Enter the ethereal realm of Audren, a “good witch” and a fiercely intuitive multidisciplinary artist whose creations are less a result and more a call to arms. For Audren, art is less a medium and more a crusade, a banquet of ideas for the starving soul, and a shining wellspring of joy in a world that sorely needs it. She is an unapologetic enemy of the mundane, a rebel against the gray standardization of modernity and the sterile, capitalistic forces that would reduce the human spirit to a mere afterthought. Rejecting the meek acquiescence of the status quo, Audren instead invites us into a world where magic is real, and art is a form of liberation. Her latest release, the vibrantly subversive “Smile, People Smile,” dropped on February 19th as a sonic counterpoint to the drabness that Audren despises. It is a song that doesn’t merely ask us to smile, but demands we revolutionize our souls. Let’s go in for a look at the bright stuff and see what happens when we finally let the music take the lead.
The track comes to life with an immediate and magnetic pull, a trio of guitars, bass, and drums that is less an intro and more an invitation. The melody is developed in a tactile and organic way that grounds you instantly in a groove that is as sophisticated as it is inviting. It’s an intro that takes your breath away, a rhythmic heartbeat that makes you stop whatever you’re doing and simply listen as a lush instrumental backdrop is set for the magic that’s about to ensue.
“Smile, People Smile” is an anthem of defiance for the tired, a rhythmic reminder that smiling is an act of rebellion, not reaction. Let’s face it: the world has turned to shit, it is a fractured, troubled place, a constant parade of reasons for cynicism, for our hearts to grow dark. And yet, Audren brings us a silver lining with a hint of gold. Rather than looking for the storm to pass, rather than seeking the validation of others, Audren reminds us of the power of the individual, of the simple yet transformative power of a smile and a dance. It’s a reminder of finding sanctuary in the small, shining details of the world, of understanding that our happiness is not a place we go, but a light we carry. Joy is the final touch of being, the one thing we can’t forget, as the adage reminds us: you are never fully dressed without a smile.
The production is a masterclass in sonic sunlight, radiating a sophisticated energy that is both vintage and alive. It’s impossible to ignore the dazzling horn arrangements, which have the sleek West Coast sheen of Young Gun Silver Fox or the meticulous, jazz-infused cool of Donald Fagen. This isn’t just background noise, though; this is a living, breathing brass section that propels the song forward with unbridled enthusiasm. Just when you think you’ve locked down the vibe, a bluesy guitar solo emerges through the sheen, reminding us of the humans behind these instruments. Blending indie-pop sensibilities with a smooth R&B foundation, this song is nostalgic for the 90s, giving us a feeling of a simpler time. This is more than just a catchy song; this is an auditory mood-shifter that leaves you feeling better than you did before.
This song wasn’t created in a vacuum of easy platitudes; it was created in the fire of a true breaking point. For months, “Murphy’s Law” hadn’t felt like an Al Jarreau classic, but a haunting of Audren herself. And as hope began to dwindle and energy began to drain, Audren stood before her microphone, a solitary figure in the dark, and began a mantra of self-preservation: “Come on! Smile, Audren, smile! You’re gonna be fine.” And it was in that moment of raw vulnerability that the song didn’t just come to be; it erupted. But Audren doesn’t simply drop this lyric in our lap and expect us to make our way through the darkness; her intent is evident throughout the release. One has only to peruse the cover art to find her mission manifest. The title of the song is carefully positioned to resemble the face of a grin. It’s a clever reference, perhaps an eerie one, to the Cheshire Cat of Alice in Wonderland fame. It’s a reference that lingers long after the rest of the song has faded away. It’s a metaphor for the world itself. Perhaps the world is a rabbit hole of chaos and madness, but the grin remains. It’s an invitation to find the magic in the madness, and it’s impossible not to pursue this and not feel the spark within oneself.
Ultimately, “Smile, People Smile” is not simply a song but an experience with an artist who recognizes that music is an offering of the soul. Not only do the lyrics transcend the noise, but the delivery is flawless. Audren has given us a masterclass in intentional artistry. We are in debt to an artist who will not use her platform for anything but the radical promotion of positivity in a world that is so desperately in need of it. We are honored to be able to witness her journey as she forges a path towards total creative domination. She is not simply making music; she is building a sanctuary, and we are all the more enriched for being able to be a part of the magic she is making.
Stream “Smile, people Smile” on Spotify.
Follow Audren here and her socials: X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube
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