Multidisciplinary artist Audren has released her latest album, “Think Freedom,” and it immediately feels like the kind of album that wants to comfort you while also making you think a little deeper about the world around you. This release is a perfect reflection of Audren, as it brings to the surface different human emotions. It is even more special as it marks her comeback after a long hiatus from music because of Lyme disease. Her sound blends indie pop, jazz, and neo soul in a very natural way, and you can hear that experience behind it. The arrangements in her sound feel very rich and detailed, helped by collaborations with highly respected musicians over the years. At the same time, the music still feels deeply personal and intimate. There is also something special about how music is clearly a family affair for Audren, with her companion and daughters contributing to the album and adding to its warmth.
“Audren continues to create deeply human music that blends soulful storytelling, poetic emotion, and timeless musicianship into something truly personal.”
“Think Freedom” feels like an emotional mix bag in the best possible way. Some tracks instantly lift your mood and feel comforting, and others quietly explore emotional entanglement, confusion, freedom, and the complicated state of modern life. The album moves through different emotions smoothly, making it feel like different chapters of thought and feeling while listening. One of the best things about this collection is that every song carries its own personality. Nothing feels repetitive or stuck in one mood. Some moments lean into soft and dreamy melodies, while others bring groove-heavy neo soul energy and jazz-inspired textures that make the record feel alive throughout. Lyrically, Audren keeps things poetic without making them hard to connect with. The writing feels thoughtful but still simple enough to emotionally land with listeners immediately. She talks about heavy themes in a gentle way, which makes the album comforting even during its reflective moments.
The instrumentation throughout the record deserves special attention because everything sounds organic and natural. The piano sections, layered harmonies, smooth basslines, and subtle guitar work all work together beautifully without trying too hard to impress. There is also a timeless quality to the album because it does not chase trends or overproduced pop formulas. Instead, the focus stays on musicianship, melodies, and emotional honesty. Overall, “Think Freedom” feels like a collection of songs created with genuine heart and intention. It brings together warmth, reflection, hope, and honesty in a way that feels deeply human rather than overly polished or commercial. It is a kind of record that leaves you feeling calmer after listening, while also giving you enough emotional and lyrical depth to think long after the music ends.
Behind Think Freedom lies a remarkable story of resilience, reinvention, and artistic freedom. We caught up with Audren to talk about the album, the lessons life has taught her, and the power of creating without compromise.
- You’ve lived through so many different chapters as an artist, from early success and unexpected setbacks to becoming a bestselling author and returning to music. Looking back, what do you think those experiences have taught you about yourself beyond just being a musician?
Years ago, when a game character was modeled after me (Audren the Gypsy, in the game Darkstone), I couldn’t imagine the song I wrote for this same game would generate a buzz worldwide. I was free to create whatever I wanted and crafted the song with my companion, Chris Rime, just because we enjoy working together. Then I contracted severe Lyme disease and was unable to sing for several years. Because I can’t live without expressing myself through art, I chose to write novels rather than die, and some clouds have a silver lining; I became a bestselling Young Adult author in France despite breaking the typical codes of such fiction. The Darkstone song, followed by my literary successes, encouraged me to pursue my artistic life with the same authenticity and commitment. I realized that new challenges are always beneficial as long as you can be yourself. You never succeed where you expect to. Staying away from standardization and all forms of commercial or ideological imperatives is a form of freedom, and I like it. Being very sick teaches you a lot about life in general. The value of artistry in the healing process is priceless. Creation is probably the best medicine. Throughout my non-singing years, I also met a new friend: my resilience. Because I was struggling with my own pain, I empathized more than ever with the suffering of others. This experience led me to fully dedicate myself to sharing my art as a means to heal and uplift those around me, providing them with thoughtprovoking insights and joy through my songs.
2. “Think Freedom” feels both uplifting and reflective. What did you hope listeners would take away from the album?
We all have wounds to heal, but the global crisis has steered us all in the wrong way, and we usually overlook our own needs. Too many people are going through severe depression. We’ve all lost many feathers and are no longer able to fly as we once did. In this turbulent time, it’s important to reconnect with what truly counts in order to find serenity, love, and freedom. Contemporary chaos acts as a powerful motivator to change the world. We need to rethink it in terms of beauty, nature, and unity. I wanted this album to become my listeners’ trusted companion, the one who would always lift their spirits and help them feel better. If I could also raise awareness and urge people to fight for their freedom in this dystopian society, I would have likely met my goal. This fight involves poetic defiance. Never let poisonous people or social disappointments divert you from your creative path. My album is an invitation to reconnect with our inner life. I tried to craft an emotional shelter for people exhausted by conflict, constant surveillance, politicians’ lies, and emotional numbness.
3. The album explores both personal and social themes. How do you make those deeper messages feel accessible and uplifting through music?
I don’t want my music to scare people with stressful warnings and authoritarian injunctions. Songwriters don’t need to be aggressive to get heard. Quite the contrary, the inclusion of reassuring lyrics and harmonies in my musical message of rebellion allows the listeners to embrace and personalize the song. As a lifelong advocate for freedom and free will, I don’t wish to impose anything, but I am happy if my music improves people’s lives.
4. Your music blends indie pop, jazz, and neo-soul influences in a very natural way. When creating this album, did you consciously explore different musical colours for each song, or did the arrangements evolve organically from the stories you wanted to tell?
Chris Rime and I didn’t plan any musical colours for this album. We just wanted it to resist easy musical categorization. We explored the porous boundaries between indie pop, R&B, jazz, neo-soul, rock, folk, and 80s sounds. Each song has its own style, blending several genres. The narrative and the global atmosphere we created with the help of a horn section, a choir, and even a symphonic orchestra on some tracks serve as the glue that holds everything together. We intended the album to be a whole experience, similar to travelling to different locations with the same cool and uplifting guide (me:-).
5. Family seems to be a big part of this project, with your companion and daughters contributing to the album. How did having your loved ones involved shape the atmosphere and emotional spirit of Think Freedom?
I’m so lucky! The whole family is playing on my album! Sydney Rime (piano and co-composer on “Flowers in the Snow”), Jemily Rime (fretless bass on “A New Page”), Chris Rime (everywhere on the album: guitar, production, arrangements) … and our cat Luna Rime (Vocals on “Big Boomerang”. Working on the album with them felt like making a birthday cake together; it’s a homemade collective creation, with all the ingredients that can make life sweeter. I guess all the warmth and tenderness bring something special to the music.
6. You’ve expressed yourself through both music and writing over the years. Do you find that each creative outlet reveals a different side of who you are
Whatever I create, I hope to provide people with a mirror to the world’s complexities as well as a gentle push toward something brighter. I also wish for all my songs and books to be accessible to anyone, and this desire to reach and feel close to others in order to generate a positive difference in their lives is always present. However, I guess I never fully revealed myself before creating this album. But I’d waited so long to be able to make music again that I longed to sing everything out without any restraint or shame. I poured my heart and soul into “Think Freedom,” exposing my strengths and weaknesses, while aiming to craft a musical and poetic manifesto of spiritual survival.
Catch the muse down below:
Want to discover more such similar tracks? check out our Pop Muse playlist on Spotify:
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