Buenos Aires singer/songwriter Federico Aubele is an unabashed romantic. His third release, Amatoria (ESL Music), which debuted yesterday, lingers on that first kiss between new lovers. Named after Roman poet Ovid’s Ars Amatoria ("The Art of Love"), the collection has already topped the iTunes Store's album sales—and it’s not even Valentine’s Day.

Why love?
I happened to get married, so I was going through a very romantic moment and I started to think about it more. I decided to keep investigating it.

How would you describe this album in comparison to the others?
My first album was more electronic, with louder beats. The second one was more about the songs but still connected to the first one. This third one is driven by the vocal melody and the guitar. The electronic beats are still there, but they’re a lot smoother. The main elements are the vocals, the guitar and the songs.

Where do you draw inspiration from when you write and compose?
I’m writing most of the time and find inspiration in many things. In my new apartment in New York, for example, I have a great view and the sky looks amazing.

You have a few guest vocalists (Natalia Clavier, Sabina Sciubba and Miho Hatori); how did that come about?
Though I’m doing the lead vocals, I decided to do a couple of duets because I love the combination. I met Sabina from Brazilian Girls here in New York; she came to one of my shows. I’ve always liked her sensual voice. Natalia Clavier is my wife and we’ve been playing together for years. Miho Hatori came on board as a coincidence. The guy that was doing my management was talking to her. I was a big fan of her band, Cibo Matto. At the beginning I thought the language would be a problem, but it came out great.

What artists do you turn to when you’re in the mood for love?
It’s changed with the times. I had a huge CD collection back in the day, and there was always the special love section. In the love selection, there was jazz from Tedd Baker, Bebel Gilberto from Brazil. I would make special compilations all the time. Regardless of the love aspect, I was always more into smooth music than energetic tracks. Nowadays, I’ve been listening to some old Mexican boleros from the late ‘50s, the golden age of boleros.

Do you have any upcoming plans for the album?
I’ll be touring nonstop till November. I like playing live and creating an atmosphere in a venue. I just enjoy it so much.

By Grace Bastidas