Inspired #346 - Alice Auer
British singer-songwriter Alice Auer roots sit deep in jazz and soul music - from the likes of Nat King Cole to Amber Navran. She took a moment to talk to us about the inspirations behind her music and latest track ‘Turn Back Time’.
Who are your top three musical inspirations and why?
My first choice has to be Amber Navran from Moonchild. She was the first female vocalist I heard performing neo-soul, jazz influenced vocals with a soft and delicate voice similar to mine while the music behind her still had a groove. The second probably has to be Jordan Rakei, I’ve been a fan of his for years and years. The storytelling through his lyrics, is always effortless and his vocals dance perfectly around the melody. Finally, I think I’d have to say Chet Baker. I studied Jazz, and his arrangements were always my favourite to perform as they had so much heart behind the words, which I fell in love with.
Is there a certain film that inspires you and why?
I think TV shows inspire me more than films at the moment. I’m a sucker for Jim & Pam's relationship in the Office.
What city do you find the most inspiring and why?
Personally at the moment I do find the still of the countryside more inspiring than the city. But London is where I started writing my own music, and it’s where I’ve met so many amazing artists who I’ve been lucky to collaborate with. I think London will always inspire me musically.
Who is the most inspiring person to you and why?
Musically, I’m really lucky to know and work with some amazing musicians like Conor Albert, Seth Tackaberry, Francesca Hole (The Naked Eye) - who are all musically inspiring. But personally I think my parents, neither of whom have had an easy life but they’ve always supported me doing what I love even if it’s not the easiest pay off.
What were your inspirations when writing your new track?
I was in a car accident earlier in the year, and that sort of sent me into an uninspired spiral. I was lucky enough to spend some of my recovery time with my parents at my family home, where we spent a lot of time watching old family videos. It made me question, if I went back in time to meet my parents, would they be proud of me and who I’ve become.
How would you like to inspire people?
I like to think some of my songs have stories and questions behind them, such as Turn Back Time and Smile (from my previous EP), which hopefully will resonate with people and inspire them to take life day by day and make the most of every opportunity.
