Having already cemented himself on the scene with a string of riveting releases these last few years, emerging artist august at night has now returned once again to offer up his woozy new offering 'all i ever had'.
Capturing more of that sweet and alluring aesthetic he has been building for himself since he first emerged, 'all i ever had' makes for a rousing return to form for the artist at the helm. With its warm and tender textures perfectly elevating his dreamlike vocals throughout, he is continuing his rise as one of the more passionate names doing the rounds right now.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The mind. It’s where music was always born for me, and where it stuck. It was always the first step in a song’s life, between that somewhere else and here space. Then it was the voice. Than the rest. Still love them all.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
So much. The Kizomba, Semba, and African Folk of my elders’ generations. All the Throwback Soul & R&B. Sade, for which I’ll be forever grateful to my mom. Some 80s hits. Nirvana. Blur. Lady Gaga. Alicia Keys. Timbaland. Several of the acronym rock bands (mostly RHCP and MCR.) Frank Ocean>>>. SZA. Lorde. Miguel. FKA Twigs. James Blake. A lot of pop. Older stuff too. The kind of jazz you hear at an Italian restaurant. And the kind you don’t. And also the phases; doo-wop, classical, punk rock, etc. it all hit at some point. Much of it still does.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The Lion King Soundtrack. It was also the first film that made its way to memory.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Every honest song there ever was was written by the right person. Have never wished to have written a song, only to be able to write something that lives up to the ones I love.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Having a new experience of some kind, if i can. Meeting someone new. Shaking something up. Going for a walk.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
SZA. Despite all the accolades, still feel like what she’s achieved as an artist, with her sound, and for music broadly, is deeply underrated.
Tobi Lou (!) waterbaby. James Blake. WILLOW. Gracie Abrams. The Weeknd.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would open for someone if the music fit. No one specific comes to mind, but lots of people are plausible.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
When a stranger reaches out and tells you how much your music means to them.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Living up to your own expectations.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Create it and let it go.
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august at night's new single 'all i ever had' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.