Southern California Songstress AUTUMN KNIGHT Discusses Her Breakout Single ‘Here And Now’ and More!

Photo Credit: Megan Cencula

Singer-songwriter Autumn Knight recently released her title track and music video, “Here And Now.” Through years of dedication, perseverance, and overall love for her craft, she has developed her original sound and is sharing it with the world. This is the first release of Autumn’s highly anticipated album which is slated to drop later this summer.

Originally from Southern California, Knight has spent the last three years in Nashville perfecting her sound. A graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston — the same alma mater as music legends Quincy Jones and Charlie Puth — Autumn is professionally trained on the piano, guitar and writes her own lyrics. Autumn has showcased her musical abilities by performing at iconic music venues like the House of Blues.

Working with some of the best in the industry, including Grammy Award winner Bernie Grundman, whose clients include Madonna, Prince and Lenny Kravitz, this original pop track is all about forgetting the past.

“’Here And Now’ is about not trying so hard to figure it out and living in the moment. We spend way too much time over-analyzing moments instead of feeling them. I want people to feel this song and be reminded of the magic that comes with embracing their journey,” Autumn said about her new single.

Watch the music video here –  “HERE AND NOW”

The words and music were written by Autumn Knight, Austin Shawn and Curt Hovland and it was produced and mixed by Austin Shawn and mastered by Bernie Grundman. The accompanying music video was directed in Los Angeles by Austin Winchell with the director of photography Yuki Noguchi and camera assistant Arturo Ochoa and with finishing touches and coloring by Loren White.

Autumn’s latest single can be found on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and Amazon Music.

Connect With Autumn Knight Here:

@autumnknight

autumnknight.com

Learn more about Autumn Knight in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time today! Where does this interview find you? 

Excited to be here to talk with you! I’m currently at the recording studio working on my new album. It is almost completed and will be released this Fall. So excited to share this new music with the world and get on the road.

Now that we are half-way through the year, how has 2019 been treating you? What are some goals that you have for yourself this year? How close are you to reaching them?

2019 has been an incredible year so far! I’ve been working extremely hard on the new album and loving every minute of it. My first goal was to complete my new album, and I’m almost there! My 2nd goal was to film and release a music video for the title track of my album and my team and I successfully accomplished that with an epic Music Video Premiere Party in LA on Sunset Blvd! The full album will be completed soon and I plan to release it in the fall. My next goal is to film my second music video and work on a very special Album Release Concert in LA! I plan to be on the road for most of 2020 touring.

Growing up, how important was music in your life? Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to be a musician? Was it an easy or difficult choice to make?

Music was always around me growing up. I’m grateful to have had really cool parents that always played the best music in the house, that I realize now, influenced me as an artist. My parents saw that at a very young age I had a passion for singing and performing.  Apparently, I was singing before I could talk and as soon as my parents could, they hired a private voice coach and piano instructor. By age 13, I was writing original songs. Once I was a teenager and had a chance, I started playing my original songs live at local cafes and venues, I knew then that music was my calling. I attended Berklee College of Music and my whole experience there confirmed I was on the right the path. I never viewed choosing a music career as an easy or difficult choice, it was a natural choice. I have always had an inner knowing that it was my destiny.

Photo Credit: Megan Cencula

Was there ever a time when you thought about doing something else? If you weren’t a musician today, what else could you see yourself doing? Would you be as fulfilled in life?

No, I honestly never second-guessed my path. I have known from a very young age that music and performing was my calling. I also did a lot of acting growing up. My focus right now is my music career but I am hoping to venture into film & tv acting. Performing arts has been my life my entire life and it’s so cool to see everything coming together. I don’t see myself doing anything but my passion. God gave me these gifts and I am going to continue to use them.

What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all?

When you find the right team & producer, making music can be so efficient! Things really don’t take as long as you think when you are in the moment, set deadlines and don’t overthink. I’m very encouraged by the power of Instagram and the incredible reception on my new music. I have gained new fans all across the world and I’m very grateful.

An unexpected or welcome challenge…

It’s interesting to see who really has your back. With my recent momentum, the support system I thought I had has changed a bit. Unfortunately, not everyone is happy for you, but that’s life. These days I’m very selective on who I spend time with. Our time is so precious and I want to make sure I’m around genuine friends that uplift and bring out the best in me. My best friends and family are incredible and I am beyond grateful for them! I always treat my friends with love, compassion, and encouragement. It’s very important that people inspire and lift each other up. I’m always aware of who in my life is also giving me good energy.

What does it feel like to be releasing your debut album? How will you celebrate the release of it? 

