What My Typical Day Looks Like
Caleb asked if I’d write about what a typical day is like for me. Probably like you, mine changes a bit depending on the week or season, but for the most part, here it is…
What My Typical Day Looks Like Read More »
Aaron’s Blog
Life, family, and music.
One Sentence I Write Down Everyday
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of just surviving. Somedays the to-do list is out of control and I feel like that ball inside a pinball machine. Just bouncing from one place to the next without any clear direction or control. By the end of the day I’m exhausted, but I can’t
One Sentence I Write Down Everyday Read More »
Getting Public Recognition
I don’t even want to to know the amount of money I used to spend sending my CD to radio stations and magazines. It’s probably in the billions. But I still remember the first time my music got reviewed. I couldn’t believe somebody other than my relatives actually listened and wrote about it. Are you
Getting Public Recognition Read More »
Publishing Deals and Whack-A-Mole
When I signed my first publishing deal in 2012, I got a little sick to my stomach. My 16 year-old artist spirit went into existential crisis mode. Did I just sell my soul?
Publishing Deals and Whack-A-Mole Read More »
When No One Takes You Seriously
Trying to book my own gigs in the beginning was a lot like going door to door selling vacuum cleaners. Only I was telling the person they could have the vacuum cleaner for free. I just wanted them to take it and like it.
When No One Takes You Seriously Read More »
What It Was Like Starting Out (Recording My First Songs)
It wasn’t what I expected. What I expected was a recording studio you’d see in the movies or in Rolling Stone magazine. Huge rooms with vaulted ceilings and sliding glass doors. A sound engineer smoking cigarettes over a mixing console.
What It Was Like Starting Out (Recording My First Songs) Read More »
A Book I Recommend
At least once a year I read a book by my favorite author Jon Hassler. I’m always trying to write songs like Jon Hassler wrote books. Seemingly ordinary, small-town characters living in northern Minnesota. But once you get to know them, they tug at your heart and stick with you.
A Book I Recommend Read More »
How My Taco Bell Coworker Helped Me Deal with Stress
Jim was my coworker. He and I worked together at Taco Bell. I was in high school. He was probably in his early 40s, a single dad of three kids. Serving late night burritos was just one of many jobs he had.
How My Taco Bell Coworker Helped Me Deal with Stress Read More »
[Video] “Beyond the Sun”
I don’t often post videos of me performing because I don’t really love seeing myself on camera. I’ve got issues, ok? I know. But for the sake of leaning into my fears, here’s a video of me performing “Beyond the Sun.” Love, Aaron LYRICS: BEYOND THE SUN CLAIRE GUERRESO/AARON ESPE I WONDER WHAT
[Video] “Beyond the Sun” Read More »
Nail Guns
Imagine you work construction, framing houses. But what you really want to do is play guitar and sing songs for people. You’ve just recorded your first album and are releasing it in two months. Of course you know your fingers are important, so you’re as careful as you can be around dangerous tools like, um,