Rising bass artist Auracle gives us the full story of how she fell in love with electronic music, her recent success in the scene, and what’s to come in 2024.
Those searching for what’s next in the future of the bass scene should check out what’s been brewing with Auracle lately. Originally from Seattle but now based out of Los Angeles, this artist started as a raver over a decade ago before channeling her passion into singing, songwriting, DJing, and production in the bass music realm. Previously known under her former alias TINY, she’s since welcomed a new era of her career under the Auracle name and has already begun to see success.
Last year, Auracle released Evoke, her debut EP under the alias that featured three fantastic tracks. Then, she joined Smoakland on their nationwide tour, impressing crowds in cities like Boston and Atlanta while showing off her abilities behind the decks. To close out 2023, she dropped off one last release, Blue Moon, a two-tracker that was recorded during the celestial event that bears its name in August and saw Auracle channel cosmic energy and put her emotions on her sleeve.
Now, in 2024, Auracle is prepping to reach even greater heights. But before the year can kick too far into gear, we caught up with this blossoming bass talent to dig into her story, recent adventures, and what’s to come in the future. Listen to Auracle’s exclusive guest mix and read on for the full conversation.
Stream EDMID Guest Mix 404 || Auracle on SoundCloud:
Hi Auracle, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us today. How have you been doing during the first week of 2024?
Thank you so much for having me! I was fortunate to be able to spend the end of ‘23 and the beginning of ‘24 at home in Seattle. My family still lives in Seattle, and I always feel refreshed and grounded after spending time with them. It has been a nice, relaxing transition into the new year for me.
Let’s dive into your backstory a bit. Where does your passion for music stem from, and what led you to create music in the electronic scene?
Let’s do it. My passion for music is innate and was passed down to me from my dad’s side of the family. My dad was a bassist for a rock band back in the day, and my grandpa could pick up almost any instrument and play beautiful music despite having no training (rest his soul). I didn’t start with EDM, however. As a toddler, I started singing in the crib and developed a deeply rooted love for music. My parents raised me on alternative rock, alternative metal, soul, funk, and pop. Anything from Nirvana to Ray Charles to Evanescence to James Brown to Creed to Seal to C+C Music Factory (one of my favorites to dance to in diapers).
Fast forward to around 2005. I was rummaging around in the garage. I came across my dad’s old band guitars and taught myself how to read tabs and play chords. Fast forward even further to 2013, and I was introduced to raving, and that is where everything changed for me.
Fun fact: my very first rave was in October 2011 at a small venue in downtown Seattle. I didn’t even know what electronic music was, and I honestly wasn’t very excited to go. My friend convinced me to come out, and it ended up being….. Wait for it… a Skrillex show! [Laughs]
You’re not just a producer but a vocalist as well. Do you feel this makes you approach songs differently compared to others? What’s your production process like?
Absolutely. Some of my best work has come from a blank project file and simply messing around with a microphone. In most cases, I approach songs with a melody and/or chords and harmonies, etc. I think that being a vocalist lends an artist well to a strong melodic style. On the flip side, however, I have always sort of envied people who come from a rhythmic background. People who play or produce strong, solid drums. That is something I am working on, as well as comparing myself less to other artists.
Late last year, you released the Blue Moon EP, which was absolutely enchanting. Its title stems from when you wrote it, but can you dig deeper into its creation and the intimate nature of these tracks?
Thank you. The EP was indeed written, recorded, and produced during the Blue Moon of August 2023, hence the name. The phrase “Blue Moon” refers to a rare second full moon occurring during a month. In this case, it also happened to be a “supermoon,” which occurs when the moon is at 90% or greater of its mean closest approach to Earth. My zodiac sign is Cancer, and my ruling planet is the Moon, which would explain why it has always greatly influenced me. This period was a time of reflection and addressing where I stand with myself and with the world.
The first track, “Ritual,” serves as a reminder to stay present with the physical and metaphysical world around us. I used a combination of pulsing drum-circle style percussion and vibrant descriptive lyrics. “I can feel it in the air, colored by the breeze. It lives among the trees, it’ll bring you to your knees,” refers to the intangible energy that always flows through us and connects us with the universe and everything that is few and far between.
