Audrey

Korean-American smooth-toned R&B artist Audrey has signed with Arista Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, and on Friday (Aug. 9), she dropped her first single under the label, “Time.”

A captivating, groovy track that hypnotizes with its sultry strings and lilting beats, Audrey sings about how “Time” interacts with life, holding people tied back as if a physical force.

“The lyrics of the song are kind of about this holding place or limbo where all these souls who want to do something with their life but say, “I have time, I have time,” and then it ended up being too late,” Audrey tells Billboard. “I wanted to write about if all these souls are collected in a purgatory, almost, what would that look like and sound like. For the video I wanted to make a visual representation of that.”

The song was inspired in part by Audrey’s own life, with the singer saying the hook's lyrics -- “I just need time” -- wouldn’t leave her before she wrote the track, when she was adjusting to her new, less-structured lifestyle as an artist after taking a gap year off of college at NYU. “I think those words were just telling myself, 'It’s OK to let this breathe and just kind of take it day by day,' and eventually transition into what I was trying to do everyday, what I wanted to make into my career," she says. "It was just having faith that time would take me there if I just kept doing what felt right to me in that moment."

The music video for “Time” was directed by Emma Westenberg, who directed Janelle Monáe’s impactful video for “Pynk.” It features a hypnotizing, neon look at Los Angeles and the passing of time and the toll on people's lives. - Billboard

Mononymous new Jersey-based singer-songwriter Audrey has been quietly laying the groundwork for a big impact on the music industry. Beginning early last year with "80deg" — a low-slung, ultra cool piece of R&B centered around breathy, passionate vocals and tinged with dubstep-ish influences — and culminating in a stack of instantly likeable post-club R&B jams, Audrey's now back with the video for her latest single, "Paper".

Audrey's vocals are as soulful as ever, and even more nimble, and this time she's backed by a weighty, trap-leaning production that gives the track a driving bounce while losing none of the laid-back cool of her other songs. Suitably, the video's just as cool, featuring several nods to her Korean heritage in the beautifully stylised shots and cinematic flourishes. - Complex

Rising new singer Audrey offers us a glimpse into a unique and sad aftermath of a relationship gone sour on her new release, ironically titled "Party".

In this latest single, we find Audrey tapping the talents of producers The Innovatorz & Sawyer, who craft a gloomy but infectious melody filled with lush chords and mellow drums. The singer proceeds to pluck away at our soul strings with an angelic vocal delivery that gently carry emotion-filled nuances. The overarching theme of the track and video is far from what you'd expect from the title and as she says "…puts you in the room with a very sad lovechild of Drake and Alicia Keys."

For the visual, she teamed up with emerging director Raph who craft a montage of fluorescent colors and secluded settings that paint a picture of cutting irony. The colorful set pieces and abstract aesthetic also add a unique vibe to the song as they seem to visualize the depth of the sadness expressed in the track.

"Party" is Audrey's first summer single and her first official video which she describes as a steak dinner for two where only one person shows up. With a light atmospheric voice that can attach to and lift the listener's emotions so gently yet with intentional command, Audrey is certainly a new artist to keep an eye out for.


Read more at https://earmilk.com/2018/10/06/audrey-gives-the-party-vibe-a-whole-new-meaning-video/#WtVx3PHphBqHXAYx.99 - EarMilk

"Paper" - Audrey
A softer side of one of our favorite up-and-comers. - NYLON

Carrying her signature old school charm with a new school sheen, "Time" is the latest single and visual from 20-year-old pop/R&B artist Audrey. The funky R&B track sinks deeply in its grooves, letting the singer's silky vocals truly shimmer. The song marries both Audrey's relative youth and her maturity as she navigates the flow of "Time" with ease and comfort.

The visual, directed by Emma Westenberg (of Janelle Monáe's "PYNK"), mixes retro elements and textures with a modern setting, giving it both a nostalgic and fresh feel — not unlike her musical style. Audrey's creativity and charming quirks elevate the music video, as it's studded with light surrealism and a unique cast of characters: A dancing street sign holder; a caped, three-eyed gym rat; a dancing, bright green dress-wearing older woman. All the while, the singer sets the calming mood as she mingles with the — at times unusual — scenery. She's letting you know that she puts a lot of thought and care into everything she does, but she also isn't afraid to have a little bit of fun and laugh along the way.

