As August hits here in Los Angeles, warm rays of sunshine still wash over us and love seems to be in the air. Or perhaps it just seems that way since we can't stop playing the latest sounds from Thievery Corporation's label-mate, guitarist extraordinaire, Federico Aubele. On his enchanting third album, Amatoria, Federico has created a lasting impression that will serve as the best possible soundtrack while enjoying or seeking love this summer.

Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Federico brings a decidedly different take on the traditional latin music he grew up with by incorporating a healthy dose of dub (his first two albums were co-produced with Eric Hilton of Thievery) and chilled beats but on his latest, he leaves those worlds behind and instead opted to take things down a notch.

"The idea was to focus more on the actual songs, so have the vocals and the guitar drive the songs and not so much the beats," Federico explained. "Although all of my music is based on songs now, rather than beats, so I wanted to make that a lot more obvious."

By taking over the production reigns himself, this allowed Federico to grow as an artist and also pull from the time spent working with production gurus to craft what could be considered his most complete collection of songs yet.

"Having worked with Eric twice already, I worked with Kid Loco too, so I kind of felt like I could produce it myself this time as I had more experience," Federico said. "I wanted to have my own approach on things."

This change in direction also coincided with Federico finally feeling comfortable enough to take over full vocal duties, which was hinted at on his solid sophomore album, Panamericana.

"That was a natural process," Federico said. "It started around the time my first album came out and after the tour, which I wasn't singing the songs, I was always just standing there on stage playing guitar and that made me feel pretty weird, so it really inspired the songwriter in me. I wanted to get it right and have the proper vocals, so it took me a while to get that and it wasn't until now that I was ready to do it."

When it came time to create his third album, he not only took to the mic but also crafted an entire concept album about love after becoming inspired by a similarly themed disc from a Johnny Cash boxset.

"That was another idea - a collection of love songs really," Federico explained. "In a very natural way, I tend to write songs about love and I decided this time to make an album with songs about love but only about love."

While Federico's vocals are a perfect match for his guitar musings, it's when he pairs with wife and fellow ESL Recording artist, Natalia Clavier, that you can hear for yourself the immense love and inspiration that Federico felt compelled to capture on Amatoria. Notably, one of the album's most intimate moments comes courtesy of the completely acoustic-driven, album-titled closing number.

"It was an idea I had a long time ago, and I didnt know what to do it with it," Federico shared. "For awhile I tried to write lyrics for it and it wouldn't really work. When I started listening to the collection of songs I compiled for this album, I thought it could be interesting to have one last instrumental song. Something very stripped down as sort of like an epilogue to the album." He then added, "I enjoyed it a lot, so it's something i like doing and I'm comfortable with, so expect to hear some more of that on the next album probably."

It's a fitting end to an affair filled with all the flavors you could ask for on any day at the beach, yet also an album so warm it could heat a house in the dead of winter. To get the proper feel, just take a listen to the free download Federico and ESL have provided for the opening track, "Luna Y Sol." If you like what you hear, pick up Amatoria, and we promise that your beloved will bestow you with unforeseen affection that you did.

The Details

Federico Aubele
http://www.federicoaubele.com/
http://www.myspace.com/aubele

ESL Records
http://www.eslmusic.com/

Story By: Ryan Simoneau