Audri: hooked on that mechanic high

If there is anything to benefit from the coronavirus pandemic, it is precisely the fact that the period contributed to the birth – and sometimes rebirth – of diverse artists, with introspective works that certainly changed the course of showbizz. With the bulk of her production chained since the beginning of the lockdown, Audrey Stokes, or simply Audri is part of this select team of artists. In March 2020, she released her first EP, “Aud”,and her second EP, “Stunted Growth”, in March 2021. Then came Swan Song, another EP, released in November 2021.

Now, in the midst of the post-pandemic, she presents us with a surprising new EP, “Mechanic High”, which features only 3 songs, but each containing its own universe, genres and references that are part of Audri’s formation. After all, much more than a differentiated performer, the Seattle songwriter and producer owns a magnetism, a power of communication that also makes her fit in the segment of storytellers.

Honestly, genres all kinda mash up in my brain. I can’t really tell genres apart, unless it’s really obvious. I think that’s why when I write it sounds like a bit of everything.

Audri

Mechanic High: The ep

“In Euphoria, I sing “hooked to that mechanic high” when talking about riding a rollercoaster. I think it was a strong sounding phrase and encompassed the vibe of the EP, which is having fun and making memories”, explains Audri about the opening track, that brings a vocal performance to the height of singers like the late Dolores O’Riordan, with the ability to encompass many words in accelerated melodies.

With its bubblegum chorus, “Runaway Rabbit” it is, in my opinion, the best on the record, and the allusion to the runaway rabbit in the title brought Alice in Wonderland to my mind. The feeling of fleeing and fighting for one’s freedom is a constant not only in this EP but in all of Audri’s (still short) work. In “Welcome to Unknow” track from her first EP and a kind of “Born to Run” from her career, “Aud”, she has already spoken about the difficulty of making crucial choices during adulthood and the difficulty of finding a place to fit in.

Ending on a high note, “Pasture Lullaby” it’s a nod to all children’s songs, not without a certain sadness and melancholy, and perhaps the greatest proof of Audri’s musical versatility present in this work. “… I just go with the flow and whatever sounds right for the song, I go with”, says Audri, towards the top of the charts.

2 4 Things about Audri

Audri: proving that lullabies aren’t just for the children

RC- First, congratulations on your last EP. I think the first question that we can’t escape has to do with the fact that you’re from Seattle and at the same time produce a type of music that has nothing to do with grunge, although it has a lot of rock. Is it challenging for an artist like you not to live up to the standards expected even by your hometown audience?

A – Thank you! Seattle’s music scene has many niches that are more underground. But for my particular sound, I think the internet makes it easier to get heard. Everyone has such diverse taste in music that I’m bound to hook in a couple haha. Everyone I’ve met in the Seattle music scene has always been positive and kind. I think that attitude makes anyone feel comfortable expressing themselves.

RC – The Cranberries, Regina Spektor and even Tori Amos are some of the names that come to my mind while listening to their EP. Is it right to say that these, or rather these artists, if we highlight Dolores O’Riordan from the Cranberries, are an inspiration to you?

A – I have gotten The Cranberries and Regina Spektor comment before. For me, I don’t have any inspiration that I really pull from for my music. I have just a jumble of inspirations of almost all genres that probably bleed into my writing. When I’m writing and producing, I just go with the flow and whatever sounds right for the song, I go with.

RC – “Mechanic High” has only 3 songs, plus a good diversity of musical genres, such as jazz, classical, pop and rock. Which of these genres are you most comfortable with, and more than that, why did you decide to call such an organic ep “Mechanic High”?

A – Honestly, genres all kinda mash up in my brain. I can’t really tell genres apart, unless it’s really obvious. I think that’s why when I write it sounds like a bit of everything. My friend, Annie, helped me pick out the EP title. She went through the EP’s lyrics and picked out the phrases that stood out to her. In Euphoria, I sing “hooked to that mechanic high” when talking about riding a rollercoaster. I think it was a strong sounding phrase and encompassed the vibe of the EP, which is having fun and making memories.

RC – Many people still have the dream of moving to Seattle and making a living from music. At least in Brazil I know many rock musicians who would like to. And what is the reality? Can you make a living as an independent artist making non-commercial music in the US these days?

A – It’s super hard to break into, like any other music scene. I’m still trying to break into it, and I spend every hour I can working towards that goal. I think if you’re driven enough and dedicated enough, anything is possible. Just make sure to have a side job, while you’re doing it haha.