Emerging from the Sioux Falls music scene in South Dakota, Rap/Hip Hop recording artist Aundre Myles began hitting the ground running in the music realm in 2016 and since then has manifested into a versatile and multifaceted artist with his own signature sound and stylization, and has no intention of slowing down his momentum anytime soon. Known for his charismatic rhyming techniques and dynamic vocal structures, Aundre’s authentic style touches on equal parts originality and familiarity; giving his audience a taste of something fresh, as well as identifiable. Deeming the genre “mood music”, he also blends in an ambience of R&B into his songs and fuses it together with vibes and atmospheric overtones, encompassing a sound that brings his versatility to the forefront. His music is also reminiscent of many personal artist influences including J. Cole, Alicia Keys, Mac Miller, among many others. Since gracing the stage, he has had the opportunity to perform at a vast array of prominent clubs and venues, opening up for artists including industry heavyweights like Kid Ink, 2 Chainz, and Wax.
- How long have you been in the music business and how did you get started in the first place?
Aundre Myles: Officially 4 years since I started taking it serious. I got started because I wanted to make music that people vibe with and relate to.
- Who were your first and strongest musical influences that you can remember?
Aundre Myles: Alicia Keys first, she’s the one that got me into R&B later bridging the gap to hip-hop and rap, her music helped me in a way that made me want to do the same for others. Mac Miller, J. Cole, & Nipsey Hussle have always been about the grind that makes me want to keep making music. Finally, Sade for making music that I can truly feel the vibe of.
- Which artists are you currently listening to or inspired by?
Aundre Myles: A little bit of everything. I’m still always inspired by the artist I listed above. But Boogie, Ariana Grande, Alessia Cara, & Mozzy have really helped push my creativity lately.
- What do you feel are the key elements people should be getting out of your music?
Aundre Myles: That even though everyone goes through hard times, or even good times, differently. You never have to be alone when you have music. Chances are someone’s made a song about what you’re feeling.
- What do you think separates you from the crowd of urban music artists emerging right now?
Aundre Myles: Hopefully my vibe. I’ve been trying to grow and craft myself from the ground up. I’m always growing so I never know if I’ll fully get to where I’m content.
- Grammy or Platinum sales, if you had the choice to decide on only one of the two, which would you choose and why?
Aundre Myles: Platinum sales. I truly feel that’s where your fans support really shows. I’d still rock a Grammy though.
- Are your lyrics predominantly based on real events and personal experiences, or are they drawn from your creative storytelling skills?
Aundre Myles: Both, there’s no one way to create music.
- What would you consider a successful, proud or high point in your career so far?
Aundre Myles: I’m in the multi-million view club with my music, have gone viral a few times now, and last summer I headlined my first festival.
- What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
Aundre Myles: Honestly, being lazy. It’s so easy to sit down and browse Facebook or play a video game knowing you should be working on the things you need to be.
- What key ingredients do you always try and infuse into your songs?
Aundre Myles: I’m a really big fan of Lo-Fi beats. So a good beat and a catchy hook are 2 things I like to stand behind. I say it a lot, but I’m all about the vibe.
- Do you also produce the beats and write the lyrics on your songs or do you collaborate with outside sources in any of these cases?
Aundre Myles: I just started producing a few months ago and have made a few beats. I’ve written all my music so far.
- Which aspect of being an independent artist and the music making process excites you most and which aspect discourages you most?
Aundre Myles: I’m signed to an independent label. Blvck Hoodie. There’s about ten of us on the label, but it’s such a different range of artist abilities. It’s seeing what someone can do with their craft that I really enjoy tbh.
- If you had the chance to work with any internationally recognized and successful producer or artist, who would that choice fall on right now?
Aundre Myles: Ariana Grande. That might sound cliché since she’s one of the world’s biggest pop vocalists, but I think her music is more than pop. I would love to make a Hip-Hop/R&B style track with her. Like those Ja Rule and Ashanti vibes from back in the day.
- If you had the opportunity to change one thing about how the music business works right now, what would that be?
Aundre Myles: More money per stream maybe? More of a straight forward process for setting up tours.
- If someone has never heard your music, which keywords would you personally use to describe your overall sound and style?
Aundre Myles: Lo-Fi raps and chill?
- Do you consider Internet and all the social media websites as fundamental in building a career in music today, and what is your personal relationship with the new technology at hand?
Aundre Myles: Absolutely. I’m a huge tech head. When I first started I had initially myself Audio Engineering, Photography, Graphic Design, & Videography all so I would never have to outsource what I could do myself. Simply because I know how I like things. However, I do like having outside input more now as it helps with managing the workload. Plus it all falls back on seeing what other people’s vision of you is.
- Tell us something about your latest release and where fans can find it.
Aundre Myles: My latest release isn’t coming until this fall of 2020. It’s an EP called Goodbye Love. However I just released my plans for the Summer. I’m releasing 2 songs a week from June 1st to the first day of Autumn.
- What is your relationship with visual media? Do you think videos are important for your music? Do you have a video you would recommend fans checkout and are you busy working on something new for them?
Aundre Myles: Videos always add a visually stimulating side or story to music. It’s an art form at the end of the day. My most recent video is called Perfect Ft. DaRoundHero I’m a fan of the storyline we came up with for that one. This summer I have a bunch of ideas I want to see come to life video wise.
- Do you prefer working and creating in a studio environment, or performing live and dominating an audience?
Aundre Myles: Studio environment so far. I do love performing, but I am an introvert so I’m still learning how to improve my performances.
- What is the next milestone on the upcoming agenda for Aundre Myles in 2020?
Aundre Myles: Success. I want to succeed in making music a career and the goals I set for myself. Also I wouldn’t mind going on my first tour lol.
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