Aud Whitson, a singer-songwriter whose style defies easy classification, is carving a unique path in the music world. With a mix of raw honesty and vulnerability in her work, Aud is on a journey to connect with others through her songs, tackling themes of imperfection, personal growth, and self-expression. In an exclusive interview, Aud shares insights into her musical roots, creative process, challenges, and aspirations for the future.
A PASSION SPARKED BY UNEXPECTED OPPORTUNITIES
Aud’s path to music was not a linear one. Although she was always involved with music from a young age, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that her career in songwriting truly took off. “I wasn’t actually 100% going to become a songwriter,” she admits. Music had always been a part of her life – growing up singing in church, participating in school choirs, and even studying music in college – but it was a more casual pursuit until fate intervened.
During the pandemic, she had an opportunity to sing background vocals for an artist in need of a favor. It was here that she shared her own music, receiving the encouragement she needed to dive into songwriting more seriously. “They told me to pursue it. I started to see how that felt and if it was something I enjoyed. I don’t plan to stop anytime soon,” Aud reflects. It was through this experience that she began to embrace her craft and explore her voice as an artist.
INFLUENCES AND MUSICAL BACKGROUND
Aud’s musical background is diverse, drawing on a variety of genres and experiences that shaped her approach to songwriting. She credits her early years in church as a foundation for her love of singing, which started when she was just a toddler. “I grew up singing in church, which made me realize I loved music,” she says. Her musical journey expanded into classical music through middle and high school, where she honed her technical skills. However, it was during her college years that Aud began to realize that classical music, while something she was good at, wasn’t the form of self-expression she was seeking.
“The moment I started trying to find my own voice – what style of singing and what kind of performance felt expressive for me – that’s when I landed on being a singer-songwriter,” Aud explains. She’s not one to easily classify her own music, but describes it as a mix of “soft indie vibes” that resonate deeply with listeners.
When asked about her biggest musical influences, Aud points to Frank Ocean’s BLONDE as a transformative album. “I listened to that album every day. I had never felt so moved by any project up until that point,” she says, noting that it was the first album where she felt every song was perfectly crafted. Another significant influence came from Ed Sheeran’s debut album, which she recalls as a standout for her as a young teen and led her to explore more acoustic artists.
A UNIQUE CREATIVE PROCESS
Aud’s songwriting process is anything but formulaic. “The foundation of the songs usually happens when I’m just living my life,” she explains. Her brain is constantly engaged with concepts and themes that she revisits over time. Once she has a theme in mind, she sits down with her guitar, and the lyrics begin to flow. While the process is often quick, sometimes taking as little as 20 minutes to an hour, the development of the song can take longer as she refines the sonic details.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Aud’s approach is her willingness to break away from conventional recording methods. For her most recent project, she tracked the initial demos on her phone. “I got feedback from other musicians that my phone recordings had a vibe about them,” she explains. She would record guitar directly into her phone, then transfer it to Logic, layering vocals and refining the sound. It wasn’t until after this that she worked with producer Chase Horseman to polish the tracks in a studio. “Being able to do more of the production myself meant I could take what was in my head and copy it directly into the song,” she says.
NAVIGATING CHALLENGES AND GROWTH
Aud’s path hasn’t been without its challenges. Performance anxiety has been a significant hurdle, especially in the days leading up to shows. “For a while, performing would really eat away at me for the days leading up to the performance,” she admits. Through trial and error, she found a routine that helped her manage nerves – avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and ensuring she eats properly before stepping on stage.
Despite her initial nervousness, Aud finds a sense of control when she’s performing live. “Once I am on stage, I feel very in control. It’s a surreal feeling,” she says, describing how time seems to slow down as she commands the room. She’s learned to embrace the pressure, realizing that it often brings out her best performances.
On top of personal challenges, Aud has had to grapple with the realities of the music industry, including criticism. However, she notes that having a strong support system is crucial to navigating these challenges. “If you have the right people in your life informing you, that’s a really big privilege,” she says. Her close-knit circle helps her stay grounded and continue to grow as an artist.
FINDING IMPERFECTION AND EMBRACING THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE
One of the most powerful aspects of Aud’s music is its raw honesty. Her classical training once led her to strive for perfection, but over time, she’s learned to embrace imperfection. “I have worked through a lot of perfectionism. I used to hide behind the security of calculation,” she reflects. In her more recent work, she’s focused less on flawless execution and more on creating something that feels genuine. “This project, I want to make something with flaws that makes people feel things,” she shares.
Through this evolution, Aud has come to realize that being imperfect is part of the human experience. “I don’t have to be perfect all the time. I’m allowed to be human,” she says. This understanding has led her to create music that reflects the messiness of life – something she hopes will help others feel less alone.
LOOKING AHEAD: GROWTH AND NEW PROJECTS
Aud’s journey is only just beginning, and she’s already making plans for the future. “I’m excited to release more music in 2025, including songs that people have connected with at my shows but haven’t been released yet,” she says. She’s also working on new material for an upcoming album, with the aim of gradually increasing her production quality.
Looking further into the future, Aud hopes to release a full album. “I’m just releasing singles and EPs right now, but having a fully-formed project will be exciting,” she explains. She envisions an album that continues to evolve from her current EP, blending low-fi vibes with higher production values. Her inspiration for this direction comes from artists like Clairo, whose vintage sound combined with rich production resonates deeply with her.
BALANCING MUSIC AND LIFE
Maintaining balance in her life while pursuing her music career is no easy feat. Aud works full-time outside of music, making ends meet while continuing to nurture her passion. Despite not earning much from her streams, she remains focused on her long-term vision. “I don’t make music for money, but it is difficult. It takes time to grow,” she reflects. To manage the emotional demands of the industry, she focuses on celebrating the small wins – whether it’s a hundred listeners or a successful live performance.
Outside of music, Aud enjoys hobbies that help her disconnect from the pressures of her career. “I crochet. I like to go on walks and spend time in nature,” she shares. These activities help her maintain a sense of balance and remind her that she’s more than just a musician.
A MESSAGE OF CONNECTION AND HOPE
Above all, Aud hopes her music can serve as a source of connection for those who feel alone. “I hope that this music helps people, especially younger people who are struggling mentally and emotionally,” she says. In a time where many are feeling lost or disconnected, Aud’s music aims to offer a message of hope.
Aud Whitson is an artist to watch in the coming years. With her honesty, vulnerability, and dedication to her craft, she is well on her way to making an impact in the music industry. Keep an eye on her upcoming shows, including performances at Arts On Broadway/KCMO on February 15th and Replay Lounge on February 18th.
Aud Whitson’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-expression, and the willingness to embrace imperfection. As she continues to evolve as an artist, she remains committed to creating music that resonates deeply with her audience, offering both comfort and connection in a world that often feels disconnected.
For more on Aud Whitson and her music, visit her website at audwhitson.com or follow her on Instagram.
EDITOR’S NOTE: A HOUSE THAT CAN’T GET QUIETER, Aud’s latest EP will be available to stream or download on Friday, February 7, 2025.
