Midwestern singer-songwriter Aud Whitson is set to release her debut EP, A House That Can’t Get Quieter, on February 7, 2025. The four-track collection highlights her raw, emotional folk style, recorded using voice memos, MIDI instruments, and even the sounds of nature—like chirping birds caught during porch recording sessions.
Whitson, based in Lawrence, Kansas, intentionally embraced this stripped-down approach to focus on storytelling. Drawing inspiration from artists like Elliott Smith and Big Thief, she aimed to create a sound that feels organic and intimate. “I wanted the writing to take center stage,” she says, hoping the unpolished process would uncover something special.
The EP dives into heavy themes like depression, grief, and existential uncertainty. Whitson describes the project as an effort to bring light to often-avoided topics, removing the shame and stigma around them. “I hope this helps people feel seen and understood,” she says.
The lead single, “Loose Ends,” pairs delicate acoustic guitar with deeply personal lyrics. Its refrain, “I know I’m not the only one,” captures a universal longing for connection. Whitson explains the song was written during a difficult time and touches on her experience with mental illness, particularly the unhelpful advice she encountered in some faith communities. “The ‘give it to God’ mentality can be invalidating when you’re in crisis,” she says, describing how reclaiming those narratives felt empowering.
Whitson’s journey as a songwriter began in her teenage years in St. Louis, but it wasn’t until a visit to Chicago that she considered music a career. Encouraged by collaborations with artists like Mark Rose (Spitalfield) and Bob Nanna (Braid), she began shaping her voice. Recently, she worked with producer Chase Horseman, whose contributions brought depth and vibrancy to her minimalist approach.
With A House That Can’t Get Quieter, Whitson crafts music that’s both fragile and powerful, aiming to offer solace to those navigating life’s toughest emotions. Aud Whitson’s debut EP is a poignant reminder of the power in vulnerability, with its unpolished sound and heartfelt narratives creating a deeply personal connection. Her ability to turn raw emotion into something universally resonant makes A House That Can’t Get Quieter a truly special release.