Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on the Afternoon Show with Kevin Cole, is "Somewhere Else" by Federico Aubele from the 2013 album 5 on 13 Records-Ingrooves.
Federico Aubele - Somewhere Else (featuring Melody Gradot)" (MP3)
Argentine singer-songwriter Federico Aubele began honing his craft at the age of 12, and since then he's had plenty of life experience to help him grow as an artist. The economic depression of Argentina forced him to move to Berlin in 2002, and he eventually found his home in culture-rich Brooklyn. It's understandable, then, that while many of his songs are written in Spanish, the emotions and depth of the instrumentals will reach you no matter what your native tongue or where you reside.
According to his website, Aubele works "like a fisherman waiting for the tide, painstakingly, making sure every sound marries the other elements on the track." He definitely doesn't rush his process, seeing as he worked a solid two years on his fifth studio album, aptly titled 5, which he released a few weeks ago. His music is something to be savored and "Somewhere Else" is as decadent as it gets. The contrast between his masculine timbre and guest vocalist Melody Gardot's sensual tones add yet another intense layer to this complicated recipe. Desperation and pain are tangible in his soulful lyrics, "I feel like my life is happening somewhere else, in some other time." We've all been there.
Last month, Federico Aubele made his way around the Northwest and even performed at Freemont Abbey Arts Center in Seattle. There aren't any future tour dates mentioned on his website, but keep checking there and on his Facebook for any updates. Check out Federico performing "Somewhere Else" alongside Natalia Clavier live in Chicago:
Since forming in 2007, Seattle's Cumulus – comprised of Alexandra Niedzialkowski, Lance Umble and Leah Julius – have only recently released their debut album, I Never Meant It To Be Like This, last month. But the wait was well worth it! The record is tight and rife with cheerful pop music, from sin…
Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on the Afte…
