Angelo De Augustine tells us about his Asthmatic Kitty debut and the importance of bathtubs

The 24-year-old Thousand Oaks native has already self-released a bunch of music, including 2014's Spirals Of Silence LP, but this new offering marks a leap upwards. Swim Inside The Moon has been teased via "Truly Gone" - it's out 19 August, and he's recently unveiled another preview.

Latest jewel "Haze" is a breathy wave of lo-fi folk, with sincerity and intimate textures taking precedent over polished production or pop gloss. It's richly melodic, with abundant reserves of warmth, heart, and classic acoustic hallmarks littering the refrains.

Check out the single below, and find out how it - and the rest of the album - came together in our Q&A with De Augustine afterwards.

BESTFIT: How do you feel about working with a label like Asthmatic Kitty?
Angelo De Augustine: It is an absolute joy and a pleasure to be fortunate enough to work with such wonderful people. Everyone on my team gives me complete creative freedom to see my vision through, which is rare these days, and is also essential for me to be able to thrive. It's hard to feel anything but intense gratitude for all that has come my way this year.

You've mentioned in the past about being inspired mostly by your mother - in what ways has she influenced your music?
Angelo: Growing up, I would listen to her write songs in our house. Seeing what she was able to accomplish in her career while also being a single parent in the world is quite amazing and was very inspiring to me. She has always been a continued support of my music and personal path. However, if you had the opportunity to listen to her records, you most likely would not hear many similarities between the two of us. It's much less about visible influence, and more about growing up with the freedom to be yourself and being taught that each of us have unique voices and ways of living life that matter and are worth pursuing.

What is the most important lesson you've learned from her?
Angelo: I learn important lessons from her all the time. She is a wealth of knowledge and wisdom with a vast amount of life experience. She is an extremely eccentric person to say the least and isn't afraid to own it, nor is she concerned with what the world does or expects.

How was Swim Inside The Moon written and recorded?
Angelo: The album was written soon after I had healed from a long bout of whooping cough that had subsequently led me to lose my voice. The album was recorded live in the bath tub of my house using a 1970s four-track reel-to-reel tape machine, one SM57 microphone, and an old PA mixer. I positioned the microphone in such a way as to pick up the reverberations of my voice and guitar off of the walls of the tub. After the guitar and vocal performance was recorded, I would often in the same vein add piano, electric guitar, or synthesizer on top of the song.

Which were the easiest and toughest songs to complete?
Angelo: To be honest, they all seem to jumble together in my mind. There are some songs that are more complicated to play and sing at the same time than others, but there were other variables that influenced it as well. One, being my dogs and their incessant barking, or their often sudden surprise entrances into the bathroom looking for a snuggle, unknowingly interrupting the recording of the song.

Are there any moments on the record you're especially proud of?
Angelo: I don't look at certain moments as containing more importance than others. It's all important to me.

What do you wish you knew before setting off on the writing/recording process for the album?
Angelo: I wish I had had the forethought to take my dog's jingling collars off... I have now learned that taking said collars off can provide one with a more enjoyable recording experience...

What's been your favourite reaction to the album so far?
Angelo: It's hard to feel anything but gratitude for all the support and encouragement I have received from so many people, and as a result it would be challenging to site one specific reaction. I feel incredibly fortunate to be healthy, alive, and able to make music that can be shared with others.

How did you know when the LP was finished in your own mind? Was there ever a singular 'moment' when it happened?
Angelo: I will listen to a song hundreds upon hundreds of times after I finish recording it. If the song still has something to offer to me after all those listens then I know it's good enough to include on an album.

How does Swim Inside The Moon translate to a live performance?
Angelo: There seems to be quite a difference between recording and performing live. It's hard to say exactly how it translates because one cannot view themselves when they perform live. On the other hand, one can in a sense view themselves when recorded, through the technological miracle of capturing real life and being able re-examine it. The final recording is revered as the apex of the of the songs expression that lives on forever, while the live performances disappears as soon as it's performed.

What are you working on now?
Angelo: I am working on a few surprises that I am quite excited about making a reality.

And finally, what's next?
Angelo: We just announced a European tour in the fall as well as some Fall US dates. I am delighted to be able to visit many of these countries and cities for the very first time.