A native of New Ulm, Augie Babel, a 2019 graduate of New Ulm High School, is currently making waves in the Minneapolis music scene. Since moving to the city, this young musician has been expanding his musical horizons and gaining confidence in sharing his talents with larger audiences. With influences ranging from his father, Tim, to John Prine and Bob Marley, Augie blends various genres into an eclectic sound that resonates with listeners. Recently, he has increased his live performances, including open mic nights, where his unique style continues to attract attention. As he prepares for a special performance alongside his father at The Grand in New Ulm, Augie reflects on his growth as a musician and the challenges of perfecting his craft.
Having developed a passion for music early in life, Augie began singing as a child and picked up the guitar in 2015. His father played a pivotal role in nurturing this interest by introducing him to the joys of performing together. These formative experiences laid the foundation for Augie’s current path as a singer-songwriter. Despite initially feeling apprehensive about public performances, Augie's confidence has surged over the past year, leading to more frequent gigs around the Twin Cities area.
Inspired by diverse musical tastes, Augie crafts a genre-defying sound that draws from multiple influences. While he shares some preferences with his dad, such as John Prine and Bob Marley, his own creations incorporate elements of indie, funk, and neo-soul. This fusion stems partly from his admiration for storytelling in rap music, even though he does not compose rap himself. "I enjoy telling stories through any type of songwriting," Augie explains, highlighting how different genres inform his work.
Augie's journey includes overcoming personal hurdles related to perfectionism. He admits that striving for flawlessness sometimes hinders his progress but acknowledges the importance of embracing spontaneity in creativity. "Sometimes the best songs come when you just let go and follow your feelings," he notes. Despite these challenges, Augie remains committed to refining his artistry and reaching wider audiences.
As part of his ongoing musical exploration, Augie looks forward to performing with his father at The Grand in New Ulm. This event marks their first public collaboration and represents a significant milestone in Augie's career. Reflecting on past memories of watching his dad perform there, Augie expresses excitement about returning home to share his music with loved ones and fans alike. Beyond live performances, Augie's original compositions are available on popular platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music, offering listeners a glimpse into his evolving artistry.
This upcoming performance symbolizes Augie Babel's growth as both an artist and performer. By combining heartfelt storytelling with innovative sounds, he continues to carve out a distinctive niche in today's music landscape. Through perseverance and passion, Augie proves that authentic expression can transcend boundaries and inspire others.