Sunday 11 January 2015

Aaron Ray - An Extraordinary Voice

Aaron’s Attempt at Happiness



Hey there! This is Aaron… and to be perfectly honest, for a while I had no idea what to even talk to you guys about! I’m writing this blog in between shifts for my full-time and part-time job, so I’ve been really stretched both physically and mentally. I suppose answering the question, "why do I play music?" is something I could talk about, so here we go!

I really grew up around music, when I was young my mom and I would sing along to a mixed CD that included “American Pie” by Don McLean, “Cats in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin, and “Horse With No Name” by America during the long-and-late car rides from Kingston to London Ontario. My father has been a big source of inspiration, information and guidance—seeing as he’s been doing what I’ve just started doing since the dawn of time…!

When I was really young I always had a hard time with connecting with people; Asperger’s is always really tough on kids, so it was pretty obvious that there was something missing in my social etiquette. Because of this uncomfortable distance between people, I guess I decided I wanted to make friends, and to make people happy.

I saw how people acted when my dad would play music in the local bars; dancing, singing along, and enjoying the company of their friends. My 10 year old self saw that dad was making all these people happy. I could understand that, as music was something that made me happy too, so I decided that was how I was going to do it.

My parents immediately got behind me on my decision— and I know how lucky I am for that, and know that I wouldn’t be where I am without their support. Over the course of this eight year long journey, I have come to know many people who have invested invaluable time and effort on me which I am grateful for: mentors and directors, teachers and classmates, to my close-knit circle in Ottawa, including the awesome individuals under Bryan’s Studio 169, and the many people I’ve met during my time as a local performer.

Anyway, sappy stuff aside—“What’s Aaron got plans for now”? Well, along with Mark Rosner’s crazy-awesome-tour-of-awesome, I’m working my butt off so I can perform my butt off come April, writing songs and mastering the art of sleeping-while-pouring-coffee!



Aaron Ray

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