"Time" follows Audrey's single "Soufflé," released earlier this spring. Following this newest track, the singer will release new music each month through the rest of the year.

Read more at https://earmilk.com/2019/08/09/audrey-navigates-the-grooves-and-ridges-of-time-video/#mgbQfyYt4ZLST2Qk.99 - EARMILK

If you haven’t heard of Audrey than do yourself a favour and listen to her catalog of fantastic R&B pop. The Korean-American songstress has been making waves with her soulful voice and banging tracks. Audrey stopped by the Spindle Studio to chat about everything from her sound, earliest related music memory and more…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iZHUMSNMHk&feature=youtu.be - Spindle

As soon as the funk-filled bars open “Time” – the newest release from Asian-American artist Audrey – the singer’s slinky vocals pull you in like a hypnotic haze.

Self-assured minimal lyrics and dreamy snapshot-like visuals, as well as setting a precedent as one of the first Korean-American R&B artists breaking into the mainstream – how could we possibly not stan?

In the music video for “Time”, we follow Audrey on a trippy journey through the underbelly of Hollywood. Boogying on a green-lit rooftop. Flipping signposts next to the highway. Interacting with fading and aged stars.

‘“Time” is a song about paralysis,” explains Audrey. “I wrote it during a weird transition period when I’d just left school to take a gap year. I thought to myself, ‘if there were a place housing people in this limbo, this chrysalis-like phase, what would it look like?’ I pitched the concept to a bunch of directors and Emma Westenberg sent over her rendition/treatment. Seeing Emma do her thing was like a semester of college in a day. She’s fucking brilliant and I learned so much.” - Wonderland Magazine

Audrey is an singer/songwriter based out of New Jersey. She got started singing the national anthem at major arenas and had her first big break doing a commercial with Sampha that aired during the Superbowl! She studied at the NYU Clive Davis program for a year and now she is taking some time off to release music for the first time ever! She teamed up with producer Anwar Sawyer of RocNation who started his own indie label SMG Ent, to cultivate a new R&B elctro edge. “Party” is the first summer single and its a delicious rnb midtempo. It’s a gorgeous steak dinner for two where one person doesn’t show up. Produced by The Innovatorz & Anwar Sawyer, the chords are lush but the drums and 808 are unkind. Check out Audrey’s new record below: - The Fresh Committee

Location: New Jersey, USA

FFO: Kehlani, H.E.R., Ella Mai

Label: SMG/Homauj

Kicking it old-school with a low-key beat and 90s-style synth bass, Audrey presents ‘I Try’, a relaxed take on counting your blessings as the Summer days roll in.

Self-described as a ‘body-roll tempo’ jam, ‘I Try’ takes cues from early-Bad Boy Records sounds but mixes it with a more contemporary vocal style and experimental lyrical phrasing. Audrey isn’t pretending to be from another time, but rather demonstrates knowledge of her genre’s culture and history.

It’s another excellent track from the rising RnB star, who has serious pedigree as a resident National Anthem singer on the East Coast, as well as a place on the prestigious Clive Davis Program at New York University. All signs indicate towards a glowing career. - BornMusic

Contemporary R&B singer/songwriter Audrey is back with a second visual release called "Yaburnee", telling a story of two lovers traveling in time. Just like in her debut video "Party", Audrey stands out with powerful, lush voice and authentic, preppy style.

While it might sound like you burn me and it is quite close to the truth, there is a deeper layer of meaning behind the title.

Yaburnee is a song inspired by the Arabic term ya’aburnee, which literally translates to “you bury me.” It expresses wishing someone will die after you because you couldn’t handle the grief of living without them. We built a story around this concept - two lovers time traveling.
The emotional intensity of the lyrics is overpowered by Audrey's honey-like voice and the swell video direction by Andrew G. Again in collaboration with producer Anwar Sawyer (Ent SMG), Audrey is currently focused on writing and releasing more music, cultivating a new r&b electro edge. - StereoFox

Korean American artist Audrey has the fiercest vocal muscles – her voice oscillates seamlessly from deep to high-pitch, where she is able to deliver a mesmeric smoothness while also cutting through the emotions of her lyrics. Her latest single “Paper” is a slow-burning, dark R&B treat that is amped with heavy bass and serve as another stage for Audrey’s voice to shine. Stream below:


