When a musical icon like LeAnn Rimes calls you "a dear friend, a genius at his craft and a blast to create with,” there has to be a very good reason.
He has worked with icons like LeAnn Rimes, Rihanna and even Madonna in the past, but it is Dave Audé’s recently completed work with emerging artist Zee Machine and a fresh collaboration with Rimes that has got Audé charged up for the next phase of his career. I sat down with Audé to chat about his storied career, his new music with Zee Machine and LeAnn Rimes, and we manifested a potential new collaboration with a pop music goddess.
Michael Cook: Dave, summer was major for you, between projects with Cody Belew and Lynda Carter. What is it like coming roaring back after the world was so quiet for a little while?
Dave Audé: Man, my world has never been quiet! If I did have 30 mins here and there, I spent it working on my album coming out in October. I feel so blessed to work with some very talented artists!
MC: Tell me about working with Zee Machine on the track “Motions.” It has a definite fresh vibe to the track.
DA: Zee Machine is one of those artists that has “got it.” His natural instincts are light-years ahead of his time, I think he might be from another planet. But seriously, this guy has some serious chops and it's all his own unique distinctive style. I’m lucky enough to have captured a little lighting in a bottle from him! I saw him at Rock Indy Pride recently and I don't think they knew what hit ‘em!
MC: Lynda Carter had loads of accolades for you when I recently spoke with her; what was it like working with her on “Human and Divine” which was her first official foray onto the dance floors?
DA: Lynda is a hoot! Before she agreed to work with me, we met for coffee and I saw what an absolutely amazing person she is. I don't always get to meet artists in person as I’m buried under cables, synthesizers and deadlines most of the time, so getting to meet a legend who is incredibly versed and talented just inspires me even more to go that extra mile. Lynda is a lot of fun, I can’t wait to work on more stuff!
MC: As you look back on your storied and legendary career, what are some of the highlights that stick out?
DA: I’ve had some amazing moments, a few that come to mind. Co-writing and producing a song with Olivia Newton-John, Andy Bell, and Toko Ono. Also producing a song with Betty White singing (and dancing?) and for Sting. Working with other legends like Madonna, Lady Gaga, LeAnn Rimes, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Robyn, Demi Lovato, Bruno Mars, Celine Dion - there are so many more I’m leaving out, and just being nominated for three Grammy’s (winning one is pretty cool too)!
MC: You recently collaborated with LeAnn Rimes on a reimagining of Alanis Morisette’s haunting vocal masterpiece “Uninvited.” What was that experience like?
DA: LeAnn Rimes is one of the most talented vocalists and songwriters on planet Earth I’ve been lucky enough to remix over a dozen of her songs and it has been a dream of mine to collaborate with her in this way over the past 20 years. When I heard her sing "Uninvited" I knew in my bones that we had to do it together.
MC: Okay, let’s do some manifesting; who is out there that you would absolutely love to work with that you haven’t gotten to work with yet?
DA: I get asked this A LOT! There are so many amazing artists out there that I have yet to work with, but for me the song is a big part of the magic. If I could just work on great songs for the rest of my life, I would be happy no matter who is doing them! One artist would be pretty obvious: Dua Lipa. I just feel like anything she sings is pretty damn awesome.
MC: What is next for you for the rest of the summer and the remainder of 2022?
DA: I’m focusing on writing songs and developing some artists, and all kinds of different styles, but focusing on the song. I also have an album set to drop later this year, which I’m really excited about.
MC: What has given you the most pride about what you have accomplished in your career so far?
DA: The past decade I’ve found myself playing a lot of Pride Events, having made records for so many gay iconic artists. I’m so proud to be a part of the community, I’ve made so many lifelong friends, and it’s the best feeling ever to be embraced by the community and play my music at these events!
Check out his website at daveaude.com.
