Mike Aubé

Mike Aube’s songs might be played in the tradition of contemporary folk, but he plays them with a certain youthfulness that enables him to bring his own signature to the genre.

Born in New Brunswick, Aube had at one time pursued a career in education, working as a teacher before a quarter-life crisis saw him abandoning his career in order to pursue music. He took off to Windsor, NS and recorded his debut album, Aberdeen Street, which received critical praise as well as airplay on CBC and college radio.

With Aberdeen Street being released in 2006, Aube followed it up with 2009’s Cluster Folk. In addition to the clever name, it provided a fresh batch of playful and catchy folk with enough country influence and references to east coast living to make it clearly Canadian, but not in a hokey way.

Most of Aube’s upcoming shows are taking place in and around his hometown. All that’s left to do now is convince him to venture outside of the valley and treat the rest of us to his music. - Canadian Musician Magazine

Aberdeen Street: Mike Aube (featuring Rust Bucket)
CD Review by Allison Lickley

Whether the sun is shining through your window on a Sunday afternoon or you’re starting a road trip, the newly released Aberdeen Street should be the soundtrack to your scene. Mike Aube’s debut solo album is just the right combination of great guitar lines, contemplative lyrics, and dry humour; you’re bound to find yourself slowly nodding your head and smiling to the music.

The esthetic elements in Aberdeen Street are only part of its appeal. Aube’s folk/blues songs address issues concerning the earth, war, existence, and love. “Civilized”, “Aberdeen Street”, and “The Only One” are all great examples of his ability to incorporate a message without compromising other aspects of the song. Lines such as “I don’t know who I am / but I sure know what I’m not” demonstrate Mike’s skill for presenting essential questions in a beautifully simple medium.

The contemplative aspect of the album is counter balanced nicely with light-hearted tracks such as “Dashboard Jesus” and “The UFO Song”. Mike’s dry humour and clever writing, as exhibited in these songs, will make you tap your foot and laugh out loud. This is an album that you will appreciate on different levels with each listen.

Aberdeen Street is available at the Just Us! Cafes in Wolfville and Grand Pre, and will be officially released June 24th, 8 p.m. at the Al Whittle Theatre.
- The Grapevine

"A voice of smoke and honey, great songs and groovy playing"

"It [Mike's debut CD, Aberdeen Street] contains some of my all time favourite songs."

- Andy Flinn - The Grapevine, Wolfville, NS

In the key of Aube
April 7, 2009

...We finally managed to get Mike Aube into our living room this weekend, and at our suggestion, he brought his wife Kelly and their adorable daughter, Joni along. You can tell that Joni loves her Dad’s music – she has her favourites (Like the Hoppity Song – which she asked for several times after he’d had the room rocking with it…) and she claps enthusiastically after each and every song. Mike’s two sets were filled with 99% original tunes, taken from his first CD Aberdeen Street which was supported by his band Rust Bucket and new tunes from his upcoming CD Out of Reach due out in June. Mike’s seasoned performing skills kept the room focused as he entertained with an extensive repertoire of songs – old and new. These are the Days…. Aberdeen Street….Pennies and Peanuts….Keep Right (except to pass)…Shape of a Heart…lots more including the aforesaid Hoppity Song (written by Five for Fighting’s lead singer) which had the two three year olds and everyone else yelling “hi!” with gusto! The title track from the upcoming CD – Out of Reach - is hooky and I can “hear it” as a theme for something…or playing in the background on a TV show radio…

Mike’s musical friends contributing to the new CD include The Hupman Brothers… another great Valley act…watch http://acousticroof.ca/concert listings for a show with the Hupmans coming up this fall! - Acoustic Roof

Mike Aube’s new project is all about finding the beauty in simple things.

The Wolfville-based alternative folk artist is launching an art project leading up to the release of ‘Together,’ his new single in March. He is on the hunt for people’s favorite memories, maybe a few snapshots and video clips of moments that made someone’s life special.

It could be a walk with the dog, a quiet sunset and a cup of tea, a favorite song on the radio, or a laugh with a best friend.

Aube says when he looks back on his own favourite moments, he recalls pushing his then three-year-old daughter on a swing.

“I was so tired, but she loved it so much,” he said. “Looking back now, it was so special. She was so little, and so happy. She’s going on 14. Life is made up of these little moments, remember to be grateful while you have them and there will be no regrets.”

He has printed off a batch of postcards inviting people to participate in his project, Little Moments 2020. Volunteers will drop these cards wherever they go, hoping to attract moments from all over the world.

“I imagine someone sitting in a coffee shop somewhere and picking one up,” he said. “Then they can write in and share their stories.”

Aube has mailed packages of these postcards all over Canada and other parts of the world, hoping volunteers will leave them for others to find. When people share their stories, Aube will pass them on anonymously with audiences on social media and whenever he performs over the coming year.

“Little moments is one of the key lyrics of the single, “Together”,’ he said. “I’m asking people to tell me about what little moments hold meaning to them and how they will celebrate them in 2020.”

Last year he launched a similar smaller project, This Is My Year, hoping to inspire others to live it up in 2019.

People can send their video clips and stories via Dropbox, or Google Drive. For those who are not interested in submitting to the project, but want to share, he is looking for volunteers to help him spread the postcards far and wide. For more information on the project visit to http://www.littlemoments2020.com; or find it on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/littlemoments2020 - Kings Co Advertiser Register