With more than 300k Spotify streams already, Audrey is quickly becoming one of the most buzzed-out artists in the R&B/soul scene. Originally from New Jersey, Audrey decided to pursue her passion for music by taking a gap year from NYU. The risk paid off as her works have been featured in multiple media and led to a record deal with Arista Records. Currently working on more music, you can expect to hear more from Audrey in the months to come. - Aupium

Talented Korean-American songstress Audrey made her first splash on ThisIsRnB with her single “Time” and now she’s back for more. Releasing her newest single “Paper,” Audrey is ready to step into the spotlight and fully embrace it.

Delivering her sultry voice over a trap-infused, heavy bass instrumental, the young singer takes center stage on the hard-hitting track. Though only two and a half minutes, “Paper” shows the range of Audrey’s style as it takes on a different sound than its predecessor.

With lyrics like “I can’t even say / That if I love you, then it’s all about the paper / And if I miss you, then it’s all about the pay cut,” the Arista signee makes it clear that money is the motive and she’s more than ready to get to it.

Take a listen to the new release from the New Jersey-native below. - This Is RNB

20 year-old Korean-American rising star Audrey has already received support from the likes of Billboard, Wonderland and The Line of Best Fit with her recent single “Time”, which has already been streamed over 400,000+ times on Spotify. Her latest single “Paper” is an impressive soulful trap-tinged record that will no doubt win her more fans.

She took a gap year from college at NYU to pursue her passion for music and it seems like it’s been paying off. Audrey is definitely an artist you should keep your eyes on. - DiscoverNU

Paper is Audrey her new single and it sounds awesome. I really like the modern beats which create musical worlds full of new sounds. Besides, Audrey her voice knows to shine until the last second. Furthermore, I also adore the powerful chorus!

Speaking about the track, Audrey says: ”Paper is more in the vein of what’s coming next. This first project is just a tape of everything I’ve made this past year, so the overarching theme will be whatever you want to take from it.”

You can say without any doubt that Audrey has made some real art again, Paper has all the elements of a gem, so make sure to stream it as soon as possible!

Do not hesitate and add Paper to your playlist(s).

You can stream Paper below on Soundcloud or Spotify! - lefuturewave

Korean-American singer Audrey has released her latest single “Paper”. It’s an unapologetic song about all the things people will do for money.

20-year-old Audrey Chu, known mononymously as Audrey, is currently on a gap year from NYU to pursue her love for music, and it seems it’s paying off. Her recent single “Time” has over 300,000 streams of Spotify and she’s just signed to Sony’s Arista Records - the same label that was once home to artists like TLC and Whitney Houston.

Audrey got her start in music when she was just 16. The New Jersey born-and-raised artist used to upload singing videos to her Instagram, then one day Roc Nation producer Anwar Sawyer messaged her via the app asking to collab. Since then the two have been producing song after song and she'd even signed to his management company too.

“Coming as an outsider, and not seeing someone who looks like me doing this, really motivates me to just make work that lives outside those bounds of race and gender,” Audrey said to Paper Magazine about inspiring other Asian musicians.


Audrey’s latest single “Paper” is a look at all the things people do for money. Have a listen to below.


Audrey has artists like Thundercat and Kanye West to thank for the inspiration behind her crazy mix of pop and trap music. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and check out the latest styles on our trending page. - POSTKULTURE

With her recent single “Time” putting her into mainstream consciousness, rising star Audrey wastes no time dropping her new single “Paper”.

Having taken a gap year from college at NYU to pursue her passion for music, it already seems like it’s paying off: recently signing with the legendary Arista Records, home to legendary artists TLC and Whitney Houston, the New Jersey based artist looks primed to launch herself into the scene in a serious way.

