Contemporary rock artist Aaron Barnhart returns to Orlando for the Florida Music Festival at 11pm on May 16.Listen to his music, and you can feel the emotion. He writes songs about those things that have touched his life and those things that are important to him. Sometimes looking back at what he may have done differently and sometimes looking forward to what he is going to change.
Barnhart was raised n a musical family. His mother was a radio DJ and his father played the saxophone. He studied electronic music at the Berklee College of Music where he earned a BM in music production. He also holds an MM in music technology from the University of Oregon. While in Orlando, Barnhart taught music technology at Full Sail University in Winter Park and after relocating to California, he now teaches at the Musicians Institute of Hollywood.
While the move to Hollywood has boosted his career, he "misses the sense of family and community that the Orlando music scene has to offer," Barnhart admitted. He also said he appreciates that the "best bands in Orlando have always had a loyal group of people who recognize their talent."
Like many musicians, he has felt his share ups and downs. "It's easy to get bitter about whats not happening in your life, but I try to be thankful for all the great things that are happening for me musically," Barnhart said. "It's also hard not to get caught up in the party. I think to really succeed you need to have your demons in check and be ready to work."
He also realizes that the industry itself holds certain responsibilities. "I think that big music business needs to accept that the delivery system for music has changed. People want different things from their musical experience than they did ten years ago. We need to adapt and focus on what we can change rather than fighting losing battles."
Barnhart understands that musicians have certain commitments to the community."I think as creators, we have a responsibility to use our art to help others," and recently performed a benefit concert in Spokane, Washington with Jason Reeves and Chris Baron.
His debut album, "Missing Pieces," was released last year through Universal Music and includes the tracks "Day In Day Out," "Missing Pieces" and "One More Second Chance." These and other songs from the album can be reviewed at the Aaron Barnhart website.
"My current style has focused more on the craft of songwriting than on technology," Barnhart said. "I want to continue creating great art and traveling around the world sharing it with people."
Barnhart would not close the interview without sharing his appreciation for those who have helped him:
"Thanks to David Mckenna and Bonded records and Fontana/UMG for having faith in my music and helping me get it out there. Thanks to Axis magazine for having me at the Florida Music Festival. And thanks to all my friends and fans who have supported the music so far."
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