Aura, photo courtesy of Ana Maria Hernandez

Today marks the Bandcamp release of A Love Story — the latest chapter in musician and creative Aura Moreno’s empire. The Providence-based artist is known for embracing her tastes and energies in all their forms, mixing them together with a charming and unapologetic confidence. With this latest mixtape, Aura leans into experimental textures, sensuous pop, and jolting effects to concoct an autobiographical roller-coaster ride.

After opening up to Also Cool about her formative experiences and creative stylings, Aura is ready to share more about what she believes and where she is headed. Continue on for the second-half of our heart-to-heart, where we explore the healing powers of expression and all the moves she is set to make.

Rebecca Judd for Also Cool: In that vein, something that excites me with your music is how escapist it is, while also being contemplative and heartening. You describe your music as “crafted with the intention to dance, heal, and reflect” — many of your tracks convey that beautifully. Have you always incorporated affirmations into your music?

Aura Moreno: Well, my music has always been honest and true to my experience, so I’ve incorporated affirmations previously, but unconsciously. With my album Understanding, it all was made purposefully, with intention. I needed to hear those songs and conduct that light energy.

Prior to creating that album, It had been brought to my attention that, back in the day when music came to be, people chanted to manifest a better life. To have a powerful frequency like that moving throughout the world, I began to think “Well, now that I know that, why would I just say any old rhymey thing on my songs?” I’m using this talent to my advantage, to heal myself and to aid the healing of those who are listening!

Also Cool: Absolutely. Your music has many powerful reflections on how individuals can treat themselves, but also how they can treat each other. I was just listening to “What I Want” [from Aura’s album Understanding], thinking about how I have friends who are going through difficulties. “Give them their flowers while they’re still here” — that got me in my feels.

AC: How has music helped you to build yourself back up?

Aura: When I was introduced to 90s hip-hop, I was confused about life, feelings, and relationships. As I studied the music of artists like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Common, Tupac, A Tribe Called Quest, Slum Village, etc., they painted beautiful images of love and life. I really felt it, but more importantly I understood. That was life-changing.

Within my own work, I was going through it heavily when I started writing Understanding. There was so much shifting in my life: I had lost my apartment, I had no mentors or guidance, and quite a few of my close friendships were falling away, one of them of over 10 years strong. In the midst of all of this, I had lost my identity… I felt alone, hopeless and was deeply unable to validate myself. Creating the album (along with some prayer) was a big step in the process of getting back to my purpose and values.

I appreciate music so much, because every song I’ve made has been a footnote to circle back to. When I listen, I remember certain lessons I’ve learned, feelings or situations I’ve overcome. I’m able to reset, even if it might take some patience and reiteration.

AC: It can be something where people put their own experiences into [their interpretations of] your music, but you orient yourself through it as well. It gives you context for your own future.

Aura: Literally. Once anything goes public, everyone is able to attach their own meaning to it. As long as it’s inspiring and encouraging, I’m happy. Personally, this is my journal that I don’t have to have physically.

AC: I’ve loved watching your live performances! If you were to curate the Aura show of your dreams, what kind of atmosphere would you have, and which artists would share the stage? What would be your dream presentation of yourself?

Aura: Definitely green pastures. I love performing outdoors. If I could just perform in a beautiful field, where people are connecting with the Earth… shoes-off vibe, there’s weed, there’s ice cold fresh-squeezed lemonade, there’s bubbles, the sun is shining with a light breeze and it’s just a high vibration… I would want to connect with all the people who are there to have fun and share Love. and the sound system would be incredible of course!

I would love to perform with some friends — Cassius Cruz, Project Gurl, Homeboyextra, Blue Mena. I’m also really into Babyxsosa right now, she’s incredible. I would love to have a show with her, Pete Rock, baby.com, Pierre Bourne, Hook, Princess Nokia, Rosalia, SZA. And Charli XCX as well!

AC: Absolutely! An Aura collaboration with some metal artists would be really special.

Aura: Yeah, I definitely want to make rock music and metal in the future. I don’t think that I’m a screamer yet, but it’s coming.

I wouldn’t doubt me doing any sort of music, you know? I love country as well, like Johnny Cash, and Leonard Cohen is also an influence. And Neil Young…

AC: Looking into the future, you’ve got a lot on the go. What are your next projects, and your intentions for the rest of the year?

Aura: I’m trying to take the business side of music more seriously. In all these years, I’ve prioritized the creation versus the earning, but I do need to take care of myself. My music is incredible, my heart is pure… I deserve so much. I have a whole résumé of music that I could have tried to monetize in different ways had I learned the game sooner, so I guess I’m trying to be a girl-boss with the music shit? *laughs* I’m also in my baddie era, so I’ve got a mixtape [“A Love Story”] coming soon with all those vibes!

I’m working to become more positive within myself and know that I am limitless — we all are! But I want to feel it and know it deep in my bones. I don’t want to doubt myself or worry anymore. I’m trying to pay attention to where I feel worried about life and rework those thoughts. I’m also trying to move to LA, and get my connections up and get my name out there. I’d like to create, release, and perform a lot more. It’s time to level up, period!

I moved back home June of 2021. After not being around for a while, I wanted to come home and re-centre. I’ve been going out more, talking to different people, and re-introducing myself — despite growing up here, I don’t think I was ever really “in the community”. I had my friends and stuck to my friends. But I’ve been trying to find what’s happening around town, checking out different scenes. It’s been beautiful to see [Providence] flourishing in such a creative way. There’s so much potential here, I’m just trying to enjoy it while I'm around.

A Love Story

Out June 6th, 2022 via all streaming services (Soundcloud version out June 1st, Bandcamp version out June 3rd)

OUF! (snippet)
A Love Story
flip phone freestyle
guesss nottt
Culo de Oro
Canvas
fuck off (demo)
Su Música Suena (demo)

Produced by Jay Almeida, Kris Fame, Black Surfer, eqobKING, Cassius Cruz, Nestro, MasterJo, playshado, Tompsy, and Aura

Mixed by CR3AMER

Additional lines on track 5 by Debra Brito

All music written by Aura, with additional writing by eqobKING (track 4) and Kufa Castro (track 6)

Cover image by Ana Maria Hernandez

NYC Also Coolers can check out Aura’s mixtape release party this Sunday, June 5th at Pianos NYC from 8 to 11 PM! Take a peep at the flyer below (made by Aura!) for more info.