We were lucky to catch up with Jaron Yancey recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jaron thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I have been working as a full time Musician for over a year now. Prior to that I worked in restaurants for almost 10 years. I learned a lot about work ethic especially working in the kitchen. Do a little here, do a little there, a lot of multi tasking which is essential to running your own business, and being a musician is just that, it’s running your business. The last day I worked for someone else I remember it clearly, I worked at some fun sponge place in Coronado, I asked to get my meal discounted on my break but was denied because it was a “kids” cheeseburger. As a result I paid more for a kids meal than I would have if I ordered a regular meal. I calmly stood up, took my apron off, and walked my merry ass to the car and never looked back.

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

I began playing music at age 3. My grandmother is a concert pianist and she wanted to pass it down to me. I played classic and jazz piano from age 3-10 but like most kids I didn’t want to spend all day practicing inside. I got into sports and skateboarding and fell away from the piano. I had always wanted to play guitar so around 15 I decided enough was enough. I got a guitar for Christmas and started learning online from Marty Schwartz on YouTube. I started touring when I was 18 out of high and my good lord, they didn’t tell me what I was in for.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

We are missing so much of the camaraderie we used to have. Music used to be tribal, people would bang on drums around a fire after they just killed a bison to feed the tribe. Music is in our hearts, art is one of the things that separates the human race from other species. I mean this whole Covid thing really didn’t help, we’ve got 20 years olds not going out because their afraid to catch a cold. People don’t want to spend $15 to see a local band but will pay $500+ for an EDM music festival? I don’t know man, maybe I’m out of touch, but where is everyone’s grit and love and passion. Let’s rip some folks everyone!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding thing out of it all is certainly the love shared between the audience and the musicians. Live music is something special and nothing will ever come close in my mind than nailing a set and emotional moving people by just playing songs.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaronyancey/?hl=en
• Other: @elperrotheband

Image Credits
@nikkiemariee @loudandclearphotography @elperrotheband