Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Autumn Knight

Singer-songwriter Autumn Knight has spent the last three years in Nashville honing and perfecting her sound. The Berklee College of Music graduate is professionally trained on the piano, guitar, and has been writing lyrics since before she can remember. And without question, her time is “Here and Now”. Pop Culturalist sat down with this rising new voice in the industry to chat about her career.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Autumn: I was one of those babies that was singing before I could talk! There are stories about my mom putting me in front of the TV to watch Simon & Garfunkel in concert and I was mesmerized by the singing and playing of the instruments. Music is in my soul, so I guess it discovered me in a sense.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Autumn: It would be my grandparents, Susannah and Norman Knight. They taught me the importance of working hard and going for my dreams. Both of my grandparents lived in Massachusetts, so when I attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, I loved visiting them. I had the most special conversations with them during that time that helped shape my career. I’m so grateful to have a family that saw my talent at a young age and embraced it.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Here and Now”. What inspired the song?
Autumn: “Here and Now” is all about being in the moment and embracing the journey. With technology, a lot of people struggle with truly being present and finding balance. You can miss out on so much magic in life with your head down staring at a screen. We’re all on our own unique path, and “Here and Now” is a reminder to stop over analyzing and trying to figure everything out and just be in the now.

PC: What is your creative process like when you are working on a new song? Has it changed throughout the years?
Autumn: Every song is different. Typically, we start with a beat, chords, and melody idea, and then that inspires the lyrics. Other times, I have a lyric idea and that inspires the music.

My songwriting process has changed over the years. When I first started writing, I listened to a lot of Tori Amos. I would play ideas on the piano and that would inspire the melody and lyrics. Lately, I’ve been loving dance music— love the energy and uptempo beats. My writing partners, Austin Shawn and Curt Hoyland, have a lot of fun with the writing process. We always try to make it fun and unique. When you enjoy the process, it makes the music even better. I’m very grateful to my producer, Austin Shawn, for pushing me to the best I can be.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Autumn: Patience, dedication, and hard work. Everyone’s journey is a little different, and it really ends up being all about timing. You must maintain your drive, uniqueness, and soul to have longevity in this industry.

PC: What does the rest of the year hold for you as we look ahead in 2019?
Autumn: A lot of writing and studio time! We are completing the album soon and will be releasing it in the fall. After the album is released, we will start to play some very exciting shows. I plan to be touring and on the road for most of 2020, so there is a lot of preparation to be done. I will be shooting another music video as well as auditioning for a few projects that incorporate acting and singing. I’m beyond excited about this new album! This new music feels the most like me ever, and I can’t wait to continue to share it with you all!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Autumn: The Goldbergs

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Autumn: Ocean’s 8

PC: Favorite book?
Autumn: Eat, Pray, Love

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Autumn: Rent

PC: A band or artist fans would be surprised is on your playlist?
Autumn: Enya

PC: First album you bought?
Autumn: Sarah McLachlan’s Fumbling Towards Ecstasy

PC: First concert you attended?
Autumn: Sheryl Crow

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Autumn: Tori Amos’ Little Earthquakes. Tori Amos influenced me so much as a writer when I first started. There is so much magic and emotion in her voice and piano playing. A lot of the songs got me through some very tough times. Her music is a huge reason why I am a singer-songwriter. I want people to feel uplifted and inspired by my music like I am by Tori.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Autumn: Hollywood Bowl

To keep up with Autumn, follow her on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “Here and Now” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or stream it on Spotify.

Photo Credit: David Lee