Career Spotlight: Aubren Elaine
There seems to be an ever-mounting pressure for young people to go to college (bonus points for STEM) to pursue “practical” careers (bonus points for tech), but does this pressure serve everyone? I am a firm believer that the most success and lifetime happiness will be had for those who live with purpose and work toward their dreams. For this series, I wanted to highlight people who are doing what they love to inspire myself and others to follow suit. The first person who came to mind (and on my feed) was my high school classmate Aubren Elaine, a singer-songwriter and producer based in Los Angeles.
Aubren Elaine by Ryan Venezuela @akaryanv_
“Create something that connects you to other people out there, especially for people that don’t know the words to say. If you write what you’re going through and be vulnerable, people will really engage with that and see the human side of you.”
I was a bit anxious about our interview, but my nerves were calmed immediately by her bright, melodic voice. (Side note: she could kill as a part-time ASMR artist) It felt easy talking to her, she answered every question thoughtfully and enthusiastically. She often paused before her responses, carefully considering the question, which seemed to me indicative of her confidence and lightness of spirit. Below our interview, I have included a few of her originals (my personal favorites) and the different ways you can get in touch with her work and her social media.
“I have a hard time conveying who I am as an artist and I am a little more reserved to share me as a person. And I would say the hard part with going on social media is that I am now telling everyone else out there that this is what I am going to be.”
How would you describe your sound? What artists inspire you?
My sound has developed a lot over the past couple years. I used to be a pretty standard acoustic singer-songwriter, but I came to realize that I had a lot of jazz, R&B soul, and some pop influences. I would say mostly R&B soul.
Newer artists: Daniel Cesar, Lianne La Havas, Izzy Bizu, and Norah Jones
Older: Etta James, Vanessa Williams, and Natalie Cole
I really like old school music…90s pop and R&B music.
In particular, is there an artist/experience that made you passionate about pursuing music?
Experience: I started playing guitar in junior high for my Christian worship team. At first, I was playing piano on the side, and I realized that I wanted to be one of the people on the stage. I always knew that I wanted to perform, but it was not until recently that I thought of doing this for a living or as a career.
Artist: Believe it or not, Taylor Swift was my first musical inspiration (at 13). I curled my hair like her and even incorporated a little country twang. As I have gotten better at guitar, learning jazz chords has inspired my musical direction.
When did you realize that you wanted to be an artist? Or rather, that you wanted to try to make it as a career artist?
“People will follow and unfollow and use algorithms, but I want to stay genuine with who I am and not worry about the numbers.”
For the longest time, I thought that I wanted to solely song write. But being in college, I have had a lot of people approach me about my voice and the way that I perform and sound. I don’t think I took it seriously until [my professor] took me seriously. When he started working with me, that is when I started to write more for an audience and develop a sound and a brand for myself.
Can you tell me more about this professor? How did he approach you?
I was a sophomore in his studio recording class (I am a musical production major) and I always tried to show him my interest and that I was engaged. He caught on to that and could tell I was serious. He approached me and wanted to help me. He is more like a producer than a professor, really.
Was deciding to pursue music a difficult decision? Did you feel any external or internal pressure?
I always knew that music was what I was going to do one way or another. There are so many small fields that go into music, so much more than being a performing artist. What is still intimidating to me now is the social media part. I have a hard time conveying who I am as an artist and I am a little more reserved to share me as a person. And I would say the hard part with going on social media is that I am now telling everyone else out there that this is what I am going to be. I need to prove to everyone watching that I am going to make it. I still have people from high school and junior high following my social media and a lot of people saying ‘wow you’ve come so far’. I want to exceed those expectations people have of me. I try to stay honest with social media. People will follow and unfollow and use algorithms, but I want to stay genuine with who I am and not worry about the numbers. There is this venue in LA that is very known for its artist showcase. People go to discover artists. I go, but it is such a struggle every time because everyone there is so good and has developed their sound. It is always a supportive environment, but there are so many people doing the same thing. What makes me different?
What would you say to someone who feels beat down by all the competition?
Take what makes you unique and find what the market is lacking.
What would you say is the most challenging part about being a student and a musician?
As a student at an institution that isn’t solely for the arts, I have taken Spanish, science, writing, religion, and other courses. This sometimes frustrates me because I want to focus on my music, but I get to walk out with a college degree instead of a certificate. I have gotten a more well-rounded education. Managing between student and artist life is definitely a struggle. I was doing gigs weekly or twice a week and I was getting burnt out…I couldn’t keep up. It’s a matter of having a balance of both. Ultimately, I am happy with the choice of going to a liberal arts school and pursuing a degree.
What has been your biggest inspiration to keep chasing your dream?
My biggest inspiration is my mom. She is so engaged in what I am doing and believes in me. She will come to every studio session and every performance, taking notes trying to understand my world and be in it and support me in it. She believes in me so much and is there every step of the way.
What would you tell someone who has a passion but is scared to put themselves out there and be vulnerable?
That’s a hard one because I struggle with being vulnerable as well. Create something that connects you to other people out there, especially for people that don’t know the words to say. If you write what you’re going through and be vulnerable, people will really engage with that and see the human side of you. Alessia Cara is more personal and isn’t afraid to be vulnerable. All of her followers are so genuinely engaged in her music. It is important to show who you truly are.
Your favorite song right now?
Honestly, I don’t have just one right now! So many different artists it is hard to pick. Hmmm…Higher Ground by Vanessa Williams—this song instantly changes my mood.
Social
Website https://www.aubrenelaine.com/
Soundcloud aubrenelaine
Facebook @aubrenelainemusic
Youtube Aubren Elaine
Instagram aubrenelainemusic
Annalise