“Paper” is a soulful, trap-tinged record, hitting hard with its 808’s and heavy bass, it’s deep, moody R&B chords are in equal parts enticing and serve as the perfect playground for Audrey’s slinky vocals to take centre stage. Unabashed in her sentiments that it’s “all about the paper”, her latest cut is yet another brilliant track in her steady growing catalogue, proving her pedigree as a bona fide R&B singer and artist.
Share - VENTS Magazine

Korean American singer/songwriter Audrey kicks off the list with what she calls “Paper” which showcases her unique melodic style and fiery demeanor. Over a smooth, head-nodding backdrop she blends alluring r&b elements with hip-hop vibes as she pontificates on why she is all about the paper. - BOND

Korean American artist AUDREY provides us with a deep and moody R&B styled offering in her latest single ‘Paper’, as well as a visual homage to her roots in the accompanying music video.

‘Paper’ sees AUDREY step up and take centre stage with her enchanting vocals soaring right across the mix, and taking dominance over the minimalistic approach in the instrumentation of 808 beats and booming bass lines. This notion of dominance is further exemplified in the accompanying music video that sees that highlights AUDREY‘s commanding presence whilst delivering her vocal expertise to impeccable heights. - Acid Stag

If you found yourself enjoying Audrey’s new single “Paper,” then we’re sure you’ll dig the new visual she has for it. Released at the end of last month, the new single has grown in popularity and its unique video will help its rise. Check it out to see what we mean. - This Is RNB

Following the release of brilliant single “Time”, exciting new R&B artist Audrey returns with a brand new eclectic visual for her gorgeous new single “Paper”.

New Jersey born but of Korean origin, the emerging talent unveils a new set of visuals that pay homage to the city’s cultural spills and with knowing nods to her Korean heritage. Audrey continues to prove her pedigree as a bona fide R&B singer and artist.
Having taken a gap year from college at NYU to pursue her passion for music, it already seems like it’s paying off: recently signing with the legendary Arista Records, home to legendary artists TLC and Whitney Houston, the New Jersey based artist looks primed to launch herself into the scene in a serious way. - Respect Mag

With her recent single “Time” putting her into mainstream consciousness and more than 300k streams strong on Spotify alone, Korean American starlet Audrey wastes no time with her latest sensational single Paper, her soulful, trap-tinged record ready to dominate the airwaves.

Hitting hard with its 808’s and heavy bass, it’s deep, moody R&B chords are in equal parts enticing and serve as the perfect playground for Audrey’s slinky vocals to take centre stage. Unabashed in her sentiments that it’s “all about the paper”, her latest cut is yet another brilliant track in her steady growing catalogue, proving her pedigree as a bona fide R&B singer and artist.

Not one to shy away from the visual front, her latest is an homage to the city’s cultural spills and with knowing nods to her Korean heritage, Audrey continues to prove her pedigree as a bona fide R&B singer and artist.

Having taken a gap year from college at NYU to pursue her passion for music, it already seems like it’s been paying off. Recently signing with the legendary Arista Records, once a home to incredible artists like TLC and Whitney Houston, the New Jersey based artist looks primed to launch herself into the scene in the right way and with the right support.

Armed with razor sharp lyricism and fierce aesthetic, the 20-year-old is creating a fresh and edgy lane adding new value to the current state of music. Tastemaker support from BILLBOARD, WONDERLAND and THE LINE OF BEST FIT can already attest to this. Audrey consistently reaffirms her position as a breakout name and be ready to hear more from this burgeoning star in the months to come. - Niji

“If I love you, then it’s all about the paper” lilts alternative R&B artist Audrey on the dizzying “Paper.” Backed by a monsterized vocal sample, she exchanges her empathy for currency. —EA - Fader

Audrey, fast-rising pop and R&B phenom, releases her new single "Paper," today. The song, written and co-produced with her manager/producer Anwar Sawyer, is the latest in a string of singles showing Audrey's range as a songwriter with a natural gift for finding original melodies within complex, trap-inflected arrangements. "Paper" compares a relationship to a financial bottom line. "If I love you then it's all about the paper/If I miss you then it's all about the pay cut," Audrey sings. She thus cleverly writes a metaphor in which love is capital, and emotional investment is net loss. But Audrey doesn't sound afraid of the risk. - PAPER

Audrey Chu, known mononymously as Audrey, is ready to leave her mark; though her stage moniker may be simple, her music certainly isn’t. Hailing from Manalapan, New Jersey, the Korean-American singer-songwriter mixes soulful melodies and R&B cadence with a sprinkle of pop and trap. Sonically and lyrically, Audrey draws inspiration from all walks of life — from Whitney Houston and Lee Sun Hee, to choir and Yeezus, going over Sailor Moon and Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends — and merges those with mellow vocals and rap innuendos. The final result is refreshingly real, especially for a 20-year-old.

