Artist Spotlight: Meet Audra Watt
Credit: The Factory Photography By Goldy Locks
What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of "Bullet Trains?"
Every year before the school year starts, I go through my kids' clothes, sorting out what no longer fits. My older son's outgrown clothes go into my younger son's drawers, and anything my youngest has outgrown gets donated to the Salvation Army or Goodwill. Recently, when I asked my younger son if he had any baby toys or books he wanted to donate, he told me he was ready to part with his (once beloved) toy dinosaurs. It wasn't too long ago that he would proudly tell anyone who asked (or even those who didn't) that dinosaurs were his favorite toys. It felt like the end of an era. I had cursed those dinosaurs countless times when they were left out in the hallway, and then, as if overnight, he was ready to move on to video games. That moment perfectly encapsulated the advice I received at my baby shower: "The days are long, but the years are short." I felt so overwhelmed by that wave of emotion that I just needed to share it.
Were there any memorable or standout moments during the recording sessions for this song?
This was my first time in a professional recording studio, so the whole experience was emotional and surreal. When the session musicians came in to play and we were all sitting together listening to the worktape and I could see them start to sway and get into the groove, I started to cry. I couldn’t believe that after all this time it was finally happening!
What did you enjoy most about making "Bullet Trains?"
Successfully fighting off the voices in my head who had been screaming “who do you think you are… you’re 41 years old… this is stupid… you’re an idiot who can’t sing and has no business doing this…” I am so proud of myself for finally telling those voices to shut up. I wish I could have done that 20 years ago, but better late than never.
Can you walk us through your creative process when writing and composing music?
My songwriting process usually starts with a phrase or a title that catches my attention that sort of turns over and over again until I start to hear it. Melodically and chord-wise, my songs usually start with me attempting to do something specific, and then messing it up and accidentally ending up somewhere else. The guitar riff and timing of the phrasing of the hook were mistakes from my attempt to play the Avett Brothers “The Ballad of Love and Hate.” Sometimes I’ll also challenge myself to do something specific, like write in 6/8 time, or try to incorporate a 4 minor that isn’t cheesy. Bringing the melody and lyrics together is (for me) a painful and destructive process involving a lot of cursing and ripping up pages. It’s much more pleasant for everyone around me when I write with a patient co-writer who can keep me focused and on track. Being that I write melody and lyrics, I do tend to lean one way or the other depending on the strengths of my co-writers. In some writes, I focus mostly on chords and melody, and in others I don’t even touch my instrument and focus exclusively on lyric. Other times I just am in the room and along for the ride.
What advice would you give to aspiring singer-songwriters who are looking to develop their craft and share their music?
Write bad songs. Seriously – just finish every song you start or at least a verse and a chorus. Even if you think it’s “bad” – doesn’t matter, just finish it. Put placeholder lines in if you have to and then rewrite it after you have some space. Take a walk, sleep on it, play it for a trusted friend, and then come back to it. Rewrites can turn a “bad” song into a “good song” and even take a “good song” into a “great song” so don’t be afraid to just push through and come back to the song later.