 2001, had achieved multi-platinum status with hits like "Lips of an Angel" and "Better Than Me," making Winkler's exit a significant moment in post-grunge rock history read more on Forbes.
Hinder's management officially announced the lineup change in mid-2013, stating that Winkler would no longer be part of the band's touring and recording activities. The decision came shortly after the band parted ways with their original label, Universal Republic, which had supported their first two major albums. Industry reports at the time noted that creative differences and the pressure to replicate earlier chart-topping success contributed to the growing tension within the group. Winkler launched a solo career under the name Austin Winkler, releasing independent music that showcased a more personal and varied sound compared to Hinder's radio-friendly rock anthems. The remaining members, including guitarist Joe "Blower" Garvey and drummer Cody Hanson, recruited singer Marshal Dutton to continue the band's legacy details on Billboard.
What Happened After Austin Winkler Left
Following the departure, Hinder released the album "When the Smoke Clears" in 2015 with new vocalist Marshal Dutton, who had previously been involved in the band's production and songwriting. The album marked a deliberate pivot toward a more modern rock and alternative sound, moving away from the party-rock anthems that defined the Winkler era. Despite the lineup change, the band maintained a consistent touring schedule across North America, relying on a dedicated fan base built during the late 2000s rock boom. The group's chart performance shifted, with the new era failing to match the Billboard Hot 100 peaks of "Lips of an Angel," which reached number one in 2007. Hinder continued to release music and tour, adapting to the evolving rock landscape while retaining the core instrumental lineup Rolling Stone coverage.
Marshal Dutton's arrival stabilized the band's operational structure, allowing Hinder to release subsequent albums and maintain a presence on rock radio formats. The band's catalog, including hits from the "Extreme Behavior" and "Take It to the Limit" albums, continued to generate streaming revenue and catalog sales in the digital era. Industry data shows that legacy rock bands with strong early-2000s hits often see a shift in revenue from touring and sync licensing rather than new album sales, a model Hinder has followed. The band's social media and fan engagement strategies have focused on nostalgia, highlighting classic tracks while introducing the new lineup's material to both longtime supporters and newer listeners Bandsintown event data.
Current Status of the Band and Austin Winkler
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