Meet Aubrey Situmorang

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Aubrey Situmorang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Aubrey below.

Aubrey, so great to have you with us today. There are so many topics we want to ask you about, but perhaps the one we can start with is burnout. How have you overcome or avoided burnout?

Burnout is a real problem for us creatives, and it’s ironic that we could get it from doing too much of what we’re passionate about. I was burnt out a couple of years ago from having to perform and work constantly until it just became a chore. I couldn’t find the excitement in doing what I love anymore, until something clicked in me. I realized that music is not all that there is in life. I started investing more in my happiness outside of music, like going out with friends, trying new restaurants, reading more books, and so on. I also decided to be more confident in saying no to things that may benefit me monetarily but not so much artistically. That has allowed me to save my energy for working on more things that I know will bring me artistic joy and fulfillment, thereby helping me avoid burnout.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m Aubrey Situmorang, an Indonesian bass player based in Los Angeles, California. I have worked with many renowned artists from multiple genres, including the Grammy winning jazz pianist and composer Billy Childs, double-platinum artist Bipolar Sunshine, and singer/producer SASAMI. I also have my album “One Point One” out in all streaming platforms; this release has received a nomination for Best Jazz Album at Indonesia’s highest music awards Anugerah Musik Indonesia 2022.

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?

Musicality, network, and being myself. I’m forever grateful to be born in a musical family who supports all my musical endeavors, including going to a music college abroad. I constantly absorbed all musical knowledge I could get from my surroundings starting as a little kid, through college, and up until now. Going to college in Boston and moving to Los Angeles had given me access to a great network of people in the industry, which helps a ton in building my career. Last but not least, I carry so much pride of being who I am, from the way that I look, my expressions when I perform, to my very unique background. By loving and believing in myself, I am able to share a very honest and personal version of my music, which has always been deeply intertwined to my identity.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

Take a breath and take time for yourself. Know that you are capable and you are doing your best. If anything, believe that what’s meant to be will be.

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Owen Nathanael

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