We were lucky enough to catch up with London based artist Aaron Fross, for an interview. This talented artist has released the superb single ‘Chase the Rhythm’ in April 2020. Check out our interview below!
Hi Aaron, Tell us about yourself?
I grew up in Lithuania, moved to London 5 years ago to study music. My musical path was surrounded by folk music because of my family, but I always felt that I wanted to escape the limits of the genre frame and create freely. So I came to the city of opportunity and freedom to get inspired and create the music that comes out naturally for me.
What is your songwriting process?
Sometimes an idea just pops in my head, and then I write it out on paper, sometimes it comes to me while playing around on the piano. Songwriting is still unpredictable to me, you never know how it’s going to come out, but one thing I noticed is that it depends on your commitment and belief in it. If I come up with something and I don’t feel the artistic satisfaction from it, I stop at the point where I see the lack of potential. It can be quite frustrating but also very cathartic and rewarding.
Tell us about your latest release?
‘Chase The Rhythm’ happened very quickly, producer Baba Ki sent me the track with no lyrics, and honestly, I don’t think I have ever written a song so easily and quick. I guess it was meant to be! The writing process of it reflects the song as well; it’s easy, relaxing and smooth. And the artwork of the single, the mask, represents the responsibility we have as listeners. The “mask” is nothing without someone wearing it, so it’s only alive with the essence of the person underneath. We chase the rhythm and the norms, but we also break and change it, because we are the mask and not the other way around.
What message do you think your music conveys to your fans?
Music, to me, is freedom. It has been my safe space since I was a kid. And that is what I want to give to my listeners, a sense of freedom in being who you are.
Who are your musical influences?
As I mentioned before, I grew up surrounded by Lithuanian folk music, and that has definitely made an impact on my singing style and my writing. But I was always more interested in contemporary music. Acts like Enya and Dead Can Dance and Tool taught me to strive for music that draws an image, music you can feel with your soul. They are my three favourite bands. But I cannot deny the influence of pop culture; Beyonce, Pink, Sia, Whitney Houston. They have inspired me to create performance in music, things you can experience, not just listen to.
Who are your non-musical influences?
My mother. She showed me the importance of standing up for yourself and trusting your gut. She also taught me to be free and respectful. There’s obviously no one else in my life that impacted me more than her.
What’s the best gig that you have ever played?
I think I can easily say the Jazz Cafe. When I just moved to London, I was singing in an acoustic duo called Double Aces. We had an opportunity to play in this amazing venue. It was full of people, and it felt great to be on the stage supported by such a great crowd.
What is your funniest gig moment?
Oh, gosh…. There were so many boo boo’s.. The most ridiculous ones were when I was still singing in my family’s folk band in Lithuania, and I would get a laugh attack on the stage, so I would have to be excused to go cool off because I could not stop giggling and keep a straight face.
What do you think are the biggest obstacles for bands/artists today?
There are so many musicians nowadays, and I think that’s great, but I can see that the musician’s job is not just how good you are at your skill, but also your patience and determination.
What advice would you give to other bands/artists starting out?
Try to learn as many skills as you can. If you’re a singer, then learn to play piano or guitar so you can accompany yourself and write songs, learn a bit of music theory, learn how to record a basic demo on something like Garageband, learn about the music industry. Doing this will not only give you independence when starting out, it will also allow you to communicate with other musicians more effectively and give you a better idea of what you want when you work with a producer for instance. These days it’s much harder for an unknown artist to get backed by a big label with lots of resources, so the more you can do yourself the more of a head start you’ll have.
What are your hopes for the next two years?
I really want to get out and do more concerts these next two years and keep releasing new music as well. Of course, the current pandemic situation has greatly affected musicians and artists everywhere, so I hope we can find a way to keep the creativity flowing.
FV Music Blog June 2020
https://www.instagram.com/aaronfross
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