Aaron Toronto is a musician and songwriter originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, but he now calls the small but mighty town of Brookings, South Dakota home. From a young age, his parents always told him that he had music running in and through him. Aaron Toronto thought that was strange because he shied away from it during his childhood. But, as he got older, he realized they were right. The reason he stayed away from it was because music ran so deeply in me that it was almost frightening. For him, music is the only thing that can touch his deepest emotions and his deepest thoughts.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hello Aaron Toronto. What inspired you to start playing and making music?
My parents. From a young age they always told me I had music running in and through me. I thought that was strange because I shied away from it during my childhood. But, as I got older, I realized they were right. The reason I stayed away from it was because music ran so deeply in me that it was almost frightening. For me, music is the only thing that can touch my deepest emotions and my deepest thoughts. But now, I dive right in and share what’s inside with the world.
Which qualities do you think make a great musician?
Passion. I feel so passionate about the songs I compose and sing. My songs are often very personal. And, creativity – I know the songwriting “rules,” of course, but I like to break those rules to hopefully create something intriguing, new and compelling. Also, the desire to keep learning about music in all its forms, which then influences the music I write.
Your latest song is 'Reaping What I Sow'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
A while back the phrase “reaping what I sow” came into my mind randomly. Didn’t really know where it came from or what it meant. Only once the tune was nearly done did I understand what it was about – I was trying find words and music for expressing how the pain of lost love always lurks just beneath the surface in our unconscious mind, no matter how hard we try to push it away. And, sometimes that pain rears its ugly head and we have to deal with it. As soon as I started playing “Reaping What I Sow” at gigs, I started to finally heal from that “lost love” situation. My spirit moved in a positive direction. By the way, “Reaping What I Sow” was produced as part of a successful crowdfunding campaign in which I raised $11K to do a forthcoming album.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
Yes, I also write and produce movies. My latest film, “Face 2 Face,” which I co-write with my brother, Matt, was on Netflix for a while and now is available on Amazon Prime. I have several other movie projects in the works. I also love basketball. Love playing it, watching it and teaching it to my two sons, who also play.
How useful has social media been for you?
Social media has been incredibly helpful to me in terms of spreading my music. I post my videos, songs and all sorts of musical tidbits and humor on my social accounts. It’s also a lot of fun to find things that my fans would like. I currently have 24K followers on Facebook and more people are finding me every day. I’d really love to conquer TikTok as well. Just have to find the right way to do that.
What is the biggest challenge of being an artist?
Making a consistent living from the art I produce has been challenging. At times, I’ve made money doing what I love and at other times I’ve worked a “day job” to pay the bills. But, no matter what, I always keep making things – writing songs, writing scripts and singing. It’s about the art and perfecting your craft, not the money. Though I wouldn't turn money down!
What is your creative process like?
When I write a song, it can start with anything – a word, a melody, a chord, an idea. Sometimes it’s not even that deep, but somehow that little nugget is a truth for me. And, I run with it. Often, that little nugget pulls at a deeper truth and I have to get it out in the open. Writing songs is therapeutic. I also hope my words or music can be therapeutic for someone else and help them grow or heal or simply just change moods.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Ed Sheeran or Sting.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
An artist friend of mine has a phrases he keeps close to his heart, “Always Be Creating.” I’ve adopted that and try to create every day. There are so many ways now for us all to be creative and imaginative. So, why not? Creativity really fulfills us and gives us reason to live and be joyful.
What are your plans for the future?
I’ll be releasing an album around Christmas or around the 1st of the year. Then, after that, I’ll start writing more songs for my next album. Ideally, I’d love to sign with the right label and do some touring in order to promote my music. I also have several movies and TV shows that I’m hoping to produce at some point in the next year or two. Other than that, I’ll be playing hoops and enjoying time with family and friends.