Audrey’s élan for her craft is palpable and infectious, as is her undeniable charm and no-frills attitude. After convincing her parents to take a gap year from NYU’s Clive Davis Music Institute — whose alumni include Maggie Rogers and FLETCHER — with a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation, on paper, Audrey’s career is now closest to another NYU counterpart: Lady Gaga, who dropped after a year to focus on her music career. Well into her gap year, Audrey’s signing to Sony’s Arista was announced earlier this summer — becoming one of the first female Korean-American solo acts to sign to an American major label. Now without academic ties, a ticket to ride, and music in her mind, the New York-based songstress is well on her way to make her dream a reality.

Following the release of “Time” — her first offering as a signed artist — today, Audrey’s back with “Paper” — an unapologetic ode to money and freedom. As “Paper” makes its first foray onto the airwaves, we catch up with Audrey to discuss her forthcoming projects, inspirations, dream collaborations and Diet Coke addiction.

When did you begin to develop an interest in music and when did you start to think of it as a viable career?

I don’t remember a time I didn’t want to be in music. When I was younger I wanted to be a doctor but even so, I always put “a singing doctor” on school projects that asked my dream job. I realised I could really make music a career in high school. I was bored in physics class and just told myself I could do it if I really wanted to.

As a Korean-American, how did growing up in New Jersey impact you musically? What were your influences growing up?

I did singing competitions throughout Jersey and losing some of those but still wanting to continue singing made me realise I wanted this career. Growing up I loved Whitney Houston, Destiny’s Child, Lee Sun Hee. I was (and am) influenced a lot by cartoons and Sailor Moon and just kid stuff, really.

Were your parents supportive of your decision to leave NYU to become a full-time artist? How was that transition period for you?

I convinced my parents with a powerpoint, we’re talking pie charts and shit. HA. Transition was brutal for me because I’m sensitive and still a baby and hated living alone. But I grew so much and I’m practically 85 years old maturity-wise now. Wouldn’t change what I went through for the world.



You’ve mostly described as an R&B/pop act. Where do you pull from musically and how would you describe your sound yourself?

I pull from everything I love. My sound is a random mosaic of all the things I’ve heard and loved, living deep in my subconscious most likely. A lot of old school R&B singers but also Yeezus (my fav Kanye album). And choral tendencies since I was surrounded by that in high school.

Who would be your dream collaboration — in term of producers, artists, etc?

MF Doom. That would be so lit.

You recently signed to Arista, becoming one of the first Korean-American female solo artists to do so. What did that mean to you?

I’m just the first of many. I want to see more of these faces. Promising beginning but I’m definitely not satisfied with being one of the only ones.

What has changed since? What are some of the pros and cons of being signed vs. independent?

Arista has been lovely. I’m grateful. Just an overwhelming amount of support and people in the business behind me who actually appreciate the work too. I do miss being able to just randomly decide to put out a song a week before or so. Everything’s a lot more calculated now.

I assume one of the pros would be the expansion of your music internationally — I saw Sony Korea’s promoted you on IG recently. What markets are you most excited to enter as an artist?

All of them. We live in an international world, I want to perform in the most obscure corners of the planet and have some people singing shit back. Also, anywhere with juicy foods.

Do you feel the need (or pressure) cater to one market in particular?

No. I’m not really trying to cater to anyone. If you like the music and work I make, SICK.

Going into your music, your latest track, “Time” feels super anthemic and relatable, while “Paper” is completely unapologetic. What were your inspirations when writing both songs?

“Time” was inspired by Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, a show I liked as a kid. “Paper” was just a look at all the whacky things people will do for money. Paper is money, money can be imprisonment if you let it. Paper also represents writing, and that’s true freedom to me.

Can you give us an insight into your songwriting process? Do you start with the melody and then the lyrics?

I’m definitely melody-driven. A lot of times they come together though.

credits


In the behind-the-scenes video you posted on IG for “Time,” you kind of touch upon the meaning behind the value of time and now “Paper” straight-up talks about money and materialism. Did you link those concepts in purpose?

