Your humble Austin Music Minute host was a bit slow on the draw, so it felt like lightning hitting. Aloha, the title to Son Little‘s forthcoming album set for release January 31st, reflects the music’s subject matter on multiple levels. “Aloha” is used as a greeting, and for one’s departure. It’s deeper meaning communicates love, affection, peace…compassion and mercy. At the heart of the new LP’s rich blend of soul, R&B and pop is a deep reflection upon the unequivocal freedom of letting go, trusting life to take you where you need to be.
“Letting go can be a scary prospect,” says Son Little (songwriter Aaron Earl Livingston). “But there’s beauty in it, too. Everything you leave behind opens up space for something new in your life.”
This thinking also came into play for Son Little while collaborating with French producer Renaud Letang – the first time he’s actually worked with an outside producer. “I’d always produced myself in the past,” he explains, “but it’s easy to get caught up in an endless quest for perfection when you do that. Working with Renaud let me see my work from an outsider’s perspective, and that helped me get out of my own way.”
Son Little’s current tour includes a show in the ATX tomorrow night at 3Ten at ACL Live, 310 Willie Nelson Blvd. Asheville, NC artist Christopher Paul Stelling opens. Doors at 7:30 p.m. And brace yourself. You will be moved. Very recommended.
-Photo courtesy of the artist.