Get to Know: Auburn

Minneapolis-bred pop songstress Auburn recently scored a hit video with “La La La,” an infectious ode to dismissing complainers. Currently on tour with Jason Derulo, Auburn took time out to tell us about her tomboy roots, her upcoming album, and an unlikely childhood nickname.

ELLE: Who besides Jason is on your dream list to collaborate with?
Auburn: At the top is definitely Aaliyah. If I had to chose someone right now? I’d say Justin Bieber.
ELLE: How do you relate to “La La La”? Is there someone you try to tune out?
Auburn: ”La La La” relates to me to a T. The message of the song expresses exactly how I feel about clingy guys. So yes, I’ve had to tune a few guys out before.
ELLE: What do you think makes a good video?
Auburn: Lighting is everything. Lighting and plot. I love good visuals along with a great story.
ELLE: When did you first know that you wanted to make music?
Auburn: When I actually started making it. It was just something I really loved to do and started consuming all of my time.
ELLE: What were you like growing up?
Auburn: A huge tomboy! Growing up, I was the girl who despised prissy girls. Basketballs and skateboards were all I needed.
ELLE: What’s the best and worst advice you’ve gotten?
Auburn: Best advice? From my mom: to remember my foundation and never forget God. The worst advice? Forget my foundation and think of only me. Not the best advice, trust me.
ELLE: What’s on your iPod right now?
Auburn: So many different things, ranging from Gospel to country… just a bunch of different artists, including The Winans, Rascal Flats, Simple Plan, and The Dream.
ELLE: What can we expect from the album you’re working on?
Auburn: You can expect something different. My sound is very diverse and hopefully very relatable. I write about life experiences and I just love music you can move to…so expect a little of everything. Expect Auburn.
ELLE: Tell me something that people would be surprised to know about you.
Auburn: Growing up my nickname was “Wednesday.” Yes, as in the daughter on The Addams Family.  My uncle gave me that name because I was always very quiet and observant of people from a young age. I was very serious.