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Interview with
AARON FRAZER

(23rd June 2024)

Interview with Audrey Songvilay

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Photo Credit: Rosie Cohe

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Congrats on your new album, Into The Blue coming out 28 June. You’ve said that the album was conceived out of heartbreak. How were you able to use that to find creative inspiration in your songwriting process given that it comes from a vulnerable place?
I did try on some level, to avoid writing sad songs at the beginning of this process. I found myself having trouble writing any songs at all, because I was shying away from processing what I was actually feeling at the time.

Why do you think fans are able to resonate with your music?
I hope it’s because it comes from an honest place and it’s expressed in a simple way. I think a lot of times, there are a lot of people, and there’s a lot of music out there that in order to access it, if you’re not cool enough or you’re not privy to the right reference points – It’s like you don’t get it or it’s not for you. I really try to make stuff that I think anyone can understand and appreciate.

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You have a personal connection to the material (your music). When you release music and you receive feedback, how do you handle differing opinions when you’re trying to convey a certain message?
Thankfully, I don’t get too much negative feedback. The truth is, if I hear from one person that my music helped them in any sort of way, whether it’s helped them through a tough time or it’s helped them with a marriage proposal, or it’s helped them get laid, which all of these are things people have expressed to me, is a beautiful thing. That’s all that matters. I appreciate music critics giving a deep listen, but the truth is, the opinions of the average person, especially if it’s connected with them and helped them, that’s what I’m hanging my hat on.

For new fans who will come across your music, what would you recommend they listen to first to really understand who you are and your message?
I’d say, start with my new record. My hope is that my music connects with other people like me who has the same record collection. They could have Marty Robbins, Gunfighter Ballads, Lee Hazlewood. They could also be enjoying Westside Gunn, or Lil Yachty and all these different things together. I think on this record, I’ve been able to bring all my influences together in a way that feels cohesive. It feels wide ranging, but it is one cohesive presentation.

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Would you recommend going in track order?
Yeah, definitely. I mean, this album, I wouldn’t say it’s a concept record, but this album is very much influenced by like film scores like, Ennio Morricone, or Pietro Miliani. I wanted to feel like the first track is the open. The second track is when the intro credits start, and kind of feel like it flows in a cinematic way.

How do you think your healing journey has changed since you first started the project vs now?
Man. I mean, I was in the trenches when I was writing this album. I was going through it. I was in a sad place, very lonely place, which is why, I felt like the phrase into the blue came to my mind just because, blue obviously can represent sadness, but it also feels like this big open space that I was heading into in my life. That was the sort of cavernous, empty, lonely place, but also had a sense of infinite possibility. I think when I combine those two emotions, it makes me think of the American Cowboy heading west in solitude, but also in this search for possibility and the future.

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You also experiment with different samples. What clicks for you when you hear something and think, I should use that?
The crazy thing about hip hop records to me is they are always in conversation with five other records. A sample can come from a lot of different places. I think a good thing to look out for is if it’s not too busy because then it’s a bit abrasive as a loop.

Do you have a dream collaboration?
Carole King is still around and seems like she’s in good health and good of sound and mind. Tapestry is one of my favourite records of all time. My mum used to play it all the time growing up and it’s still, I think, a masterclass on like how to write a song.
I do think Westside Gunn, the whole Griselda Records crew is so sick. I love what they’re doing. Nas is a huge influence on me. I actually got sampled by 9th Wonder last year, which was like, a childhood dream to get flipped by the legend. I think I’d like to do more writing for country artists.

Do you have a country artist in mind?
I love a bunch of the contemporary. It’s a really good time for classic country. There’s people like Colter Wall who has incredible voice or Theo Lawrence from France is doing great 60s country. Logan Ledger from the United States. Lots of people. I think that there’s a movement to return to outlaw country. Those guys were wild, running from the law, you know? It’s cool to see a bit of a return to the rebellious spirit of country.

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What has been the best fan experience or interaction you’ve had so far?
There was a fan who she came up after the show and asked me to sign her arm. And so I did, because I’ll sign whatever. Then later that night, I got tagged in an Instagram video of her getting it tattooed on her arm. That was a real honour. I really love when people bring their multiple generations to a show. That’s really cool when people are like, I’m here with my dad and my grandfather. I’m here with my grandma and my daughter. I think that’s really sweet. It’s rare to find things these days that people of different age groups can all enjoy together.

You’ve announced tour dates in the States and the UK. Do you plan on coming to Australia?
Yes. Next year, it’s not announced, we’re still putting it together. The goal is that next year I’ll be able to come to Australia and New Zealand with Durand Jones & The Indications to do a set of dates. We’ve been trying to get over there for years. I think there’s such a cool music scene in Australia. I love all the soul bands that have come out of there, both on the neo soul end, like Hiatus Kaiyote. I grew up loving The Cat Empire from Australia. I love you guys.

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Pre-order Into The Blue

Into The Blue
Tracklist

1. Thinking Of You
2. Into The Blue
3. Fly Away
4. Payback
5. Dime feat. Cancamusa
6. Perfect Strangers
7. Time Will Tell
8. I Don’t Wanna Stay
9. Play On
10. Easy To Love
11. The Fool

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Follow AARON FRAZER
Website – Instagram – Facebook – Spotify

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AMNPLIFY – DB