audalei photographed by Matthew James-Wilson
1. At what age did you realize that this was your true passion?
“I’ve always loved singing and writing but I spent my earlier years focusing on acting. I would write and sing when no one was around and I knew I loved it but always felt it was something to be kept private. When I was in my late teens I decided I wanted to pursue music more seriously. I got myself singing lessons and began landing parts in musicals. I sang in coffee shops with my brothers who were in bands. Over the pandemic I decided I wanted to share what I’d been working on with the world. It was a big step. I began working with engineers to bring my music to the next level. I didn’t think about if it was possible, I just knew I’d give it my all and make it work”.
2. What artist did you listen to most growing up?
“I listened to a lot of Amy Winehouse, Lana Del Rey, Daughter, Dido, Ingrid Michaelson, Feist, Norah Jones. When Lorde dropped her debut album I played it non stop”.
3. What advice do you have for someone who is just starting out?
“There are no rules. Make art that feels like you. Write the way you like. Sing the way you like. Make music for you and your audience will come. I heard once, “I don’t make music for people that don’t like my music. I make music for people who love my music”. If you like it, chances are there are so many people who will find it and love it too!”.
4. What is your favorite song that you've made?
“It would have to be a song that isn’t out yet. I wrote it about my adjustment to LA when I first moved. The next few songs I’ve got coming are really fun to jump around to. I think they’ll be super fun to perform live and I’m so excited to share them”.
5. If you could thank one or more persons right now who would it be and why?
“There are so many. A huge thank you to all the people I’ve been working with to create the music I’ve made. Thank you to Dalton Ricks, who is an absolute genius and pleasure to be around. Dalton did an amazing job mixing meringue pie. Thank you to Tyler Gardosh, my manager, who is one of the first people in this industry that really believed in me and spent time wanting to get my authentic music made and heard. They ask “Does this feel like your song?” and they really encourage me to create music that is genuine to me. Thank you to my sweet brother who eagerly hops on board and adds his beautiful instrumentation. Him and I will hopefully get the chance to perform live together as soon as we are in the same city!”.
audalei photographed by Matthew James-Wilson
6. Who do you see yourself collaborating with next?
“I would love to work with David Marinelli. He’s a super talent and a chill, funny dude. I think we’d make some magical fun stuff together”.
7. What has been your most memorable moment on this journey?
“I’m having huge moments of gratitude constantly as more and more great things come my way! It’s been pretty exciting to see my streams and followers growing rapidly by the thousands. And seeing how many countries are listening to me. In the last month, my music has been streamed in over 75 countries which is just… wild. I’ve had so many pinch me moments in the last year”.
8. If you could go back in time and change one thing, what would it be?
“I’d stay present and grateful. I will never be 17 writing songs in my lime green bedroom again. I will never be moving to LA for the first time again eating chili for each meal. I will never be releasing my first ever single again and watching it surpass the one thousand stream mark. So I’d soak in each step along the way because soon enough I’ll get where I’m wishing and planning to be, but I’ll never be where I used to be again”.
9. What do you do to decompress?
“I meditate each day, and it’s insane how helpful breathing is. Who would’ve thought! I allow for stillness throughout my day when I’m feeling overstimulated or overwhelmed. I also write which helps me make sense of all the squiggly thoughts. I also recharge with friends which is very “extravert” of me”.
10. What advice do you have for someone who gets stuck on this journey?
“If you have a dream it’s because it’s possible. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not possible. If they do-that says more about their level of belief in themselves than you. If it’s entered your mind, if you’ve had the desire pop in your head, you can achieve it. So go for it. And when the timing is perfect, it will come. Often when you push past the point of giving up, the magic happens”.