Au/Ra's eagerly awaited debut album, 'Heartcore', is a breathtaking fusion of alt-pop magic and the fantastical worlds she fell in love with as a child. This immersive concept album is like embarking on a quest – think Dungeons & Dragons meets fantasy RPGs – where character design, power-ups, and depleting 'HP' are transformed into sonic landscapes that narrate a tale of self-discovery, growth, and ultimate triumph.
At the heart of 'Heartcore' is Au/Ra's own personal journey. As Jamie Lou Stenzel, she explains that creating this album was a therapeutic process, revisiting childhood coping mechanisms like video games, creative writing, and her beloved 'The Lord of the Rings'. Growing up between Ibiza and Antigua, Stenzel found solace in these imaginative realms, using them to navigate feelings of being an outsider and process past traumas. With 'Heartcore', she's rewriting the narrative, forgiving herself for feeling out of place and rewiring her brain to celebrate individuality.
The album's sonic tapestry is just as eclectic as its thematic inspirations. Stenzel cites Imogen Heap's ethereal soundscapes and Grimes' pulsating 'Art Angels' as key influences. She's also drawn from the video game world, incorporating elements from 'Genshin Impact', 'League of Legends', and its animated spin-off 'Arcane'. To further immerse fans in her fantasy universe, Stenzel has even created a companion top-down dungeon adventure game and comic book – talk about an immersive experience!
Stenzel's love affair with music began at a young age, sparked by her first console, a pink Nintendo DS. She was captivated by games like 'Nintendogs' and 'Cooking Mama', but it was the fantasy worlds of 'Final Fantasy 15' and 'The Lord of the Rings' that truly captured her heart – especially the enigmatic elves with their 'mysterious, magical powers'. This fascination led to a passion for writing fan fiction on Wattpad, showcasing her long-standing connection to creating imaginative realms.
The release of 'Heartcore' marks a triumphant return for Au/Ra, who has overcome creative stagnation following a dispute with her previous label, Sony. After successfully leaving the contract and abandoning some of her music due to rights issues – a process she described as 'a mourning of art' – Stenzel is now free to channel her experiences into this unique and deeply personal musical statement.