Ha, no. I’m just an old soul and meta-ass person. Always talking about abstract and conceptual and life from afar.

How do you feel “Paper” picks up from “Time”? And what’s next? Do you have an overarching theme that’ll tie in “Time” and “Paper” with future releases?

“Paper” is more experimental whereas “Time” is a very straightforward R&B song. “Paper” is more in the vein of what’s coming next. This first project is just a tape of all the shit I’ve made this past year, so the overarching theme will be whatever you want to take from it. The project I’m working on now is going to be a lot more of a concept, deliberate project…

What can we expect in terms of visuals for “Paper”?

“Paper” is the first officially self-directed video. I co-directed with Idle House on this one. That’s it for now.. teehee.

I understand you’re working on your first full-length project for next year. How’s the process going? What can people expect from it?

The process has felt like a reset. I’m so excited right now thinking about it. No one expect anything because I don’t even know what’s happening yet.

Do you have any goals you want to achieve in 2020, professionally or personally?

Personally I’d like to stop drinking Diet Coke. - Schon!

Arriving on the heels of her critically-acclaimed single, “Time,” Korean-American R&B vocalist, Audrey, drops her latest track, “Paper” and will release the self-directed visual early next month. “Paper” was produced and co-written with manager/producer, Anwar Sawyer.

Audrey says: “’Paper’ is more in the vein of what’s coming next. This first project is just a tape of everything I’ve made this past year, so the overarching theme will be whatever you want to take from it.” - Tha Produce Section

We heard of Audrey not too long ago, maybe last month, and her song was solid enough to keep an eye out for her in the future. “Paper” is her next release off the newly launched and rebranded Arista Records label and it feels like the singer will be one of their flagship artists. On the track, she brings a little chopped and screwed action to the thumping production, as new listeners will get a feel for her catchy melodies and soft voice. - OnSmash

Audrey strikes a captivating tone in her new single ‘Paper’. Drawing inspiration from trap, R&B and soul, the Korean-American singer-songwriter has struck a unique chord with her sound.

Following in the wake of previous single ‘Time’, ‘Paper’ is imbued with deep bass, skittish percussion and rich R&B chords for a sound that is simultaneously moody and inviting. Accompanied by Audrey’s smooth-as vocal which effortlessly dances through the din, her latest outing is as much a mission statement as it is an introduction. - Born Music Online

Although there has been a distinct lack of female Korean-American faces in the music industry, Audrey feels that it’s the perfect time to step into the scene. With the use of the internet and social media, artists can now market themselves and be discovered, and Audrey is proof of that; after posting a series of videos on Instagram she was discovered by hew manager and was able to focus on pursuing music. Rather than waiting around for the music industry to catch up to new, fresh acts who are not the stereotypical mold of what is popular, Audrey feels we are currently in a place where artists can show what is creative, different and marketable before the industry even realizes.



Audrey, a 20-year-old from New Jersey, was self-releasing her own work until she was recently signed to Arista Records, a label known for supporting and developing new, unique artists. She’s creative and a true daydreamer; her inspiration comes from her own imagination and is a powerhouse when it comes to her songwriting and ability to be versatile when her art needs it.






Time, her first single debut on a major record label, is released today. Since Audrey is big on creativity & imagination, it’s no surprise to anyone she wrote a song inspired by the cartoon Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends. Audrey describes Time as “a holding place for souls that went through life procrastinating and holding out on their dreams.” The video, which was directed by Grammy-nominated filmmaker Emma Westendberg who also worked with Janelle Monae on PYNK, explores Times narrative in a vibrant setting as a juxtaposition to the somewhat dark lyrics.



1883 had a chat with Audrey about her signing her record deal with Arista Records, her feelings on being one of the first female Korean-American faces in R&B, all about her first major-label debut, Time, and the music video.






How did you get started making music? What was it about music that made you want to pursue a career?

The earliest memory I have of wanting to become a singer was when I was 4 and my dad showed me a YouTube video of Whitney Houston singing the anthem at the 1994 Super Bowl. That shit blew my mind, even as a kid, and I’ve never seriously wanted to pursue anything else. There was a week in high school I thought I would become an astronaut but then I got a 1 on my AP Physics exam.



I read you were discovered after your manager saw your Instagram! How has social media changed your career since then?

