Louie Austen, the owner of a magnificent voice, performs love ballads in the best traditions of Frank Sinatra over an electronic beat. His song "Hoping" in Matthew Herbert's remix is a hit everyone knows. He recorded vocals for the Korsakow project and performed together with the electro-punks Peaches.
Louie Austen's career began several decades ago. According to legend, he caught the best days of the so-called "Rat Pack" led by Frank Sinatra.
For a long time Louie was a professional crooner, performing in swanky nightclubs and expensive hotels in his native Vienna and in the USA. Until one day he met two electronic producers who discovered his talent as a singer for the club youth. He's now 60. And the electro-crooner has no intention of retiring.
His new record "Summer EP", which the singer was inspired to make by the rhythms of Latin American music, comes out any day now. It's no coincidence that he often works with the famous Chilean Senor Coconut. Tracks from the new record have already appeared on the artist's website: www.louieausten.com.
In order to answer 44100hz's questions, Louie had to sort out his email with the help of his assistant Karina...
Louie, thank you for the wonderful performance. You probably realise how many fans you have in Moscow. I'm glad you agreed to answer a few questions. You've come to Russia with concerts more than once already. Do you know any of the Russian crooners? Iosif Kobzon, for example? (see the photo in the attachment). He was the most popular singer in the USSR. By the way, his most famous song is called "Nadezhda" (Hope), almost like your "Hoping".
I'm afraid I don't know him. But thank you for introducing me to Iosif Kobzon. I'll have to get acquainted with his work.
And what image did you have of the USSR back then?
Like everyone's: vodka, balalaika and beautiful women.
Do you know at least one Russian song?
Yes, even a few. Here, for example: "oh gegornia", "zrze" (spelling preserved - editor's note). Sorry, but that last word is supposed to mean heart, I think.
Do you follow contemporary music? What has impressed you most lately?
I'd really like to get more acquainted with contemporary music. But unfortunately I simply don't have enough time for it.
What do you listen to at home?
Most of the time I listen to tracks that people send me for work. I think I should devote more time to other music too.
Is singing in the shower the lot of amateurs? Do you sing when you're alone?
Yes, I often sing during rehearsals at home or when I'm just messing about. Not only in the shower. Actually I prefer taking baths. It helps a lot after a hard day's work.
Did the work with the electronic producers come easily while preparing your latest record? Do you influence their music in any way?
It's very hard to work with producers who know nothing about bass lines and notes. And unfortunately there are a hell of a lot of them! So I have to make them learn all of it (ha-ha-ha). I can't do anything at all if I feel that I don't like the music.
Your new album is being prepared now. Who are you collaborating with?
It's a secret for now. On the last album "Iguana" I worked with four producers, and I wouldn't mind collaborating with many this time too. It lets you make the music more varied. That's why I'm always on the lookout for new musicians.
Have you ever thought about becoming a DJ?
Ha-ha, interesting idea! I've never thought about it and never tried doing it. I think I'd look a bit pathetic behind the turntables. Singing is the one thing I do well and enjoy doing.
As a musician with very rich experience, what do you think of the concept of "live fast, die young"?
I lean more towards the "live long, die fast" option!
Louie can be heard in September:
08 - Donaukanaltreiben in Vienna
20 - KultTour07 / Rathausplatz in Vienna
21 - C-Prayer Festival in Milan
22 - Bar 103 in Berlin
29 - Club Superkronik in Leipzig
Thanks to Karina from Vienna for her help during the interview and to Greta from Berlin for the translation.
