Saturday Night Session 031: Audien

It’s been a decade since Nathaniel Rathbun released his first single, and now fans are finally able to listen to the producer’s highly anticipated debut album. Rathbun, who is more popularly known as Audien, was the perfect embodiment of a feel good electronic music producer who could combine the best elements of pop and fuse them with the most energizing and euphoric parts of electronic music. Rathbun can create crossover releases that captivate listeners from the outset, and his music caught on at the perfect time as electronic music was becoming part of the mainstream.

While his work can largely be considered progressive house, Rathbun has versatile production abilities, and he has a flair for producing uplifting trance music in addition to his radio-friendly roster of crossover releases. All of these styles are captured within 11-track Escapism. Although it took him three years to finish the album, the time is reflected in the work he has put out, which can only be described as quality.

Highlights of the album are previously released single “Reach” featuring Jamie Hartman’s vocals. Hartman is a delicious detion from Rathbun’s typical ethereal female vocalist, and the track imbues an iridescent strain of subtle, exceedingly accessible drum ‘n’ bass. “Escape” showcases Rathbun’s playful side with melodic trance notes framing a bouncy electronic progression. The drop is everything Audien fans look for in his live show, and the single can’t help but to induce a smile for the listener.

When asked how his creative process is different now compared to when he started creating music, Rathbun notes it is, “so much different. It’s more structured and serious, versus just having fun. That can be a good and bad thing, but the music I’m making now is far more substantial and has a musical story behind it. I still have just as much fun, it’s just less often.”

“Escape” seems to be a return to his original production inspirations, and he comments on how this is one of the singles from the compilation that is most personal to him. He says, “‘Escape,’ ‘Heaven,’ and ‘Reach’ have really crazy stories. They took a substantial amount of time to complete, but so worth it in the end. Those songs really embody the diversity and variety I wanted to have on the album. I try not to be so one-dimensional as a producer.”

Rathbun will be embarking upon an Escapism Tour to accompany to the full album’s release, and he has a refreshing take on what elements the tour will enlist in order to make it a worthy compliment to his newly released body of work. He says, “The Escapism tour is not a reinvention of the wheel, but more of a heightened and dialed in version of an Audien show, which simply put, is a ravey DJ show. I took all of my favorite things about a show and put it in one tour. I could have bought some drum pads or played piano on stage, but I decided to keep it true to me, which is that ultimate release of a traditional electronic show. That will NEVER go out of style.”

For those who want a taste of what they can expect from his show early, Rathbun crafted a one hour Saturday Night Session that infuses his album releases alongside old school electronic hits to get listeners ready for their nights. He notes that his Saturday Night Session will get listeners ready for a “party, release, forget problems, be with friends, love music kind of night.”

Photo credit: Rukes

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You have been producing music for over a decade. Why the decision to now release your first LP as opposed to continuing to release singles?
It’s been a while! Honestly, I’ve tried to put together an album for years, but my life got too busy, and I didn’t want to rush it. It’s honestly coming at the best time.

Is your creative process or your mindset different now than it was when you first started releasing music? If so, how is it different?
So much different. It’s more structured and serious, vs. just having fun. That can be a good and bad thing, but the music I’m making now is far more substantial and has a musical story behind it. I still have just as much fun, it’s just less often.

Can you tell us the intention behind your choice to name the album Escapism?
I want the album to feel like an escape from reality. I always try to capture that feeling in my music, and the Escapism Tour will be very cohesive with this idea.

Is there a release on the LP is most personal to you?
“Escape,” “Heaven,” and “Reach” have really crazy stories. They took a substantial amount of time to complete, but so worth it in the end. Those songs really embody the diversity and variety I wanted to have on the album. I try not to be so one-dimensional as a producer.

How is Escapism going to translate to a your live show? Any details to get fans excited for your tour?
The Escapism tour is not a reinvention of the wheel, but more of a heightened and dialed in version of an Audien show, which simply put, is a ravey DJ show. I took all of my favorite things about a show and put it in one tour. I could have bought some drum pads or played piano on stage, but I decided to keep it true to me, which is that ultimate release of a traditional electronic show. That will NEVER go out of style.

How long from start to finish did it take you to complete your LP and how does it feel to finally have it released?
3 years. SO GOOD!!

Where do you draw creative inspiration from and were there any specific creative motivators for this LP?
I 100% draw most creative inspiration from nature and being out in the world. Something about vastness, and emotional scenery resonates with me. I’m able to harness that and translate it into melodies easily.

What track on Escapism was easiest for you to produce and were there any that you struggled with completing?
The intro, “See You On The Other Side” .. I made that in literally a few hours. I think the best songs come together that way.

What is one thing your fans likely don’t know about you?
I love real estate, homes, houses, design, interior design. It’s all an art of it’s own and a side hustle for me.

What kind of Saturday Night is your Saturday Night Session going to get listeners ready for?
Party, release, forget problems, be with friends, love music kind of night.