Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aaron Nordstrom. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Aaron thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?
My first manager was a man named Rob McDermott. While he wasn’t a “boss” necessarily, he filled the role of guide and teacher He is a big personality in the music world and has had a part in many very successful artists over the years.
His influence on me professionally runs deeper and still to this day. His numerous skill sets for understanding the business, the artist, that dynamic, and most importantly, people.
We remain friends to this day and he still gives me advice on my career. He stayed in my corner through addiction, hardship, disappointment, and also some triumphs. Mostly personal but some professional. And he never ceases to be a cheerleader for true expression and creativity.
One lesson I will never forget was the concept of never skipping steps. In the beginning of our career, he said it would be possible to do this or that thing to sort of stream line certain parts of our trajectory. But he was insistent that we never skip a step in the process. Do the van tour. Do the opening gig. Do the small thing. Do the hard thing. Because in the long run, you are wiser and better for it. I find this true in training of any kind. And in any true philosophy. And I’m grateful for the lessons he’s taught me and more importantly, the friend I still have in him.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Aaron Nordstrom and I am a human living in Las Vegas. I’m primarily known for my work in music over the last couple decades. I’m a lifelong musician, as well as a long time student of martial arts, philosophy, psychology, amongst other things.
I am involved in a few creative projects. My band Gemini Syndrome has been touring and making records in America for about 14 years and my band Woyote has been doing the same in Belgium for about 3 now.. I also have a cover/comedy act called Nu Skool as well as various features I do with other artists.
I teach music (voice, piano, and guitar) remotely when I am not on tour and I am also beginning to work in the capacity as a mix engineer and producer for other artists. I run a patreon page and a cameo as well and would consider what I do almost life coaching as well as musical coaching. I went to college and studied psychology with the intent to be a therapist, but alas, music wouldn’t let me go any other direction for too long.
I study Chu Ka Tong Long or southern praying mantis kung fu under Sigung Manuel Rodriguez in Ventura, CA and have been his student for over 20 years.
My professional work in music began about 17 years ago playing guitar for a band called Otep, before starting Gemini Syndrome in late 2009 with some other gentelmen. Since then I have primarily been a touring artist, released 4 and about to be 6 full length albums with my various projects. I intend to continue to write and record and tour as long as I am able and passionate about it.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
In the beginning of my musical journey, I know it was driven by love of music, but there was certainly an element of validation I was after. I was teased relentlessly as a kid for having albinism. For looking different and being different. I thought that being loved or appreciated for my talents would override that. It didn’t. But I accomplished most of what I set out to do and was like, now what?
The truth is, the only things that really motivate me now are things that bring me peace and joy, things that help do that same thing for other people, and things that help me grow. As long as being a creative continues to fulfill those things, I’ll continue creating. But the other details, the fame, the money, the glam or whatever it is we seek, have all lost their value to me over time. They seem superfluous now.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I was in the social media game when it first began and I wish I became more fluent sooner. As digital took over, it took over everything. Publicity, marketing…all of it. So the keys are simple. Post content often. Engage often.
I suck at this. Staying engaged on social media is a huge challenge for me as I find most of the environment toxic and negative leaning. So I try and stay focused on posting only content that is relevant to what I’m trying to accomplish. Stay focused on your audience and use it to build meaningful relationships with fans. I think thats the most important thing is real connection. Once thats created, then everything afterwards is based in quality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.synnersociety.com
- Instagram: @aaronnordstrom
- Facebook: @aaronnordstrom
- Linkedin: Aaron Nordstrom
- Twitter: @Aaron23syndrome
- Youtube: @aaronnordstrom
- Yelp: n/a
- Soundcloud: n/a
- Other: https://www.manakinmusic.com
Image Credits
Zach Stepek
Harry Reese
Philly B