“Great music is made all over the world by people from all walks of life. Borrowing from and being influenced by differing styles is what keeps music exciting and new.”

Allison August: Fly to the Blues Soul Moon

West Coast-based singer Allison August will be released August Moon, her new album on MoMojo Records on March 21st, 2025. Produced by Grammy-winner Tony Braunagel (who also plays drums on most of the tracks), August Moon is a showcase for August’s sumptuous pipes, backed by a cadre of all-star musicians, including Paul Barrere (guitar); Mike Finnigan (keyboards); Lenny Castro (percussion); Bob Glaub (bass) and Maxayn Lewis/Teresa James (backing vocals). Allison August has had music in her veins since an early age. She grew up in a household and family spanning four generations of music aficionados and luminaries from many genres. Her influences were diverse, from the Beatles to Billie Holiday, Etta James, Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles to modern day Blues and R&B. In the earlier years of her career, she collaborated with Coco Montoya and then Paul Barrere of Little Feat, who also played on her latest recording.

(Allison August / Photo by Frank Lee Drennen)

After a few years of dedicated energy to make this new album, interrupted by Covid, she teamed up with Grammy-winner Tony Braunagel, and an amazing group of musicians was assembled by the two of them, along with her longtime bandmate and co-producer/bass player David J. Carpenter also by her side. The list of musician credits reads thick and heavy. The team persevered interruptions and budget issues to deliver with August Moon a soulful manifestation of all the great songs that she wrote and co-wrote to come up with a narrative of marriage, motherhood, resilience, and life as a woman in Southern California singing her heart out. Listeners will experience heartache, joy and a determination to move you with her voice, these songs and all the great performances. 

Interview by Michael Limnios                            Special Thanks: Mark Pucci Media

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most?

Great music is made all over the world by people from all walks of life. Borrowing from and being influenced by differing styles is what keeps music exciting and new. There wasn't any particular moment that influenced me, but more watching my parents and grandparents practicing, writing and teaching music that led me to pursue a career in music. I guess you could say I went into the family business.

What is the driving force behind your continuous support for your music? How do you prepare for your recordings and performances to help you maintain both spiritual and musical stamina?

Music is my way of making sense of my life and the world around me. I prepare for recording sessions by selecting musicians who possess a particular style and sound that will create the sonic atmosphere for each individual song. For live performances, I do some vocal warm-ups, drink a cup of coffee, then the energy of my incredible band and the audience takes over and I lose myself in the music.

Currently you’ve one release with Tony Braunagel. How did that relationship come about? Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album August Moon?

I met Tony Braunagel at a Little Feat show in 2019. I was backstage with Paul Barrere, Coco Montoya and Jerry Manuel, who all three convinced Tony that he should produce an album for me. When I first came to Tony's studio to play some of the songs for this album, I sat down with my guitar and started playing “Dashboard Madonna.” I looked up mid-song and directly across from me on the mantle was a statue of the Madonna looking back at me. I took this as a sign from the universe that I was in the right place.

“miss all of the music venues in Southern California that have disappeared over the last several years. There used to be so many venues supporting new original artists. I hope that these venues make a comeback.” (Photo: Allison August)

Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?!

One of the most exciting experiences in my career was getting to record / master in Michael Jackson's personal recording studio at the Hit Factory in New York. I also loved working out songs with Tony Braunagel, Mike Finnegan, David J Carpenter, and Sam Meek at Dave Way’s Studio the WayStation making this album August Moon.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I miss all of the music venues in Southern California that have disappeared over the last several years. There used to be so many venues supporting new original artists. I hope that these venues make a comeback. 

What does to be a female artist in a Man’s World as James Brown says? What is the status of women in music?

As a woman in the music industry, you have to have a thick skin. You have to be one of the boys. I've heard producers say to female artists, “you’re too short, too tall, too thin, too fat, too pretty, not pretty enough.” You have to work with people who are focused on your sound and your musical ideas, who respect you as an artist. 

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

I've always been drawn to socially conscious songwriters like Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Bessie Smith, Carole King and Bob Dylan. As an artist, I feel lucky to have the opportunity to speak my mind in song and to share how I feel about things going on in the world. My goal in writing music is to move the listener emotionally and encourage them to think about how they move through the world and the impact they have on those around them.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

I learned from a young age that music feeds the soul and brings people from all walks of life together like nothing else can. I believe that music can change the world.

Allison August - Home

(Allison August /  Photo by lorenzo hodges)