Meet AARON CRUZ | Guitarist/Composer & Songwriter/Video Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with AARON CRUZ and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi AARON, what inspires you?
As a composer and guitarist, I seek inspiration in a variety of ways, but I feel as though maintaining a solid practice schedule helps to create a well to draw inspiration from. I also seek it in random places that are not quite so formulaic. This can be a bit of a challenge to balance for me. Ten years ago I was of the mindset that I could only create when I felt inspired, and what I produced was often good, but seldom consistent. I was in a slump around 2018 and listening to a motivational video on Youtube. The speaker had a rant about discipline, motivation, and inspiration. I wish I could find it to quote him. He compared motivation to athletes who force themselves to go to the gym, even when they feel like staying in bed, but they force themselves to do it. By setting small attainable goals that are easy enough to accomplish, they can stay motivated. I understand that artistry may be more of a mystery, but it stuck with me ( which I cannot fully grasp as someone who is not athletic!). I have kept a practice routine and schedule on google calendar since!

For the last couple of years, I have lived across the street from an elementary school, and we can see the playground from our driveway. I usually wake up around 7 am to start my day in my home studio, and I make it a point to spend a minute watching the kids gearing up for school. The fact that they are starting their day at the same time I do is a blessing, there is something very inspirational about them, some are full of energy, others are dragging themselves out of their parents’ cars, but they make it to class, and once they are on recess they have so much fun. I think that subconsciously I am reminded of how new life was when I was in elementary school, and despite how cold my hands were while walking to school, or how much I cried when I wanted to stay in bed while Granny made me breakfast, It was worth it when I was running around and being the goofy kid I was. This source of inspiration is invaluable to me. It motivates me to create every day.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For the last few years, I have struggled with the question of whether or not I am primarily a Songwriter & Composer or a Guitarist. I have given it a great deal of thought, but I have concluded that I am unwilling to decide. On one hand, I have noticed that most of my recent work has been somehow related to clients and artists I have worked with from playing the guitar. The Guitar has been the great constant of my life, and I feel a connection to the instrument that is quite pure and beyond muscle memory when I close my eyes and play. I also find myself focused on writing music, and painting a picture for visuals, a scene, Internet content, etc. In recent situations, I have completely left the guitar out of the equation when it is not needed. In the years culminating to 2019, I was playing live quite often, but once the pandemic began( and live music was halted) I had to reevaluate my career and focused on scoring for film & collaborating with artists. I also began to take my interest in Video editing seriously, and have used that skill to generate revenue. I certainly Love video editing, but I do not think I am as passionate about it as I am playing the guitar or writing, however, I needed to use that skill as a freelancer to make ends meet on several occasions, so it was (and still is) useful.

I cannot recall a time when I thought my career was easy, but I also cannot recall a time when I felt it was less than rewarding and worth the effort.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you were joining me for a week in LA, I would take you to these places and share in these activities!

*Pasadena: We would start at Kings Row or maybe Old town pub( I don’t drink, but don’t let that stop you, I am still a fun guy!) to catch a few local bands, after which we would head to South Pasadena to The Barkley Restaurant and bar for some great Jazz and dinner ( The Pasta with Meat Sauce is my favorite)

* Downtown LA: We would stop by DTLA for a trip to Disney hall, or the Theater at the Ace Hotel / Possibly the Regent or Teragram Ballroom for the required live music, with dinner at Fogo de Chao. Cliftons Republic(Or Clifton’s cafeteria for us OG’s) would be in order if they were not closed due to the Pandemic like they are now ( I have been eating there since I was in diapers, It was not always as hip as it is now. In the 80’s it was grimey but wow.. The food was spectacular and affordable)

*Hollywood/West Hollywood: I am sure I would start our day in Hollywood at the Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital( Formerly the Queen of Angels, My birthplace) but we would only drive by because it’s not a tourist destination, but maybe we would stop to donate to the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles which is on the same block. Then We would go to the Hotel Cafe for some live music, before rushing to West Hollywood to Catch some amazing Live Music at The Whisky, the Roxy, or the Viper Room( better hurry, It’s going the way of Gazarris and the Coconut Teaser). I would undoubtedly share how I am at odds with the current Pay to Play climate on the sunset strip, and how that practice is screwing musicians, but we would still see a show or two there, followed by Pizza and possibly some more Live Music at The Rainbow Bar and Grill.

*PCH ( LA County): We Would probably start our day at The Getty Villa, followed by A leisurely Lunch drive to The old Place on Mulholland for some Rustic eats, then a Scenic tour of PCH that we would probably wrap around Oxnard, before turning around and stopping by Leo Carrillo or El Matador to frolic in the ocean, or possibly catch a wave( warning, I am a novice surfer and get cold rather easily, and am quite scared of big waves haha!)

*PCH ( Orange County): We Would Start in Long Beach, probably around Belmont Shore or Alamitos( Where my Girlfriend Zafreen and I are moving to next month), and stop by Shoreline village to catch a band at Shenanigans, and walk by the Queen Mary and hope that it opens up soon, Followed by a day trip to San Clemente( for more ocean fun) or Dana Point, with the dinner music stop being at Mozambique in Laguna ( One of my favorite venues to play at).

*Highland Park: Since I live in Eagle Rock, we would probably spend a day jamming at my house or in the studio, or Maybe Just Barbecuing. We would end up at the Highland Park Bowl( Formerly Mr. T’s Bowl for the OG’s again) for some live music, and maybe to watch me humiliate myself at bowling! We would also end up at Folliero’s at some point for lunch or dinner because it is so awesome and shockingly affordable.

*The Valley: We would start our day in Sherman oaks or Possibly Encino, where we would stop by Lake Balboa and ride the paddle Boats, Then Visit the Universal bar and Grill for Music, Followed by Dinner at Salsa and Beer ( My Favorite fajitas spot).

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Shoutout goes out to my Grandmother Jewell Ashburn ( aka Judy, RIP). She was quite the matriarch. Born in 1924, she was a loving mother who provided for her kids by herself for the most part. After raising 8 children she thought she was done, until 1981 when I was born. She always stood behind me. She supported my choice to become a musician ( A choice I made at 13, and have never looked back).

Website: https://aaroncruz1981.wixsite.com/mysite-1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaroncruzmmm/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaroncruzmusicmultimedia/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sideshow.cruz

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4uYpclt7o_9dJcZY_SxF5Q

Other: So I am in the process of Rebranding from Aaron Cruz Music & Multimedia to Aaron Cruz Productions, and as a result, I am a bit behind on my social media. Please contact me on FB or at aaroncruzmusicmultimedia@gmail.com .

Image Credits
© Photography by Adam Kennedy