Meet Aaron Nordstrom

We recently connected with Aaron Nordstrom and have shared our conversation below.

Aaron, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
I was born with albinism which is a genetic condition that prevents the production of melanin, and therefore any color in the skin, hair, or eyes.

It’s a relatively rare condition and when I grew up in the 80’s there was much less awareness or sensitivity to this and many other conditions compared to seemingly our present time. This being said, I was teased and singled out most of my young life. These events molded and fueled my independence, my music, and my personal development, as traumatic as it may have been.

Over time however, I learned to be comfortable in my own skin. It gave me an understanding and a sense of compassion to other humans that were seen as “other” or “different” or “freaks” for a myriad of reasons by their society and peers. In the long run I believe this to be my greatest asset. I have the knowledge that ALL people are alike. All humans undergo this incarnation together, in unison, despite the appearance of being completely separate and alone in the world.

We are all uniquely different. And those apparent differences, the perceived ones especially, really don’t mean much in the grand scheme of things. We are all simply in this together, trying to figure out what and why and how and where all of this is and our place in it. So I’m grateful to be the obvious entrance into the room. I have a lot to say and I hope that the calm that I feel inside my skin reflects on the outward vehicle I currently drive.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a multi instrumentalist by trade and the Messenger (vocalist) for the bands Gemini Syndrome based out of Las Vegas and the band Woyote based out of Belgium.

I have been recording and touring professionally for 17 years and have worked with some of the greats of modern rock and metal music in the studio and on stage. I have lived a magical journey of ups and downs. Trials and lessons alike and I’m still going strong.

The producer Kevin Churko once said that if there is “Death metal” then I should be called “Life metal” because despite my sometimes dark subject matter, I manage to retain a shred of hope in the darkest of moments.

I study a lot of world traditions, religions, and philosophies as well as the martial arts. Primarily Chinese Kung Fu and my start in Hapkido. These paths affected me wholly and I would not be the person I am today without them. In fact, I don’t think I would have survived this long in this world without my Kung Fu training.

I tour with Gemini Syndrome and Woyote respectively in the US and Europe. I teach music from home online and run a patreon account where I offer access to life and experiences as well as live performances I do from time to time. The next one is DEC 19 2023. (If this goes out before then). On stream it now.com

You can find my patreon under my name as well as Cameo. If you’re interested in coaching of any sort, please reach out via any of my social media profiles DM

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Faith- Hope- Charity

I count this as one thing as they’re all connected. I won’t talk about what my faith is in or what your faith should be in. But you have to have some. Without it, you’re just doomed to despair. Charity ensures that you can feel compassion for your fellows. Without it you’re alone. Faith that there’s a purpose and a reason to do what you do. Without it, it’s just … well. What is it?

Discipline

Without it, you don’t get actually good at anything. And without discipline you won’t develop Will. And without will, you can’t do anything worth doing.

Love.

For self. For other. For All.

Without it you become bitter, jaded, and ultimately you become defeated and alone. Which are the same.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
So many great questions it was hard to pick but I think this may be the most helpful.

1. In all things.

BREATHE AND RELAX.
Repeat.

This ensures a couple things. You get oxygen to your brain and blood and by relaxing you let this blood and oxygen do their jobs.

2. Wu Wei

In Chinese, this concept means “to do nothing, effectively”

It means know when not doing something is better than anything. Sometimes we can’t immediately “fix” or “solve” a problem or challenge. Or multiple problems at once. When I become overwhelmed and I don’t stop and breathe and relax and just center in my own being, I make rash, emotionally driven, sometimes very harsh decisions. Sometimes and not as often as I used to, I make destructive decisions Ones designed to hurt either me or other and they never work out well.

10 out of 10 times, if I can breathe and relax and THINK and FEEL what’s happening for a moment, I make a better decision about how to move forward and I’m always more comfortable doing it.

This may sound dark, but I also remember this…

Life here is short and temporary. Nothing here lasts forever. There’s always an end to be experienced. And eventually even my worst stresses will be simply, memories.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Phil Begay Cindy Frey

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