Exclusive Interview with Aaron Amos

Born and raised in Germany, the American German singer Aaron Amos released his first original music in late 2018, whilst still trying to figure out which musical direction he wanted to approach. During 2021, the 25-year-old collected some new ideas which eventually became his second EP with songs like Nightrides or Wildcat. Listening to various groups and genres such as Little Dragon, Roosevelt, GATC, Twin Shadow and St. Lucia, Aaron is not afraid to explore with different sounds. With his new self-produced EP “Empty Room”, Aaron tapes into more vulnerable and introspective territory. Check out the exclusive interview below:

1. Your roots can often shape your journey. Can you share a story or moment from your early life that had a significant impact on your path into music?

Aaron Amos: I think music has always been something that gave me the most joy. I wasn’t a very athletic kid at school and the only subjects I was good at were literally English and Music. As I was around 12 years old, I discovered songwriting could help me deal with negative thoughts and bullying at school. Although my mother tongue is German, writing my songs in English facilitated what I was thinking and helped me to put it onto paper.

2. Did your musical journey begin with formal training, or was it more of a personal exploration?

Aaron Amos: I never had formal training, but I joined the school theater and choir in my local town when I was younger. I wasn’t good at acting, and it was around the same time I discovered songwriting for me. And ever since I stuck with music.

3. What’s the story behind choosing the name ‘Aaron Amos’?

Aaron Amos: Actually, my real name is Aaron Amos! Too many vowels in it, you’d think it’s a made-up name. And to be honest, I had no other idea what name I would pick. Maybe that is the whole point to showcase my music with my real name because I don’t see the need to cover up my story, all ups and downs, by using a different name.

4. What do you believe sets your music apart? How would you describe your sound to someone discovering you for the first time, and what emotions or experiences do you hope to evoke in your listeners?

Aaron Amos: In my perception, as a male pop singer and songwriter of Color, I feel there are still not enough male pop artists that have the confidence to be more vulnerable or controversial, but not in an offensive way. Racism, social injustice or sexuality are topics that I would like to tap into even further in the future. Then again, pop music can be purely nonsensical which is completely fine but here and there I want to mention something that, in my opinion, a lot of male artists are too afraid of to say or just don’t think about.

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as POP?

Aaron Amos: I think I’ve always been drawn to pop music. The big choruses, the bigger-than-life productions by 2010s pop music or the 80s music inspired my approach to songwriting and beat making. It’s really about experimentation and figuring out what feels natural to you. I used to sing on beats I didn’t make by myself just to play around with it but eventually it wasn’t the sound I wanted to represent and that realization is great! Overall, it is always a process.

6. Music often transcends entertainment. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

Aaron Amos: Music is such a powerful tool. I do believe the more you listen to an album or sound from an artist, the more you’re aligned to the values and principles of the artist if that makes sense. It’s hard for me to follow the saying “Divide the art from the artists” because I think the way you present yourself or the things you say will show up in your art at least subconsciously.

I Feel Numb, my first single of my EP Empty Room is probably the most social critical I wrote so far but that doesn’t mean my music is always provocative and critical. I think for the fans it’s nice to hear different sides of an artist and be versatile.

7. Do you feel the rewards of your musical career match the energy and passion you invest in it, or are there different kinds of fulfillment you’re still seeking?

Aaron Amos: I think with this upcoming EP I feel very aligned with it and thoroughly enjoy promoting it on my socials lately. I’d love to perform in front of an audience because frankly, I have never presented my songs on stage, so that is still something that I am looking forward to.

8. Can you walk us through your creative process? From the first spark of an idea to the finished track, what’s the most essential part of your process, and how do collaboration or external influences shape your work?

Aaron Amos: When it comes to the process, I still have the privilege to be very independent. So, from recording the demo to my phone, writing the song, rewriting it a couple of times to the beat making in my bedroom, I do all these things by myself yet. Externally, I sometimes listen to songs I like and focus on the music theory aspect. How is the song’s structure? Are there any chord progression changes and what do they evoke within me? What is the motive of the album?

After that I try to see if I can implement these ideas in my work. I think the most essential aspect, however, is having a song title. It just sets the tone of the song, and you can visualize the whole narrative much easier.

9. What’s been the most challenging hurdle in either your personal life or music career, and how has it shaped you as an artist?

Aaron Amos: There was a time (and sometimes I still feel this way) when I didn’t share my music with friends and family members and they discovered my music 2 years after the release by accident. With this release I literally informed all my friends and family members about my music. Sharing myself, in my personal and professional life, is crucial and something I must keep working on.

10. On the flip side, what moment or achievement in your career so far has made you feel the proudest, and why? And let’s talk about your latest release and future plans.

Aaron Amos: I would say, making this record has been very fulfilling and made me feel the proudest yet. I felt more assured with my sound and to share a more vulnerable side of myself.

My EP is called Empty Room and talks about loneliness and confusion. It is provocative, it is upbeat, and it was a fun record to make.

I love to collaborate because I have never worked with another artist or to write songs for another artist in the future!