“Hmm…this could be a song.” That’s the first thought I have before I record something in my iPhone voice memo app. It’s usually the moment I have a little snippet of lyric I like, and some guitar pattern I’ve been fiddling with. What does it sound like? It varies. But for “The Kindness of Strangers” […]
The Kindness of Strangers (Origins) Read More »
My dad’s birthday falls around Thanksgiving. It lands square on it every few years. This is one of those years (Happy Birthday, Pops!). I don’t think he minds sharing the day with Thanksgiving because my dad likes to eat. In fact, that picture above represents my father at one of his happiest moments: four bites
Thanksgiving/Dad’s Birthday Story Read More »
When you self-produce and mix your own music, you lose perspective. Why? Well, you’ve been listening to all the instrumental and vocal parts that make up the entire song for so long that your ears and brain hurt. If you’re lucky, you have a friend like Jeff Linsenmaier to give you feedback and maybe even
How Jeff Made My Music Better Read More »
I think about a lot of things when I think about the kindness of strangers. But one moment sticks out. It happened at the start of the pandemic, close to when I wrote this song. I talk about it in this video. Love, Aaron
About “The Kindness of Strangers” Read More »
I’m always conflicted about adding banjo to a recording because it’s such a specific and recognizable sound. Nobody hears a banjo and thinks, My goodness, what is that instrument? But I think the sound works in “The Kindness of Strangers.” It helps keep the song lighter. I bought this banjo in Fargo, North Dakota. I
I typed in the word “kindness” and then listened to a bunch of songs with the word “kind” or “kindness” in them. This is a playlist of the ones I liked best. Be warned, it will put you in a positive mood and a general love for humanity. Love, Aaron LISTEN:YouTube (or below on this
10 Songs About Kindness Read More »
Let’s say you order a t-shirt from me. What do you think happens next? Wonder no more, I’m going to show you in this video below. Looking for a gift? Check out the Merch page here. Love,Aaron
How Your Merch Gets to You Read More »
About four months ago I was excited to announce my Bandcamp subscription service. Creative freedom and autonomy, here we come! Why hadn’t I done this earlier. I hate being tied to The Man and streaming algorithms. I just want to make folk music about my feelings! But on the day of the announcement, nothing
That Time Only My Wife Subscribed on Bandcamp Read More »
My answer is in this throwback Thursday video clip circa 2013. Starting to write songs was one thing; sharing them was a whole different thing!
When Did I Start Writing Songs Read More »
Even after writing hundreds and hundreds of songs, it still happens every time. Here’s the scenario: I’ve just finished a song. I attach it to an email and compose a message to my publisher. But before I hit “send” I pause. I question the song. Is it good enough? Is it even worth their time?
It Doesn’t Count Unless You Do This Read More »