Aubory Bugg – i think i had something once
Today, 21-year-old singer-songwriter Aubory Bugg formally introduces herself as one of the most exciting new voices in indie rock and folk-pop, unveiling her new single “i think i had something once,” out via Dualtone.
Her first single, with sweeping Bryter Layter-esque fluttering guitars, is the perfect showcase for Bugg’s absolutely stunning vocal, that has a timeless and contemporary quality (let comparisons to everyone from Joni Mitchell to Phoebe Bridgers ensue).
Speaking on the single, Bugg shares, “That song is really about realizing how much of your life is made up of things you didn’t think you’d lose — whether that’s people, places, or even versions of yourself. It’s a love letter to that feeling, and trying to hold onto it for just a little longer.”
Growing up in a blue collar steel mill town in Illinois, Bugg once thought she might become a lawyer — but always knew her path would ultimately lead to music. In a household shaped by hard work and creativity, her father played drums in local bands and at family gatherings, she learned early on that dreaming big only matters if you’re willing to put in the work to back it up. Whether it was her parents picking up extra jobs or bartering home repairs in exchange for piano lessons from a relative, this foundation instilled a lasting belief in Bugg: anything is possible, but no one’s going to do it for you.
By 13, Bugg was already performing in local coffee houses, channeling her experiences into her songs that felt both deeply personal and universally resonant. Growing up in a conservative tight-knit town made that sense of belonging complicated — a tension that would later become central to her songwriting.
Reflecting on that experience, Bugg shares, “Growing up queer in a town like that, you feel different before you even understand why. I wanted to fit in so badly, but at the same time I knew I wasn’t meant to stay — and I think that tension really shaped the way I write and how I see the world. My parents always told me anything you want is within reach, as long as you’re willing to work for it — and that stuck with me. Nobody’s going to do it for you. I think everything I make comes from that place of wanting to be as honest as possible about where I’m at, even when it’s uncomfortable.”
In January 2024, she began posting a cover a day on TikTok, and her version of “Tummy Hurts” by Reneé Rapp quickly went viral, bringing in over 110,000 new followers. Rather than stay in the cover lane, Bugg made a decisive shift to original music, steadily building a fanbase with a prolific output of songs that reflect her lived experience with striking clarity and intention.
Now with over 187k TikTok followers, a tour opening for Courtney Marie Andrews and her debut album in the works, Aubory is living her best life in Nashville, surrounded by a thriving community of queer artists and collaborators. The album captures a pivotal chapter for this exciting new artist — navigating identity, independence, and the emotional weight of leaving home.
TOUR DATES
Apr 13 Mon – Salt Lake City, UT – The State Room*
Apr 14 Tue – Denver, CO – Globe Hall*
Apr 16 Thu – Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle*
Apr 17 Fri – St. Paul, MN – Turf Club*
Apr 20 Mon – Toronto, CA – Longboat Hall*
Apr 24 Fri – Washington, DC – The Atlantis*
Apr 25 Sat – Asheville, NC – Revival*
Apr 26 Sun – Asheville, NC – Revival*
Jun 26 Fri – Chelmsford, UK – State Faye Festival
June 27 Sat – Glasgow, UK – State Faye Festival
Jun 29 Mon – London, UK – Folklore
* with Courtney Marie Andrews
#auborybugg