I try not to take myself too seriously. My compositions are just an outlet of expression, a way to enjoy my spare time. Some people like to surf, I like to write songs. I am fully aware that the chances of ever becoming a sensation or even enjoying modest success are relatively nil. That being said, I would be kidding myself if I thought there wasnt some part of me that truly desired the lifestyle of the artists I have idolized most of my life.
A college creative-writing class first gave me the revelation that confidence, not talent, is the key to success; if you truly believe in your own ideas, others will too. I am a lover of poetry, literature, and random original thoughts. I am proud of my liberal arts degrees in music and creative writing, but well too aware that they qualify me for nothing. My experience has taught me that being yourself is the only way to get noticed. Aaron Bray is very good at being Aaron Bray.
First and foremost, I'm a drummer. I have been playing the drums since age 10 and owes my livelihood to the likes of John Bonham, Neal Peart, and Tommy Lee. I picked up guitar, piano, bass, and singing mostly out of necessity. None of the other musicians I had played with could re-create the sounds I was creating in my head. I endear my past collaborations, but I want nothing than to move forward and create a new sound that is uniquely Bray.
A few years ago, I made a resolution to begin recording and producing the music that evolved from all of the ideas that had been occupying my mind. Then I would somehow distribute this in a way it could be enjoyed by everyone. I have no concrete plans, but will continue doing this until, well, forever. If I have one million fans or one, if I were working for a major record label or laying down tracks in my spare time for Funston Records, my one-room, makeshift studio that doubles as a guest bedroom, it simply doesn't matter.
Although a seasoned musician, I am very new to the aspect of recording and producing. I posted my first completed song on the internet only so my brother could listen to it, I didnt think anyone else would. The song was Arizona, a song about random thoughts that can go through your head while alone on an extremely long road trip from Texas to California. When someone at Atlantic records apparently took a liking to the song, I was told to send a demo and bio, something I had NEVER done before. My first reaction was joy and elation, followed by extreme fear and uncertainty. I wanted to wait until I was ready before I began to get involved with such entities as record companies and agents and such. Then I recalled the words of a great teacher that have always stuck with me: Youre NEVER ready. Do it anyway! I did.
That's all the history up until now...
Not really. Not yet anyway. Since I play all of the instruments myself, it's not possible to play out, until I can get band members who will learn the parts.
Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, the Beatles, the Black Crowes, David Bowie, Arnold Schoenberg, Phish, Igor Stravinsky, Ludwig Van Beethoven, Frank Zappa, Antonin Dvorak, Gustav Mahler, Carlo Gesualdo, Claudio Monteverdi, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Wilco, the Jayhawks, Gomez, Terence Trent DArby, Andrew Lloyd-Weber, Indigo Girls, Tori Amos, the Vines, the Strokes, Rush, Motley Crue, Guns n Roses.
Thus far, I have recorded everything on my Boss BR-8.
I know where my weaknesses lie, but more importantly I know my strengths. Nothing you can say about my music will shake me. I know that not everyone likes everything. I take criticism well, but my biggest critic is myself. I will always yearn to achieve a certain uniqueness in style and sound with each song or concept. What is the point in making music if its not truly fresh and innovative.
When you listen to my songs, you might want to think not only where they're coming from, but also where they're going. As of yet, they may sound unpolished and unprofessional. They are only a taste of my aspirations. I have dozens of songs and hundreds of ideas waiting to be recorded and enjoyed by a wider audience. Just wait.
