QRD – How old were you when you first realized you wanted to be a professional musician? 

Aaron – I have never wanted to be a professional musician.

QRD – What are a few highlights of your musical career?

Aaron – 1) Making my first official CD & seeing it in a store outside of my hometown.   2) Playing that first show where it actually seemed that they were there to see us & enjoyed it.  3) Getting fan mail & sales from other countries & having our music used in film.  4) Being played on This American Life.

QRD – At what age did you decide you wanted to become a father? 

Aaron – 25.  I just knew I wanted to be a father some day.  Kids are so cool & I knew I could be a great father compared to some of the sad excuses I see from time to time.

QRD – What are some positive & negative impacts your family has had on your career? 

Aaron – First, a lack of time.  Kids require all of your time.  But that’s what I want right now.  I see no need to be out playing shows at 2a.m. or on tour.  My daughter is #1 to me & it will be that way for as long as I can see.  Positive impact would be the person I have become because of her.  I want to be the best dad I can be & it is a quick way to find out your faults & weaknesses.  Then once recognized, you change them.  I’m not going to mess this thing up.  I am lucky to be her dad & I have to be my best for her.

QRD – What are some negative impacts your career has had on your family?

Aaron – Being out late… playing music isn’t very lucrative either.

QRD – Has your daughter effected the music you make &/or listen to? 

Aaron – Sure.  I must hear the Beatles song “Blackbird” fifteen times a day.  & I tend to listen to what I think she would get a kick out of.

QRD – Have you had problems with the lack of steady money from a musical career providing the security you feel necessary in your household? 

Aaron – No.  I have a full time job, so the music money has never really been there for me.

QRD – Given the limitations having a family has on being a touring musician, would you have toured more earlier in life if you’d known? 

Aaron – Not really.  A touring improvised drone band doesn’t pull in the crowds.  I hate the road as well.  I’m a homebody.

QRD – Do you think being a father or a musician has a greater impact on your community? 

Aaron – Yikes!  Well, both I guess.  As a musician I want cool places for kids to go see shows & play.  As a father I want good schools & parks to go play.  Both are great for the community.

QRD – Would you rather see your daughter eventually become a musician or parent? 

Aaron – Double yikes!  Both.  Whatever she wants.  As long as she is safe & happy, I’m game.  I will support her all the way.  It would be cool to see her in a good band though.  That would be fun.  But hey, I want grandkids some day.

QRD – Both family & music seem like things that will take up as much of your time as you’re willing to put in.  How do you end up dividing your time? 

Aaron – All family now.  My soon to be wife is a full time student & has a job.… School is more important for her & I need to be available & flexible.  There was no thinking about this.  It is what I needed & wanted to do.  There will be time for music again.

QRD – Do you have a split/secret life between being a parent & being a musician? 

Aaron – No.  Just Dad.

QRD – What do your children think of your music? 

Aaron – She’s two & a half.  I really don’t play my stuff for her or myself.  I’m sure she will think I’m a dork.

QRD – Do you think you could ever do a musical project with your children? 

Aaron – Sure.  Nothing serious, just for fun.

QRD – Any words of advice to young people? 

Aaron – About being a parent?  You can mess up your life as much as you want, but when you have a kid... being a fuck up will fuck up your kids.  Be responsible.  If you can’t be, then you have no right to be a parent.  I guess the same goes for everything.  Be sincere & honest with yourself & everyone you deal with.  There is no such thing as perfection, but if you’re honest & sincere then everything will work itself out.

Other QRD interviews with Aaron:
If Thousands interview (march 2003)
If Thousands interview (December 2005)