Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron (Aj Music) Schaffer.
Hi Aaron, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My story begins in Baltimore where I was born and raised. My first time being exposed to music was in my Granddad’s church located in Baltimore where I learned the ins and outs of singing. Trained by my family and close family friends in charge of the choir and praise and worship, I was provided the necessary tools in perfecting my craft and encouraged to take my voice to ranges I never thought I could reach. In middle school, I began to explore the fine art of theater and musical theater.
From high school on, my cousin and current manager Johnathan Burley, has taken me under his wing assisting me in finding my own sound and creating my own music. Before creating my music, I trained in singing covers originally created by artists who mostly spoke about their coming of age. Alongside the vigorous curriculum assigned to me from the Theater department of Carver Center for the Arts and Technology in Towson Md, I was taught to be vulnerable and honest in the work that I create. By the time I got to college at Towson University, I was able to perfect my craft by writing my first Ep based on real-life experiences that took place during my college career in my dorm bathroom in between and after classes.
In each chapter of my life, I was able to perform in a multitude of creative spaces while being inspired by the many artists around me. Following college, I embarked on a journey to Atlanta, GA where I had the pleasure to perform at many different open mics which allowed me to scratch the surface of what the music scene was like for a young black male. Now residing in MD. I have been blessed with the ability to write about the life that I’ve just started to live and manifest what Is to come.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road but that is to be expected when starting the journey of becoming an independent artist. I’ve dealt with many obstacles from separating from my family and friends when it came to following my dreams, and living situations when I got to my destination in Atlanta Georgia. In this industry, a lot of people including the friends closest to you sometimes take advantage of your willingness to become a successful artist but I am grateful to learn and grow from such situations.
Mental health has affected my creative processes tremendously and still does. I have fortunately been provided with the resources needed to be able to create again and I wish the same for anyone who has the same gifts as I do. I’m proud to say that I’m from Baltimore where multiple potholes exist, but I have continued to press my way to my destination of becoming a successful artist.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an R&B independent artist who creates music that others might be able to relate to and gravitate to. I am also an Actor, Model, and highly effective Theater teacher.
I’m known for my ability to juggle the many different gifts that I have been blessed with. I am most proud of my adaptability and determination; it runs in my blood. I come from a very resilient family. I never give up when things get hard, that might sound cliche but I am always willing to listen and learn more about my craft. As some may say ” I like to outdo myself”.
What sets me apart from others is that I’m willing to say what some won’t say out loud. I’m a bold guy who sometimes doesn’t know what he wants but is honest with how he feels about his work. I’ve learned to never stop creating and being an individual which in the eyes of some might be a blessing and a curse. It takes a lot of ambition to move to a new state to go after what you want in my case (acting and singing), but it takes even more guts to be willing to start over.
What sets me apart from most is what is in my head, my creativity. I have the ability to think out of the box and those ideas come naturally to me. Writing and creating visuals that no one has ever seen before comes second nature to me. I would like to consider myself a brave storyteller.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’d like to say I don’t believe in good luck or bad luck. I believe in being intentional and if it doesn’t work out that is ok. There is always another door to be opened in life I just pray I walk into the right one.
I believe in control when it comes to my career, and if opportunities don’t work in my favor that might be for my protection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/ajmusic.official
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajmusic.official/?hl=en
Image Credits
@takeoffproducitons and @ashy_ash
