Upcoming 100: What inspired you to start making music, and what keeps you passionate about it?
Auggie Velarde: I grew up listening to a wide range of genres thanks to my parents. One of the highlights of my childhood was listening to my family’s favorite songs during road trips. I think it was this initial experience that really got me hooked on music at an early age. I wanted to learn how it was made and hopefully create it so others can feel the emotions I felt when I listened. Honestly, once you begin learning how to create music and start being able to put your ideas into real sounds – there is no turning back. Just the fact that I have earworms in my head all the time that I need to create is what drives my passion.
Upcoming 100: Can you tell us about your latest project or album? What was the creative process like for this one?
Auggie Velarde: Sure! My last, and also first, album is titled “Pre-Alpha 0.81.esp”. It’s a collection of songs that I’ve created over some transformative years of my life, both musically and personally. A lot of it includes songwriting and poems that I would write about my experiences and relationship. The album naturally appears to tell a story of how I have evolved sonically but also how I went from different stages one does when they fall in love. From the loneliness to excitement then betrayal to grieve, and finally moving on. A lot of these songs came to me as I was living these experiences and with each one I experimented with my production and vocals – as I usually do. Finding myself, both my soul and my sonic identity was the goal of my process for this project.
Upcoming 100: How do you balance your creative vision with the demands of the music industry?
Auggie Velarde: It’s honestly very hard and I can’t say I am very good at balancing, because a lot of the time I end up sacrificing my sleep. It isn’t the healthiest so I am working on taking things step by step and hopefully being able to take some breaks from it all. There is a lot, besides the actual creation of the music, that goes into releasing and maintaining a catalog. And that’s not even considering social media and marketing that is key nowadays for growth. It’s a lot, I try my best to juggle it all with the time I have.
Upcoming 100: Who are some of your biggest influences, and how do they impact your music?
Auggie Velarde: Some of my biggest influences are Daft Punk and more recently Dylan Brady. It’s only been a few times in my life that I’ve heard projects so that touch me and inspire me in such a way. I wish to achieve to create a unique sound and overall universe the same way these artists have been able to. I strive to find my own sounds and my create my own world. I feel the impact to strive for greatness thanks to them!
Upcoming 100: What's the most important message or theme you want your music to convey to your audience?
Auggie Velarde: I feel that if there is anything anyone can take from my music, I’d like it to be that they should not be afraid to explore. Be curious, try new things. Don’t be afraid to change things up. Life is to short to not try to just do what you want, as long you are a kind soul and not hurting others.
Upcoming 100: Can you walk us through your songwriting process? Do you have any specific rituals or habits that help you get started?
Auggie Velarde: My process is flexible and honestly changes depending on the song. However, one of the most constant parts of my songwriting work is using both the voice recording app on my phone along with a note app and then go back and forth between humming melodies and writing the words that come to me that fit those spaces. A lot of time, it just feels like I’m searching for the words that were already meant to be there – it comes to me as I go.
Upcoming 100: How do you approach collaborations or working with other artists? What do you look for in a collaborator?
Auggie Velarde: I love collaborating with others! Honestly, I just enjoy exchanging ideas and seeing where things go. I love when the workflow is truly collaborative and a no-pressure commitment. Bouncing of ideas and seeing where it takes us, until it’s finished. When it comes to a collaborator, I look at the person first over the talent. Is it someone I will enjoy hanging out with and working? This is my priority.
Upcoming 100: What do you think sets your music apart from others in your genre?
Auggie Velarde: I feel like the kinds of fusions I am trying are distinct and not common. The more I practice, the more I’m able to break the rules in ways that still can sound enjoyable and I feel like not many artist are focused on that. At least in the genres I’m connected to the most.
Upcoming 100: How has your music evolved over time, and what do you think are some of the most significant changes you've made?
Auggie Velarde: For the past few years, I had looked within myself and decided I want to share more of my culture in my music. I used to make Pop and Hip Hop in English before – just making whatever I felt came to me and following what I thought was cool or trendy at the time. Now, I ‘m more focused on how I can be as authentic as possible through my music and share my story, my culture, my experiences. It doesn’t me I won’t have fun and make some random thing I feel like every now and then haha. But I’m trying to find more meaning to my work now.
Upcoming 100: What's been your favorite experience or moment in your career so far?
Auggie Velarde: Being nominated for a Hollywood Independent Music Award in the Latin Urban category was truly a big milestone for me. Competing next to artist that I look up to, it felt like a true honor.
Upcoming 100: How do you stay connected with your fans and build a sense of community around your music?
Auggie Velarde: I try to meet them wherever they are! I keep myself connected on all the platforms I can find and whenever a supporter reaches out to me, I will respond and have conversations with them. I love meeting and getting to know those that support my work.
Upcoming 100: What's next for you – are there any new projects or tours on the horizon?
Auggie Velarde: I’m working on a new project! Releasing singles and will soon have the next iteration of what will be a series of albums I plan on launching publicly. Expect more experimentation, emotional tracks, and of course some bangers!
