Catching Up With Aimee Bobruk

I recently caught up with Aimee Bobruk who just received this fantastic review in Maverick Magazine (UK, Oct 2009 Issue).

Aimee Bobruk
The Safety Match Journal
Hungry Ghost Music
****
A sweet, sensual and surprising album from start to finish

Austin’s Aimee Bobruk takes every opportunity to defy convention. Not least did she send out her promo CD’s encased in old 12 inch record sleeves, individually pasted over with paint and stickers – enough to capture even the most jaded journalists attention. But the twenty-six year-old, who could have so easily blended in with a glut of middle-Americana songstresses, has teemed up with innovative producer Darwin Smith to give her songs on THE SAFETY MATCH JOURNAL a variety of edgy, indie, ambient, classical and even prog rock spins. The result is a lush yet delicately textured palette if ever there was one, sensitive and uncluttered.

But just when you’re acclimatized to the spacey effects of Puppets at Play or the bass synths, trombone and vibraphone worldliness of Yo Los Veo a comparatively simple and rootsy number like Precious Jesus or Blessing peeks round the corner and knocks your socks off.  With echoes of Po’ Girl, Feist and the Cowboy Junkies, these are clever songs executed with great intelligence. HK

Aimee has recently been invited to be a writer in residence in Montour Falls, NY. This begins in January 2010. During this time she will write and record 20 songs and begin her own song subscription (by donation) in preparation for her next studio album. More info at www.aimeebobruk.com

Aimee just got back from a 6 week tour–east coast, west coast and southwest. Currently she is the resident artist at Flipnotics in Austin, Tx and has plans to play a few shows in Dallas with Will Sexton.

Check out the Q&A for more thoughts from Aimee!

1.  What has been the biggest thing to happen to you in 2009?

I went on tour for 6 weeks straight during which time I co-wrote a song with Steve Postell (Jenifer Warrens) that was pitched to Sony Publishing. I also co-wrote with Daniel Taschian (Nashville, TN).

2. What are your recording plans?

I’m writing for my next record.  Producer to be confirmed soon.  I’ll be starting my next record in early 2010.

3. What’s the best music event you have attended?

Bill Callahan’s in-store performance at Waterloo Records, Austin TX

4. Name some albums you have been listening to this year and why you like them:

Bill Callahan’s “I Wish We Were An Eagle”–because it is the most beautiful recording I’ve heard all year.

Lee Barber’s “Thief and Rescue”–Good friend, produced by the talented Brian Beattie who produced Bill Callahan

Danny Malone “Cuddle Bug”–Freshest young pop to come out of Ausitn in Years.

Billy Harvey “The Everlasting War”–The most talented songwriter/producer/and media man I know

Chad Vangaalen “Soft Airplane”–Coolest untraditional arrangements I’ve ever heard.

5. Do you prefer recording or touring? Why?

Recording.  It’s about the process. It’s the closest thing to church that I’ve every found.

6. Is there a particular method you have for composing a song? Where do you feel most comfortable writing music?

I usually start with a specific phrase that I want to incorporate in the song or a melodic hook. Then I just explore. I feel most comfortable in my studio.

7. What is the most memorable experience you’ve had on tour?

When Steve Novelli (the voice of Sponge Bob) came to my show at Lestat’s in San Diego and we shared beers afterwards.

8. How was your experience recording at Ardent Studios?

(When) I did the Ardent Presents series… I had a blast, loved the control room and found the experience to be one the best intimate/close up shows I’ve ever done. Nothing better than cutting a live track in an awesome studio.

Check out Ardent Presents: Aimee Bobruk