Interview with Boston Indie storyteller and singer Aimee Vant who is releasing her single “An Astronaut Who Misses Home” Friday, July 24th. Aimee is not only a fresh face but has a remarkable ability to relate to her listeners on coming to age through her candid lyricism.
Finding herself all too familiar with the sense of being lightyears away from human connection during quarantine, Aimee felt that this feeling of isolation was something too relatable to not share. Although there are so many forms of communication with all of the technology nowadays, nothing replaces face to face interactions with those who mean the most to you. Aimee wrote this song with her longtime friend and producer Noah Hubbell who is currently across the country which made it that much more meaningful for her. Aimee hopes to share the importance of being able to maintain relationships in spite of distance and circumstances.
Follow Aimee at @aimeevant
Hi Aimee, please tell us a little about you?
I am a 21 year old singer-songwriter from Reading, Massachusetts. I recently graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston where I studied Contemporary Writing & Production. I recently released an album titled “Everything Sucks!” that is centered around finding the strengths that lie in your biggest weaknesses.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Bubbly, ambitious, passionate
I’m sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I fell in love with music at a young age and my pure love of creating has kept me persevering through every ‘no’ that has been thrown at me. Getting into this industry involves a lot of rejection and it is key to learn from these experiences rather than use them as reason to give up. I started taking music lessons in high school and loved it enough to continue pursuing it at Berklee.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Lush, raw, conversational
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
My biggest influences are Sia, Lorde, Tom Odell and Coldplay. Pursuing music has never felt like a choice to me. I’ve never questioned that I feel the most myself when creating and being surrounded by music.
Do you play any instrument?
I play piano, guitar and drums
Do you ever get nervous?
Only all the time, but in an antsy way. I am always itching to take my next leap and face my next challenge.
Tell us about your new single “An Astronaut Who Misses Home?”
“An Astronaut Who Misses Home” mainly focuses on the theme of being physically separated from a loved one. I think right now it’s safe to say that we’re all discovering isolation in a completely new light. Human connection is definitely more important yet more ambiguous than ever, and this song is meant to highlight that. It’s a simple message but it’s one that felt too relevant not to express.
What’s the story behind this song?
I wrote this song in week 4 of quarantine, which is when I felt the most distant. At that point I was feeling like video chatting/ phone calls were just a reminder of how far away my loved ones were at the time. The feeling of loneliness became so tangible and that allowed me to write “an Astronaut Who Misses Home” in under an hour.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what is not?
The most rewarding thing about being a songwriter is being able to turn incredibly dark/heavy experiences into pieces of art. There’s something really therapeutic and magical about being able to translate negative energy into something beautiful that can resonate with others.
This industry is ultimately one big puzzle. At times it can be incredibly discouraging trying to read people and rebuild confidence from rejection. However, each of these comes with a challenge to rise above, and therefore even the hardships can be incredibly rewarding.
What is you favorite song? And why?
Cavalier by James Vincent McMorrow. It was one of the first songs I learned to sing and I can vividly remember feeling so drawn into the world of music after discovering it. It’s sonically epic and the story within it is presented in a beautifully ambiguous way.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
The Harry Potter series. Every good entrepreneur should make sure to keep their inner kid alive and inspired.
Any loves other than music?
I have a deep passion for visual art (particularly painting). I spent most of my childhood drawing and painting for hours every day and still carry the urge to do so.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Chris Martin. His songwriting has always felt sacred to me. Album after album he has been able to capture such purity and simplicity while also being ambiguous and deep. His style is completely true to him and it’s dynamicity shows an inspiring amount of open-mindedness.
Best advice ever given?
“Follow your gut” – this phrase may seem vague and simple but it has relentlessly led me in the right direction through every phase of my life and career. Whether or not you can justify/explain it, I think it is incredibly valid to listen to your gut when it’s trying to tell you something.
Name one your strengths?
I can make a mean grilled cheese sandwich.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Evergreen – Yebba.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Frozen grapes 100%
And your favorite cheat food?
Buffalo Chicken Pizza.
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
If my dog doesn’t like them.
What do you think of Social Media?
I love being connected to people through social media but I hate that using it has become a sport to see who can put on the best fake identity.
Where we can follow you?
On Instagram, Youtube, Facebook & Tiktok @aimeevant
Quote: ”it is what it is”
Movie: The Notebook
Travel Destination: Nice, France
Sports Team: New England Patriots
Photo Credit: Holy Smoke
