Aspy JONES

Aspy Jones is a singer songwriter who writes about his unique perspective on life, good mental health and the difficulties he has faced as he’s learnt to live with autism and anxiety. He is a keen advocate for more inclusion of disability within the music industry and will be performing at the upcoming Spectrum Spectacular Gala Ball hosted by Coffs Coast Autism, so if you’re attending make sure you bring your dancing shoes!

When did you first discover your love of music?

Although my parents don’t play any instruments there was always music playing in the house and car so I’ve always loved singing and making up silly songs from a young age. I didn’t pick up a guitar till I was about 9 years old and I quickly gave it up because it hurt my fingers. I started again at about 15 and persevered this time as I was having a difficult time and needed to get the songs that were circulating inside my head out into the open.

Can you describe your style of music and who some of your musical influences are?

My style of music is an eclectic mix of indie-folk, roots, pop and rock basically anything goes and so are my influences, Billy Joel, Marcus Mumford, David Bowie, Macklemore, Freddie Mercury to name just a few.

How do you think your autism has influenced your music and creativity?

I was diagnosed at 8 years old and for many years I had a very hard time accepting my difference, so my autism has heavily influenced my music as I write about a lot of issues that impact me mentally which can be an unusual point of view for a lot of people. My writing helps me deal with my emotions and difficulties and throwing them out to the world hopefully helps other people realise that they are not alone.

You write a lot of your songs about mental health, autism and anxiety. Do you feel writing helps you work through some of what you’re experiencing or is it mostly about sharing to give others lyrics they can relate to?

Songwriting helps me understand a lot about myself and how I learn to deal with new situations and emotions that I haven’t come across before. When I’m songwriting, subconsciously, the issue that is bothering me will find its way into the lyrics I’m writing. Songwriting is definitely a therapy for me but I really hope that it also helps other people that might be feeling the same way. I love the connection I can make with people through my songs, it’s like a secret language.

Can you tell us a bit about your creative process when putting a song together?

I don’t use one specific method all the time, it normally depends on what I’m doing. I like to drive with no music playing to see if anything subconsciously inspires me, in which case the lyrics come first. If I’m messing about on my guitar then the melody comes first. When I’m looking for words to explain how I feel in lyrics, I like to juggle which helps me refocus on the subject and look at it from a different angle.

BUT I REALLY HOPE THAT IT ALSO HELPS OTHER PEOPLE THAT MIGHT BE FEELING THE SAME WAY.

people are doing around me but it can be really difficult. It’s very mentally draining and I’m always really exhausted after a performance and I need to get a lot of sleep. You will be performing at the upcoming Spectrum Spectacular Gala Ball here in Coffs Harbour, what can we expect from your performance?

How do you manage things like sensory overload or other challenges that may arise during performances or rehearsals?

When I started out I used to really struggle with sensory issues and anxiety but when performing on stage nowadays, I don’t have too much sensory overload because I’m focused on the performance and I really enjoy it now. However, I still do have a lot of stress and anxiety before and after the performance. Setting up quickly, swapping the stage with another band, dealing with the sound guys, sound check, making sure all the band have everything they need and checking I have everything I need and I can guarantee that I usually forget something! I’m lucky that I have a great support system of people around me that are looking out for me and picking up quickly when I’ve forgotten something, but the more often I perform I find that I forget less things and the trust that I have in these people allows me to reduce my anxiety. I also try to focus on one job at a time and try not to get too distracted by what other

It will be a very upbeat, lively and authentic performance from the band. We try to deliver the important messages in my songs in an uplifting way as I do not want to depress people and make them feel sad. I always want people to enjoy our performance and for it to make a positive impact.

What made you want to get involved with the Gala?

I always want to get involved with anything to do with autism and especially if it’s a great cause.

What are you most looking forward to about this particular event?

It is always great to have an opportunity to perform my songs but I’m really hoping that a lot of people connect with my music and I make a few new friends. I also can’t wait to meet Michael Theo, I’m a massive fan.

What advice would you give to other musicians with autism who are pursuing a career in the music industry?

When I started out, I tried to copy what other people were doing but I now realise you have got to be yourself. Play what you want to play and write songs about things that are important to you.