In a time where negativity and tragedy seem to be everywhere, it is comforting and inspiring to know that there are still people who are able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Centerville artist Audley not only sees that light, but all the magnificent colors that comprise it. It is well known that colors convey different emotions and visions, and no person symbolizes this more than him. Music is his medium, but it is not his sole mode of expression. Creativity bursts from him like water through a broken dam and washes over everything it touches. However, unlike a flood, his current doesn’t drown you. It sweeps you off your feet and guides you down the path of introspection and self-love. 

Born and raised in the city of Centerville, Ohio, Audley was surrounded by music from a young age, and his parents both imparted their unique tastes in music onto him and his sisters. The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd were all introduced to him during his youth. At the same time, Audley’s parents allowed him to express himself through song and poetry, which contributed to his love of music and his desire to create musical art of his own. Even his sister aided in his appreciation of music through her gifting of Kanye West’s ‘College Dropout’ album and a local DJ’s hip-hop mix CD to him in sixth grade. His interest in music was also nurtured by his grandmother, who played the organ and encouraged Audley as he taught himself how to play the piano rather than trying to force him to learn the instrument in a more rigid way. Audley credits his family with his ability to craft meaningful narratives and express himself freely through his music. 

Audley’s music is influenced by R&B, Hip-Hop, and EDM. Flume, Zeds Dead, Kendrick Lamar, and Andre 3000 are all artists who inspire his creative eye and provide motivation for the way he makes his music. Similar to Andre 3000, Audley uses smooth vocal tones to draw in his listeners instead of the traditional aggressive method used by most in the genre. An example of Aduley’s unique brand of music can be seen in his first album ‘Pink’. Though his upcoming album ‘ROY’ is his favorite project to date, Pink is an ode to love. As Audley puts it “I was in love with my partner, my friends, my job, my lifestyle”. Self-love, truth, introspection, and the celebration of colors are mainstays of his songs. When it comes to his rough drafts, Audley’s approach is non-stop. He creates every day, and urges other artists to do the same, even if all they can talk about is how tired they are. Furthermore, rough drafts are significant to him because they deepen his connection with color, the emotional spectrum, and himself. All in all, the stifling of creativity is something Audley greatly disagrees with. 

Considering Audley’s upbringing and his deep relationship with music, one would assume that joining the music industry was simply destined to happen. However, this is not the case. Prior to making music, he spent six years working at a marketing agency in Cincinnati, Ohio. According to Audley, his time in the workforce left him drained mentally, physically, and emotionally. Though some would ignore this spiritual pain, he decided to take things slower and strengthen his connection to the universe. Though, Audley has not abandoned the skills he gained in the marketing industry. He uses them to further the reach of his art and during our interview, even stated that he’s open to helping any artist who wishes to do the same. His wish to help other musicians ties into his future aspirations also, as in five years, he wants to be living in the Chicago neighborhood of Pilsen and creating music alongside his friends. In addition to that, he wants to have ten projects out by then, and have solidified his brand DTBG. Being able to create unique experiences through his music and brand is the end goal for Audley, and from our discussion, we can tell that he’s got millions of plans for the future. Though the recent pandemic and social unrest have put a pause on a portion of his ideas, he has used the time to create and express himself more. It can be safely said that the future is bright for Audley and we at Rough Draft Magazine can’t wait to see how his path unfolds.