Aubrie Sellers: Far Away From Home
Aubrie Sellers is set to release her sophomore record, Far Away From Home today (2/7). The album, co-produced by Aubrie alongside Frank Liddell, was recorded at Sonic Ranch outside of El Paso, Texas. The album consists of twelve tracks, eleven original tunes, six of which have been released as singles, and have received critical acclaim from NPR, Rolling Stone, Billboard, People and more. Paste Magazine has declared Aubrie Sellers as “…their #1 Country Artist to Watch in 2020.” We agree, and her record, Far Away From Home, will help propel her to the top.
“I feel like I’m film in a digital world,” says singer-songwriter Aubrie Sellers. “There are so many slick, clean-sounding records that are designed for quick consumption, but that’s not me. I make dirty, grungy-sounding records, and the emotions spill all over the place. They’re messy at times, but I find beauty in that” -Aubrie Sellers. This statement to me is what defines what is genuine in the music world versus what is dressed up and disguised corporate radio bullshit. Aubrie Sellers has made an album that is a personal and artistic statement. Sellers is making music the only way, the right way. In doing so, she is providing a path for others to follow. Particularly young women who inspire to someday make their own art. “…If I can inspire other artists, particularly young girls, to follow their own paths, then I know I’m doing something meaningful. I can’t think of any better response to music than that.”
Aubrie Sellers released her debut album, New City Blues, four years ago. She transitioned from a traditional major label system to a fresh, fiercely independent label (Soundly Music). Sellers also has new management that has allowed her the freedom to create, be herself, and apply her love and passion for making music. It shows on this album. Sellers said, “It took me a while to sort out some business angles, but now I feel as if I’m in a really good place to do what I want.”
All the changes around Sellers have revitalized her. She’s got the audacity of a young upstart, but thanks to two years of roadwork following the release of New City Blues, Sellers has also developed the maturity of a seasoned pro. “Touring really allowed me to find my voice,” she observes. “Even though I sometimes feel alone and vulnerable, when I get on stage I have to have an almost ‘fuck it’ attitude. I know I can’t please everybody, so I have to please myself.” She cites her boyfriend Ethan Ballinger, an ace guitar virtuoso who also plays in her band, as being a stabilizing force both musically and personally. “I feel less alone when I’m with him,” Sellers notes, “and with that comes confidence.” All of these changes and elements can be found within Far Away From Home.
As the co-producer on the record, Sellers had the vision to map out a dozen tracks that would tell her tale, and form a picture of an artist coming into her own. She begins this right out of the gate with the title track, “Far Away From Home.” A piece that is pure poetry set to an eerily beautiful gospel sounding composition. The sole cover on the album is a bluegrass tune written by Shawn Camp and Billy Burnette Jr. and originally released by The Del McCoury Band in 2003. Sellers, joined by guest Steve Earle, turn up the heat and make “My Love Will Not Change” a real intense burner. The back and forth between the two, coupled with the distinction and passion in the voices of Sellers and Earle, elevates this song to an entirely different level. The tune has been spinning around the clock on SiriusXM Outlaw Country, deservedly, since it has been released as one of the six singles.
The record has an indie-rock infused with country blend throughout. The most country sounding song on the album is “Under the Sun.” The tune was a co-write with boyfriend Ethan Ballinger and inspired by a week-long camping trip that the two took together in Texas. “You step outside the camper and just look up to the sky. I was inspired by that setting, along with the wonderful feeling of togetherness we shared.” The final tune on the album resonates on a personal level. Sellers hits home with “One Town’s Trash.” Aubrie is a recent Nashville to L.A. transplant and with this tune she issues a declarative statement while basking in the sounds of ‘70s SoCal new wave. Sellers says, “The song is as much about me as it is for anyone who’s ever felt unappreciated or like they were in the wrong place,” she explains. “If people don’t appreciate you for what you are, go somewhere else and find people who do. There’s no time to waste.” That’s an anthem to get behind.
Far Away From Home is a real, raw, piece of artistic genius. Aubrie Sellers shows her maturity and her passion for the love of what she is doing. You can hear it, you can certainly feel it coming through the speakers. This isn’t some bullshit album put together for the sole purpose of pleasing any greedy, corporate-minded jackass. This is an album made by an artist, for the artist, to give to the fans and people that respect real art. Real music. That is Aubrie Sellers, and that is Far Away From Home.
Aubrie Sellers:
Cover Photo By Jayden Becker:
