A quiet beginning
By Glitch & Gold
March 2026
With only a handful of songs released, Aubany is still at what she calls “the ground floor” of her journey. But even at this early stage, her music carries something reflective and cinematic. Waterworks introduced listeners to a voice that feels both intimate and atmospheric, built more on mood than momentum.
In this conversation, Aubany reflects on where it all began, the landscapes that shaped her, and the quiet emotional weight behind her songwriting.
1. The Sentence
If someone discovers your music for the first time, what do you hope they immediately feel?
“I hope they would be inspired to put down their phone and feel something a little deeper. Maybe to sit with my story, or to use my music to relive a resonating memory of theirs.”
The answer is simple, but revealing. Aubany isn’t chasing attention. She’s hoping for presence.
2. The Real Beginning
Before Waterworks, before Spotify, when did music first become something serious for you?
“Music was never a question for me. Before I could play an instrument, it was singing as a kid in the garden, humming, or writing poems.
I think there was definitely a stage at the end of high school where I had to really actualise that this was also the career I wanted and not just the thing I loved most.”
For many artists, the shift from love to profession is a defining moment. For Aubany, that decision came quietly but decisively.
3. The Place
Which city in Australia shaped you the most? And does that landscape find its way into your sound?
“I grew up in Brisbane, Queensland until about a year ago, so it would have to be there. The beautiful nature in QLD always inspired a reflective feeling in me.
But the small town also left a lot of wonder in younger me for what was out there. Lots of time to dream, really.”
That sense of space and reflection often finds its way into her music.
4. The Sound Identity
Your music carries a cinematic indie folk atmosphere. Dreamlike, but grounded. Does that description resonate with you?
“That does resonate. It’s always hard to put words or genres to your own music, but cinematic folk probably describes the feeling best.”
Sometimes the simplest descriptions are the most accurate.
5. The Influences
Who shaped your musical instinct early on? And who do you return to now when you need inspiration?
“So many artists I probably wouldn’t listen to as much anymore haha.
I had Delta Goodrem, Missy Higgins and Taylor Swift on my iPod Shuffle and would listen over and over again. Their songwriting, especially stories of heartbreak and romance, really shaped what I write about now.
These days, any Bon Iver, Julie London or Tame Impala album will open my mind back up.”
6. The Atmosphere First
Waterworks feels built from mood rather than momentum. Do you usually start with a feeling in the room, or with something you need to say?
“It differs. Most of the time it’s a heavy feeling I have, or a feeling that a chord I play inspires.
But sometimes I just blurt out a really unhinged lyric and go ‘where did that come from’.
With Waterworks, it was the chords that originally inspired me, slowly shaping into melodies and lyrics all in one.”
7. The Maturity
There is a lyric about letting someone heal their inner child without you there. That is not a naive line. Is songwriting a way for you to process growth in real time?
“It certainly is. Songwriting is a very therapeutic way of almost discussing my thoughts with myself in real time.
Sometimes I admit things to myself while songwriting that catch me off guard.”
8. The Early Chapter
With only a handful of songs released, does this beginning stage feel freeing, or does it feel like you are being quietly examined?
“It feels totally natural. Like life, the story comes with chapters.
It can be strange knowing that all of the unreleased music isn’t available to listeners yet, because I’m used to hearing and playing them all.
But all in due time.”
9. The Direction
Are you building toward a larger body of work, or are you letting the releases arrive one at a time without a bigger plan?
“At the moment they are arriving as they come, but I do think a body of work is forming.
I am very drawn to albums and the way they allow fans to listen to your stories as an artist.”
10. For The Record
If this first chapter of your career had a title beyond the music, what would it be?
“‘The Ground Floor’.
I’m not sure why that came to mind, but it feels right for me.
The songs I have released so far were written when I was younger and going through difficult relationship and life experiences for the first time.
They capture those big and base emotions.
Everything to come explores those same emotions, but I think listeners will hear the personal growth in my lyrics and stories as my as my releases come.”
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3oXJSUdg98IQjP64FAlWQuh?si=0cNVd-ooTEeLcNy1KG-wFA