Review Fix chats with singer/songwriter Louise Aubrie, who discusses her new album, “Late 44.†Breaking down the album and working with Adam Ant, The Ruts and the Waterboys, as well as her hopes for the future, Aubrie lets us know what makes this album a special one.
Review Fix: How is this album different from your previous work?
Louise Aubrie: I was feeling vivacious and buoyant going into the recording of this album. I split my time between London and New York and Late 44 was borne out of that almost double identity that I feel I have. A lot of the songs were written in the small hours when I would communicate with people in London as they were getting up and with people in NY who were winding down … it’s an interesting time, having conversations with people who are getting up and at the same time, speaking to people who are spent! This record is more upbeat and reflects more of the NY punk band spirit.
Review Fix: How did you guys get together with Adam Ant, The Ruts and the Waterboys?
Aubrie: Well I met Tom Edwards (Adam Ant’s Musical Director) about 5 years ago through Boz Boorer, who produced my first two albums and who is best known for his work with The Polecats, and as Morrissey’s MD. I played some London gigs with Tom and then as I was coming in to recording this new album, I decided to do it in London (at Abbey Road) and Tom assumed MD duties. He introduced me to Joe Holweger (on bass) who also is part of Adam’s touring band. Both Boz and Tom have long-standing relationships with David Ruffy (Ruts/Waterboys) and he was the natural fit to play drums – I am very lucky to have such fantastic musicians around me.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
Aubrie: I get inspired from everyday life, but then like to spin events into stories, either about myself or often about others. I’ll usually start with a melody or hook and build some foundation guitars around that, and then go on to work on the full arrangement. Lyrically, I’ll always have a central line that I build things around and then I tend to finish the lyric once the music is in place.
Review Fix: What do you think makes your work special?
Aubrie: I believe every artist’s work is special because it is unique. There are arguments that a lot of popular music is now formulaic and almost like a production line, but I think for artists writing their own material, that is special in itself. No one else is doing exactly what you’re doing, so I think that is the most important thing … you’re special just by creating your own world.
Review Fix: How would you describe your style?
Aubrie: Well, its been described as post-punk / new wave pop, which works for me. I have brought together the musical influences that were most important to me, starting with Elvis and Sinatra. No one comes close (or will ever) to Frank’s style and phrasing in a song. He never once sounded unsure in his attack. And Elvis is, of course, the King. After that foundation, I was I was drawn to the 70s – Bowie, T-Rex, Blondie, The Ramones, The New York Dolls, and then coming up to The Smiths in the 80s, and Garbage and Suede in the 90s.
I am not sure my music sounds especially like any of these bands, but it is definitely the result of that melting pot.
Review Fix: What are your goals for this album?
Aubrie: For people to enjoy it! To get out and play as much as possible to support it and for everyone to be proud of it.
Review Fix: What’s the standout song here? Is there a story behind it?
Aubrie: I think different songs appeal to different people. The latest single Too Late has done really well and its really about two people having a clandestine love affair, before one getting fed up and telling the other that time has run out .. as the hook goes: “you love me, its too late.”
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