AARON SUMMERFIELD

Unmatched Talent

When did you first get into music?

For as long as I can remember, probably from the first time I heard it. I always dreamed about writing songs and forming and playing in bands.

Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

My pursuit of a music career was a compulsion. I had sounds in my head that I needed to realize, and I needed the skills to make that happen. You can only learn so much from mainstream education, after a certain point I had to get out in the trenches and learn by doing. Also, I needed money to live, so I started hustling any paying music work I could find. Bar gigs, cruise ships, community theater and the like.

How has your music evolved since you first began performing?

My musical voice is in constant evolution. I am into developing unique forms and structures and forging a personal musical language. I’ve worked hard to be dynamic and versatile, so those are the ways I’ve probably grown the most over the years. But my creative impetus feels very much the same as it did in the beginning.

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in this tough business? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

I’m driven by curiosity. I am hungry to discover new sounds and bring them into realization. I allow all my emotions to freely color my art as I experience them.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas?

In terms of the music industry and making money, my dynamicism has proven super valuable. I’ve worked hard to develop a skillset that can open the door to different gigs and opportunities. Examples include working on my ear, learning to read all types of music notation, improvising, becoming fluent in music technology, etc. These skills are valuable because they facilitate musical communication. Fluent communication is one of the strongest indicators of musicianship, in my opinion.

What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

To me, artistic evolution is like the struggle of a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. The ordeal is messy, painful, yet weirdly beautiful and majestic, and at the end of it all you can fly. If you take any shortcuts though, the whole thing is compromised.

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

I believe that suffering is integral to the human experience. Suffering has also inspired so much amazing art throughout history. That being said, to truly “suffer” is an extremely unfortunate experience that I wish upon no living thing, even though it definitely happens to everyone.

I think in the industry and society at large, that particular cliché is used to conflate suffering with hard work. I wholeheartedly reject that notion. To be able to invest one’s time and energy in pursuit of a passion is the ultimate luxury. If you’re truly “suffering” because of your art, you should maybe spend your time doing something else.

How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business?

The improved access to information and technology resulting from the internet means many more people can cultivate their musical interests at will. This is an amazing social boon.

Have you done or plan on doing any Live-stream Concerts? If you have, how has the response been from your fans?

I’ve done a couple this year in Denver, once with my jazz quartet CP3O and another this summer with Brass and Gold Society, a hip-hop brass band, as part of a benefit hosted by Bailey Elora.

The response from the people I’ve talked to about them has been positive.

If you could change anything about the music industry. What would it be?

I am a proponent of radical social change, and that extends to how our society treats creative expression. The current situation is dystopian, which is probably a major reason why people feel they need to “suffer for their art”.

What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why?

In no particular order:

The Shape of Jazz to Come – Ornette Coleman Ok Computer – Radiohead Rumours – Fleetwood Mac Not For Nothin’ – The Dave Holland Quintet Jagged Little Pill – Alanis Morrissette

These albums seem to be on my mind a lot recently, in terms of influencing what I do musically. There are countless others though that have made a strong impact.

What is the best advise you have received?

“You don’t want to walk down that alley.”

Tell us about your current project. Are you working on new music? An EP or Album?

I plan on several releases of original music as a solo artist, likely beginning summer of 2021.

Brass and Gold Society and CP3O, the groups I mentioned earlier, are also working on full-length releases, dates TBD.

What’s next for you?

I hope to remain active in the Denver music community for a long time. I plan on resuming live performances as soon as it is safe again.

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?

https://soundcloud.com/aaronsummerfieldmusic https://www.aaronsummerfield.com

I am happy to share unreleased material, if you want to contact me directly at: aaronsummerfield1985@gmail.com

I am also available for collaborations, production, charts, and lessons.