We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aaron Stapler a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Aaron, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I grew up in the small town of Muscle Shoals, AL (“The Shoals”) where the musical history is well-rooted. While this allowed me the opportunity to play with a handful of world renowned music vets, it also led me into some harsh realizations. I learned quickly that there was a general “You should know who I am and stay out of my way” mindset. Of course, this was not prevalent in every musician in that area; but it absolutely was more common than not.
I had two options- either let it tear me down and give up, or use it as motivation. As a young musician with a soft ego, it was a bit of a struggle to pick myself up; but once I made the decision to take the criticism and pushback as a diving board, things began to change for me as a musician and as a person. I learned to focus on concepts such as “too many notes”, “too much noise”, “letting a song breathe”. Perhaps the most important idea I learned was “serve the song”. However, these concepts were not spoon-fed to me in a nurturing manner.
Many of these musicians grew up being thrown into situations that weren’t always comfortable. They, too, were not spoon-fed. Therefore, this atmosphere developed their personalities; and understandably so. It was the only way they knew. So, because I was around them, I received the same treatment. I left so many gigs and rehearsals feeling like I knew nothing. Having spent a few previous years in a punk rock band with my less-seasoned friends (shoutout Shiloh Rising and Beneath the High), I discovered I had a lot of growing to do.
These days I feel fortunate. My mama raised me. She was a strong woman but always made sure I was cared for and supported (there goes my “tortured artist” image). This developed my ability to empathize. Through the years of feeling like I wasn’t enough because of the jaded criticisms, I began to understand that these experiences were put in my life as learning moments. I firmly believe that the ones that make it, are the ones that get through it; and here’s a fun piece of advice for the newcomers- it doesn’t get easier.
Artists are, by nature, fragile creatures (even the tough ones). Artists are everywhere- stagehands, managers, even bass players (for real though, bass players are super underrated). Everyone has a story that leads that individual to who that artist is today. Unfortunately, this leads to misunderstandings and, sometimes, not-so-nice interactions. I’ve learned it is vital to take each situation, good or bad, and let it teach you to be better. Someone doesn’t like what you’re doing? That’s ok. Learn from it. Someone else loves what you’re doing? Great. Learn from it.
It’s a journey in this industry but I wouldn’t trade it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I have grown up dipping into any genre that will let me in. I still constantly research and study different styles of music. Because of all of the colors and personalities in music, I have fallen in love with producing. I embarked on this specific journey in 2022. Since then, I have been producing music for Ashley Barron, Chance “Chancellor” Lawson, Ashley “Aelle” Litton, Justus Storm, Ally Free, and anyone else that I can get in contact with.
What makes me unique? Honestly, not much. We’re all doing this thing out here. I do take pride, however, in being supportive of my artists. If you’re great, I want everyone to know how great you are. I want you to be proud of whatever it is what we create together; but I also want you to be proud of yourself as an artist even if it’s not something I was a part of.
I love working with artists. They’re a special breed of person and I consider it an honor to be involved.
Ashley Barron will be releasing our string of songs that I produced throughout the year 2024 (including “Kiss a Brunette” which has already been released). Aelle will be releasing “Rowdy Crowd” this year as well. Chance Lawson has already released “Tennessee” and will continue releasing music we have worked on together throughout the year as well. Follow my socials to keep posted on when my other artists are releasing songs!
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?
Top Three Most Important Takeaways From My Journey: 1. MOST IMPORTANTLY: Be. A. People. Person. Music is subjective and everyone has their own set of ears and fears. Someone may tell you you’re awful. Know how to receive that information and keep moving. Someone may tell you you’re a prodigy. Take that compliment but don’t forget you’re human. Handle each situation with fragility and tact. People will usually hire someone who is decent but super easy to work with before they higher someone who is great and knows it too well.
2. Decide who you are in the beginning and run with it. There are so many genres and avenues to take your music and artistry. Along with that are many people who think they know what is best for you. Sometimes they do, but you shouldn’t always let that determine your image/sound. In that same vein, people tend to want to work with someone who knows their vision. A person that sets a clear path and is driving towards it exudes confidence, and, at the end of the day, if you don’t believe in yourself, how can anyone else?
3. Learn. I don’t care how talented or experienced you are. You can always get better. I don’t care how inexperienced you are, you can absolutely get better. Part of what makes this journey so fun is that you can do something the same way (and do it successfully) for years and then one day realize “No way! You can do it THIS way and it’s just as cool!” (or even cooler).
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking for new collaboration opportunities. I love all the flavors out there and want to be a part (both to help an artist, but selfishly to widen my perceptions and talents). If you’re someone who is driven and has a vision, let’s figure it out. If you’re someone who already has their vision figured out, I want to support it.
Reach out on my socials. DM me on Instagram. Message me on the Tok. I’m on Facebook, but unless you’re my cousin, you probably won’t use that avenue (you’re still more than welcome to).
Instagram and TikTok are both stapledtogethermusic.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stapledtogethermusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AaronStapler/
Image Credits
Sara Miller