Amazing! This is something I have been working towards for a while and it’s so fulfilling to see it coming to life! We will celebrate the release of the album with a kick-ass live show in LA!

How would you say that your title track prepares listeners for your full collection? What was the inspiration for this song?

The inspiration behind the song is my life. Starting at a very young age, I have had to overcome a lot, including the loss of both my Mom and Dad. I’ve learned it’s all about your mindset. Sometimes you have to tap into a strength you never even knew you had and “Here and Now” prepares you for the journey. “Here and Now” has an incredible vibe with a powerful message. It’s all about being present and not overthinking life’s moments. We all have our struggles but it’s important to look beyond and be in the Now. It has an amazing dance beat but heartfelt lyrics. Some songs are stripped down and other songs just want to make you dance!  Here and Now is a mantra I tell myself every day. There is so much magic in life if you open your eyes and embrace it.

What was it like making the music video for the title track, “Here and Now”? How creatively involved were you with the making of it?

Making my first music video was so creative and fun! I had the opportunity to work with the amazing director Austin Winchell. He has an incredible eye and is very talented. We found a really cool location in downtown Los Angeles and worked with the best team to help my vision come to life! I value all the effort that was put into it and love the finished product.

What was it like working with the Grammy Award-winning Bernie Grundman? How did you two first get involved?

Wonderful! It was one of those pinch-me moments. Bernie Grundman is a legend and has mastered for major artists like Prince, Fleetwood Mac, John Legend, Ariana Grande to name a few. He has an incredible team working for him and I am so happy he is a part of this project.

How do you think that moving to Nashville after graduating from Berklee College of Music in Boston has affected your music?

Nashville is a very competitive and seasoned music scene. It’s honestly brought the best out of me as a singer & songwriter. What I find really interesting is that people don’t realize that there is a cool emerging pop scene in this town. Most think it’s just about country music, but  I assure you it’s beyond that and really special to be a part of. Let’s just say that the musicians and songwriting in this town is next level.

How do you think you have grown as a musician since you first started singing and writing songs?

I started writing songs when I was 13 years old, so my writing process and voice have grown have matured with my life experiences. When I first started writing songs, I would play a piano idea and then that would inspire the vocal melody and lyrics. Now I start with a beat which then inspires the lyrics and melody. It’s good to have the emotional ballads but I want my live shows to be high energy and fun!! So I work on creating that in the writing process now.

What has it been like keeping up with your social media accounts and all of the different platforms? Is it hard to stay up to date on it all? What would you say is your favorite way to connect with your fans now? What has social media done for your career so far?

Social media is a great way for me to connect, but it can take up a lot of time and energy,  so I’ve learned it’s all about balance. I post what I want to express and just let it be out there. I do my best to focus on the positive and not over-analyze the haters. I’m proud of what I’m creating and feel grateful that I have social platforms to connect.

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely love to work with in the future?

When I first started writing I listened to a lot of Tori Amos & Sarah McLachlan. Some of my favorite artists are Adele, Dua Lipa, Ellie Goulding, Lana Del Rey, Maggie Rogers, Lennon Stella, Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks.

I would absolutely LOVE to do a collaboration with Kygo and The Chainsmokers. I’m putting those vibes out there!

If you had an unlimited budget and your schedule was free, what would your dream music video look like?

We would film the video in Bali and it would be shot like a mini movie starring me and my favorite people. Anthony Mandler would Director it and the song would be all about tropical island vibes with heartfelt lyrics and a powerful story. It would definitely be in collaboration with Kygo and I would fly in the best dancers, stylists, set designer, choreographer, hair & makeup artists.

Photo Credit: Megan Cencula

Where would you absolutely love to hear one of your songs? On a TV show, in a movie or elsewhere? Do you recall the first time you heard a song of yours out and about?

Hearing one of my songs on the new season of The Hills would be very cool. A lot of my songs are about LA and the lyrics would fit perfect. One of my favorite directors is Steven Spielberg, so it would be incredible to get my music in his movies, or any movie starring Jennifer Lawrence… I love her and Tom Hanks.

I did an interview at a radio station in Southern California and my song was played on the radio… Such a cool moment:)

At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music? 

Good vibes. I want people to hear my music and leave my shows feeling good. But most importantly, I want my music to create a space for people to let go and have fun. Dance, sing along, cry – just do what you are moved to do.

Would you like to share anything else with our readers about your music?

I want people to know that I am truly grateful from them believing in me. I understand that time is precious, so when someone takes the time to listen to my music and sends me a DM to share how my song made them feel, that means a lot to me. The stage is where I really come alive and I can’t wait to share my tour dates. In the meantime, you can follow my journey on Instagram @autumnknight_.

Much love & see you out there!

xoxo