“There’s things that I can’t hide, when we’re alone. I couldn’t if I tried, cause with you I know..” is a lyric from “When We’re Alone,” the second track on the EP. This song sounds like it was written about someone else (When WE’RE Alone), but I’m referring to myself, my shadow self, and my ego. I wrote it as an ode for collecting all parts of myself harmoniously and addressing them truthfully.
One of the more unique places you’ve played a set was at Burning Man. Looking back on that experience, how does it compare to others you’ve played at other venues lately?
It was one of the sickest sets I have ever played. TINYKVT, my friend and fellow artist (extremely talented vocalist and producer), offered me the opportunity to play The Polaris Art Car, and I wasted no time accepting it. I curated a one-of-a-kind set specifically for the Burn, and it is packed with WIPs and remixes that I may never release (uploaded to my SoundCloud for anyone interested).
Hours before my set, a vicious sandstorm blew in that prompted emergency alerts for everyone to stay at their camps and take shelter. We disregarded the alerts and set off into the dark and dusty storm to make my set. It was a little scary but so worth the risk. Upon arrival, we discovered the art car was rendered immobile due to mechanical issues. Between that and the storm- it ended up being one of the smallest crowds I’ve played for! [Laughs] Nonetheless, it was a crazy night I will never forget.
And for those who know… the Playa provides.
You also joined Smoakland on tour in 2023. Can you share what that was like? Did you pick up any tips from them while on the road, or were there any specific moments that stood out?
Yes! Shoutout Harry and Ant, I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity. Also, thank you to my management, Britt and Tank, for helping make it happen. Touring has always been on my goal/bucket list since I started producing seven years ago. It went from being a fever dream to actual reality. In retrospect, it is an insane feeling.
The Stay In Your Lane Tour took me to Boston, Pennsylvania, Atlanta, Seattle, and Vegas. Touring is tough, however, especially for newer artists. The cost of travel is ridiculous. It helped to have friends and family to stay with for some stops. I learned so much on this tour, and I can’t wait to put what I learned to use and to learn more on the next venture!
Seattle seems to have a pretty vibrant electronic music scene right now. What’s your favorite thing about the scene there? On the flip side, is there something you’d like to see change in the future?
The Seattle electronic music scene holds a special place in my heart. I was a part of it as a fan in the crowd before ever pursuing it as a career. From Volume Nightclub to Foundation to Q to Ora to Trinity to Vue to Stage, etc. I attended them all and played the most, from my very first show to some of my most recent.
My favorite thing about the scene is how hard the community goes for the artists and the music. Also, I love how passionate and dedicated the local talent is, too. I would like to see the local community come together to throw more events. I would love to help out and be a part of that movement!
Finally, with the whole year ahead of you, what goals do you hope to achieve in 2024? Can we expect more releases and shows on the horizon?
I want to release a lot more music. I aim to release three to four EPs this year and around 10-12 remixes/collaborations. Moreover, my goal is to create the best music I can make for myself. I have been listening to Rick Rubin’s podcasts and just started his book, The Creative Act. It has helped me a lot with shaping my approach to the creative process. I realized that the looming expectation of outcome prevented me from starting and finishing many ideas. My goal is to remove the creative blocks and write from a place with zero expectations of how a song will sound once done and what ends up happening once it is released.
I also want to perform as much as possible this year. Aside from the silent disco I played at Bass Canyon Festival, I haven’t played a festival. That is a big goal for 2024. I’ve always wanted to tour via bus and would like to make that happen this year or in the future. Dreaming even bigger, my goal is to perform internationally- but that goal may take a while.
Another goal for 2024 is to get my music in the hands of my idols: CloZee, Zeds Dead, Mersiv, Liquid Stranger, and their respective labels and events/festivals. Working with any of these artists, releasing under their labels, and/or performing at their festivals would be a dream come true.
I also want to minimize the stress, the clutter, and the noise. I want to rid my life of anything that is not serving me. In doing so, I can optimize my mind/body health and, in turn, my workflow. I want to stop taking life too seriously this year and remember that we are not here long, and we are supposed to have fun. I know that I will be happier and ready to serve myself and others as I implement this way of living.
I may also have a collab coming your way with a girl crush of mine…, but you’ll have to wait and see.
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