Q & A with Aubrey wollett
This article originally appeared in the December 29, 2020 edition of the Pirates & Poets Newsletter. CLICK HERE to subscribe to it.
Today we visit with singer/songwriter Aubrey Wollett. Aubrey preformed at our 2020 Key West Showcase and we're looking forward to having her in Texas for a couple of shows this spring. Visit her website or her YouTube Channel to enjoy her music.
Give us the basics. Where did you grow up? Who are you?
My name is Aubrey Wollett and I grew up in Dunedin, FL a little beach town near Clearwater Beach.
Who are your biggest influences musically? Who inspires you?
Some of my biggest musical influences are Sheryl Crow, Shania Twain, Kenny Chesney, and Colbie Caillat.
What are your go to albums that you can listen to anytime, anywhere?
My favorite albums to listen to are Kenny Chesney, Jake Owen, Hank Williams Jr., and Shania Twain. I’d say those are my top albums depending on the mood I’m in.
You’ve really embraced Music Videos and Youtube as ways to reach new fans. What lead you to focus on that platform? What’s that process been like?
Since high school I started sharing cover songs on YouTube to build that relationship through the internet and showcase my voice live. I’m a visual person so I’ve always loved painting the picture of the song through a music video. I think video is the best way to connect with fans and
show your personality well.
What’s your songwriting process like? Are you a solo writer or do you co-write?
I love melodies so that’s usually where I start. Then I look at ideas I have saved to see what topic or title fits best. I love collaborating with friends and co-writing. I usually bring a few ideas or have something started, but there are times where both my co-writer and I will bring a new idea after we share a long therapy session with each other. That’s the most healing type of co-writing.
How did you find the Trop Rock/Parrot Head community?
I played a festival with Country Artist, Billy Currington, and that was the first time someone had mentioned the Parrot Heads to me. I’ve always been inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s story, career, and his songwriting, but I had no idea there was an underground genre that supported independent artists who have the same love for music and the ocean. I believe it was Derby City Dave who reached out on Facebook and connected me with others after seeing my music video for “Better on a Beach.” I’m so thankful to have found this community of musicians and fans!
What’s your favorite dive bar/hole in the wall restaurant?
My favorite dive bar is in Nashville at Santa’s Pub. It’s become a little more popular the last couple years, but when I was in school in TN my friends and I loved going to this bar for karaoke and cheap beer.
I know you spent some time in Nashville, and this seems like the place to ask about. How long were you in Music City and what did you do there?
I lived in my Nashville full time for about 7 years. I originally moved there to go to my dream school Belmont University which is right across the street from Music Row. In school I started interning at record labels and publishing companies and graduated with a Music Business Degree. I eventually got a job at a publishing company working for #1 songwriter, Dallas Davidson, who has written numerous hits for Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, and many more. After working a few years in the industry while continuing to make music on the side I began traveling more for my gigs on the weekend and decided to leave the job so I could pursue a solo career of my own. I’ve now found a balance of going to Nashville to write and record a few times a year and mostly base out of my hometown in Florida.
What have you been listening to lately? Anyone you recommend we check out?
I’m a big fan of Chris Stapleton and love his new record he just released.
Any fellow independent artists we should know about?
Kalsey Kulyk, Brittany Kennell, Alyssa Micaela, Griffin Peterson, Matt Walden
You recently participated in Coley McCabe’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Rum” show in Key West. What was that experience like?
I was so thankful to be a part of that lineup with incredible women! That was my first show at the Key West Theatre so that was something on my bucket list I checked off. I’m really good friends with Erica Sunshine Lee so it’s always a blast doing shows with her. I also had heard a lot about Nadirah and this was the first time hearing her live. (What a voice!) This community of women are so kind and supportive, I feel very lucky to be a part of it.
What have you done to keep yourself busy during the Pandemic? Any new hobbies?
I got a paddleboard this year so it’s been really fun to explore the St. Pete/ Tampa area and also I’ve been fishing a lot more with my boyfriend! I caught my first 30 inch snook!!!
What’s on the horizon for Aubrey Wollett? Any big plans for 2021 or even 2022?
I am looking forward to getting back to Nashville to record the new songs I’ve been writing and working on this year! I have a couple projects that will be released throughout 2021. Hoping things work out better than this year, hopefully I’ll be able to tour and travel a little more for shows too! Looking forward to hopefully seeing you at a show soon!
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