Aura Dione is back with a new album. Separations are a topic in their songs. In an interview, she gives tips against lovesickness.
Danish singer Aura Dione (37) stormed the European charts in 2009 with “I Will Love You Monday (365)”. More successful singles, three albums and awards followed. After her last album in 2017, however, it became quiet about the singer-songwriter. But now Dione is back with a kind of best-of album. Revised versions of old hits as well as new songs can be found on “Life of a Rainbow”, which will be released on August 26th. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, the 37-year-old told how it felt to sing songs like “Song for Sophie” again and how it is about love and family planning.
Her new album is called “Life of a Rainbow”. Why did you choose the title?
Aura Dione: When I look back on my life there are so many different moments and each experience feels like a colour. It’s my personal favorite or best-of album. It contains a lot of such moments and sums up my career so far. I shot videos for seven songs. Each has a color and together they form a rainbow.
Her last album was released in 2017. What has happened in your life in the meantime?
Dione: A lot has happened in the world. A lot has changed on a personal level too. I’ve been working on my music and my personal development. I’ve been trying to figure out how to fit into our world and give back. It’s important to step back and reflect on your life. I asked myself: How can I really find my way back to myself? I went to the Faro Islands. My family on my mother’s side is from there. I spent a lot of time in nature and dealt with my roots.
There are old songs on the album, but also new ones. How was it for you to stand in the studio and sing the old songs again?
Dione: In a way, it’s like meeting old friends. Like all of us, I grew up with many dreams, hopes and wishes. I wanted to be a musician and a star. I knew early on that this was my path. The old songs are like little magic spells – they changed my life. You have changed the lives of many people, touched them and created memories. I’m kind of going back in time. I see the person I was when I wrote the songs again. But it is also a journey into the future. Hoping the songs are still relevant.
Some artists have a kind of love-hate relationship with their hits. So you still love your songs?
Dione: The great thing about writing songs is that the songs take on a life of their own. In the end, it’s not your song anymore – it belongs to the listener. I’m always so detached from the songs that I don’t even notice them anymore. In a way, that’s healthy too. But I’m also a perfectionist and hear what I would do differently today. That’s why it’s fun to pick up the old songs again. Just to do things with them that I couldn’t do back then.
Many of your songs are about love. Have you found her yet?
Dione: Love is very simple, it’s a warm feeling. It’s like a warm tingling sensation spreading through your body. Many things make it difficult for us to focus only on love. When we’re complicated, we tend to screw it up. We’re so lucky that we’ve got 86 or 90 years to sort it all out. That’s why I love old people. They understand many things because they have lived. I’m trying to be more gentle with myself and accept that I’m not perfect. I try to love myself and be open. I’m also careful not to be quick to judge people.
Breakups are often a theme in your songs. Do you have any tips against lovesickness?
Dione: It always takes three days. The brain needs this time to recover. Maybe you miss the other person and freak out. But if you sleep on it for a few nights, you’ll find yourself again. Talking to close friends can also help. Maybe with the mother, the best friend or work colleagues. Someone who really knows you. When we’re so caught up in love that we can’t see or feel ourselves, sometimes we need a little space. Three days is a good time to just think about everything.
How are you doing with family planning?
Dione: When you have children as an artist or as a business manager, you have to take a step back for a few years. I’m not ready to take on that responsibility yet. I’m very focused on what I’m doing and I love it. But I love children. I have them all around me, with my friends and in my family. I am the great aunt.
The hit “I Will Love You Monday” is not featured on the album. Is there a reason for that?
Dione: I tried to edit the song for the album. But I had the feeling that the song doesn’t necessarily have to come out in a new version. My mission was to make an album that comes from the heart. I think that’s the most modern way of being commercial. I believe in my sound and the songs I create.
Unfortunately, your last album didn’t make the charts. How do you deal with such setbacks?
Dione: I tried not to think about it too much. My job is to do my best and try to find people who want to work with me and support me. I’m not an American superstar. I’m a Danish songwriter who has pushed through with her talent and I believe I still can. I don’t run around on TikTok, although I know I probably should to get more exposure. But I am first and foremost an artist. It’s like a brain surgeon. You want him to concentrate primarily on operating. I don’t think my chart position has anything to do with the quality of my songs. So I don’t take it personally. I know my songs can touch millions of people.