I get so many opportunities through Instagram, it’s nuts. That’s where I reach out to people I want to work with, it’s where people hit me up to do shows. I remember this girl posted a video of her choreography to Soufflé – that was such a lovely feeling.



Congrats on signing with Sony Arista! What did it feel like to join a major label champions and celebrates young, diverse artists?

It’s wild. I grew up listening to Arista artists; sk8rboi was my shit, obviously! Whitney, Outkast… More than it being a major, what drew me to Arista is the legacy it has to uphold. That underdog mentality, it’s very comforting to me.



You’re one of the first female Korean-American R&B/pop acts to step into the mainstream, which should be a huge slap in the face to the American industry for being the opposite of diverse. What are your feelings about being one of the first? Does it feel like a long time coming?

My feelings about being one of the first… It doesn’t feel like a long time coming, actually. It feels like immaculate timing. Even just 5 years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to say that. What has changed isn’t that the music industry is being more open-minded about what’s marketable – it’s that artists are out here doing the marketing themselves and proving what’s possible beforehand. Gatekeepers are becoming obsolete when it comes to the early stages.






Time, the single premiering today, is your first major-label debut. What was the songwriting process like and what does the song mean to you?

The melody for “Time” lived in my voice memos for a year or so before the song manifested. Manny and Anwar (the producers of the song” Face-Timed me during a jam session randomly, and I knew pretty quickly that it was the right home for that hook. I remember writing the verses on my drive over to the studio and recording the rest of it that day. The song represents change, switching from one era in your life to another.



The video for Time is so colourful and imaginative, it feels like you’re watching a daydream. What was the inspiration behind it?

Thanks! The lyrics are inspired by Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends. I wanted to create this holding place where these souls live – wannabes who never fulfilled their destinies. It’s a pretty dark idea – going through life and letting your potential die with you. So I imagined a vibrant, other-worldly video from the start and sent that initial concept to a bunch of directors. I was lucky enough that Emma Westenberg fucked with it and sent over her interpretation/treatment for the video. Working with Emma was inspiring as hell. I learned so much.








I feel like you’re very much a creative artist and have a vibrant mind full of ideas. How important is creative control to you?

Creative control is important to me. It should be for anyone who creates anything. I’m realizing that your message, what you see in your head, the universe you’re trying to build – that shit is precious and no one’s gonna care about it the way you do or even fully understand it until it’s executed.



I’ve noticed a few Korean influences in your videos. Have you been inspired by any other Korean artists?

To be honest, no. I don’t know of too many Korean artists. The ones I do know, I respect a lot but don’t necessarily seek out influence specifically from Korean artists. I like to reinterpret and take influence from anything that excites me, no matter who or where it comes from. A trash can could be inspiring to me. So could be a bowl of Cheetos.



What do you want listeners to take away from your music?

I would love for people to listen and feel like a kid again. But really, take whatever you want to take. It’s a gift. You’re welcome!



What’s next for you?

The music I wrote last year is slowly exiting the womb. Directing/co-directing the next batch of videos… Writing the next project. Decorating my new apartment. Getting more sun because I’m Vitamin D deficient. - 1883Magazine

SONG OF THE DAY
The chanteuse holds the distinction of one of the first Korean-American female solo artists to sign to a major label in the US.

“Time”, and its forerunner “Souffle” released earlier this year, belong to a grander scheme of maintaining momentum, as Audrey prepares to release new music each month for the rest of 2019.

Downtempo grooves and languorous basslines are a sultry backdrop for Audrey’s crystalline vocals to veil. Her vocals trip, skipping down the steps, before smoothing out into a vast expanse for the chorus, as she promises, “I’m gonna make you mine / Gonna make this whole damn world mine”.



The visuals to accompany is a sun-bled montage, dedicated to the tarnished, seedy glamour of Hollywood. Her dream-like interactions with jaded stars is a realisation of the epithet, “Fake it ‘til you make it.” - The Line of Best Fit

Audrey "Time"
Now, for something completely smooth. Korean-American singer Audrey solidifes her place on the scene with another song that's structured like classic R&B but that has a certain power pop progression to elevate it. She manages to do things with her voice that 99% of singers can't and the groove in this song is instantly enjoyable. - Refinery29