Credit: The Factory Photography By Goldy Locks
Audra Watt is a Nashville, Tennessee-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Her musical path is characterized by resilience and re-discovery. In her twenties, Audra abandoned her aspirations of releasing her own music due to her fear of rejection. Over the course of the following 17 years, she dedicated herself to a career in the healthcare industry, got married, and had two children. Approaching her 40th birthday, she discovered she was facing a major existential dilemma. Instead of giving in to regret, Audra rekindled her love for music and devoted herself to writing songs. In the last year, she has immersed herself in the Nashville songwriting scene, writing songs every day and embracing the creativity that she almost lost. Presently, Audra is embarking on her music journey with a strong resolve, aiming to demonstrate to her children that no ambition is too unrealistic or out of reach no matter the age.
Audra Watt’s first single, titled “Bullet Trains,” was released on August 9th, 2024, representing the end of a 17-year path from unrealized aspirations to artistic satisfaction. This personal song, inspired by the quick passing of time, marks her strong debut in the music industry. In numerous ways, “Bullet Trains” seems like a musical journal entry— a raw portrayal of how motherhood has influenced her life and how time, like a high-speed train, appears to speed ahead in a haze. Releasing this song is a courageous and optimistic move for Audra in the music industry, serving as evidence of her strength, affection, and resolve.
Recorded by Andrew King at Vibe King Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, “Bullet Trains” starts with a gracefully straightforward, rhythmic tune that instantly captivates the listener with its cozy and contemplative vibe. The precise combination of electric guitars, piano, and subtle percussion in the instrumentation reflects the emotional ups and downs present in the song. Upon hearing the professionally produced version of her song for the first time, Audra was moved to tears, showing how accurately the final recording captured the essence of her vision. It is more than just a song – it is a highly personal tale that is conveyed with sincerity and authenticity, causing it to connect with people beyond the artist’s own encounters.
Audra begins singing on the track at the 10 seconds mark, and right from the start, it is evident that her singing is exceptionally unique. Her gentle voice is brimming with emotion, seeming to bear the heaviness of each heartfelt motherly moment she has known. Her voice has a mystical feel to it – warm, soulful, and almost like a dream – as it softly drifts above the rich musical arrangement. Audra’s singing style is personal and sincere, giving the audience the feeling of being specially welcomed into her world. She easily transitions from reminiscing to reflecting with a mix of emotions when witnessing her children grow up, capturing the complexity of the experience. Audra’s talent in expressing intense emotions through her voice is extraordinary, making “Bullet Trains” particularly moving.
In terms of lyrics, “Bullet Trains” provides a heartfelt contemplation on the passing of time, with a focus on motherhood. The song delves into the contradiction of being a parent—the days are lengthy, but the years pass quickly. Audra considers how rapidly time has passed, from the beginning of her children’s lives to their move towards independence. Her mother’s words—“the days are long, but the years are short” – resonates in the song and serves as the emotional core of the story. The metaphor at the heart of the song, equating time’s swift pace to that of a high-speed train, effectively conveys the sensation of life slipping by too quickly to fully comprehend. Parenting, with its ups and downs, moves quickly, leaving parents to deal with the mixed emotions of witnessing their children grow up and eventually leave.
A key feature of “Bullet Trains” is its capacity to engage with audiences on an emotional and cinematic level. The music feels like a movie soundtrack, with its grand melodies and layered instruments producing a cinematic ambiance. The song’s development reflects the emotional experience of raising children, starting with calm, introspective moments and moving towards intense, crescendoing parts that inspire a feeling of amazement and curiosity. The impressive musicianship never outshines Audra’s vocals; instead, it enhances her storytelling. It is the type of music that requires to be listened to in a calm environment, allowing the listener to completely take in its emotional complexity.
Audra Watt’s choice to involve her two kids, Isaac and Nolan, in the upcoming music video for “Bullet Trains” brings an additional level of closeness and significance to the song. The upcoming music video, scheduled for release in September, will showcase moments reminiscent of Audra’s personal life as a mother, including the surreal feeling of witnessing her children’s growth. In the video, actors portray her adult sons, giving a touching look into a future that is both unavoidable and heartbreaking for any parent. Adding her children to the song makes it more intimate, emphasizing the main idea of “Bullet Trains” – that time passes quickly and despite our desire to remain in the present, the future approaches quickly.
In the end, “Bullet Trains” is a song that goes beyond its particular topic to explore universal themes such as love, time, and change. Whether you are a parent or not, the message of the song will probably strike a chord with anyone who has experienced the mixed emotions of time passing. The combination of Audra Watt’s vocal performance, the rich production, and the heartfelt lyrics results in a listening experience that is both emotionally touching and therapeutic. “Bullet Trains” serves as a reminder to cherish our moments, cling to our loved ones, and understand that life progresses, like a fast-moving train, regardless of our readiness. This song holds deeper meaning for Audra, representing her life, aspirations, and her pursuit to revive a long-forgotten dream.
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