Aaron Hymes

Just be real about songwriting, don't try to sing someone else's song or story - Aaron Hymes

Aaron is a former firefighter and now is both a singer-singwriter and pastor.

FROM FIREFIGHTER TO PASTOR AND SINGER/SONGWRITER, AARON HYMES CHANGES LIVES

By David C. Lannan 

Aaron Hymes of Louisville, OH, has been singing since he was about 17 years old, starting as backup vocalist for an alternative band. Over the years he moved into heavier music as the front man before eventually landing in country and Christian music, 10 years later. He said his family has been very involved with music with his father, an uncle and his step-dad all playing music on the professional level. His initial push into music was after singing karaoke and people encouraged him to pursue a music career. Aaron plays drums, guitar and piano in addition to his singing. He is also a pastor and former firefighter.

     In my interview with Aaron, he explained how he's seen the music business change and how he uses music to help change lives.

Q&A WITH AARON HYMES

DL: What do you find most challenging about the music business?

AH: The transition in our culture has been very hard in music, everybody wants to be on the top but don't want to work to get there, instead of learning and investing in themselves. You don’t go through McDonalds and expect a steak dinner …lol

DL: What is your favorite part of the music business and why? Your least favorite?

AH: Just meeting new people and fans and people who listen to your music and when they say it has helped them through things means a lot.

     My least favorite is the people who are snakes trying to make people feel famous because they pay to get on charts and it really robs the actual musicians out there trying to do it the right way. Indie artists seem to be surviving because its authentic and sounds great, then you have artist who pay for plays and its a feeling that I know a lot of us pro artists can’t stand.

DL: Did you have professional coaching or lessons when. you first started?

AH: Never had any professional coaching, just paid attention and learned while watching, listening and made adjustments as progressing. This is why it's important to surround yourself (with people) who are doing things the right way.

DL: Have you always wanted to be a singer/musician? If not, and you couldn’t be in the music business what career would you choose?

AH: Well , as a drummer yes... A singer and a pastor no ..lol I was a firefighter and I miss it a lot, not all the bad things but the fellowship of good people (the real heroes in the world).

DL: What is your inspiration for your songs?

AH: There has been a lot of different motives for inspiration in my music writing, from raising 3 kids without a mom, life changes within myself, personal growth and failure in life, life lessons… but lately it has been writing about trying to reach people with a message of transformation in life.

     As a pastor my transformation from who i used to be in life has really fueled my songwriting. I want to tell people about a man who changed me without shoving God down their throat, to let the listener know its ok to be who you are, that God still loves you.

     The single I wrote called “Steady Waters” was nominated for Grammy awards and that was a song written about my grandmother. This is my most loved song, she meant a lot to me.

DL: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

AH: In 5 years i hope to have really influenced some younger songwriters and musicians to do things the right way, prob still touring and playing. I also have a music studio so I will eventually get into producing behind the scenes.

DL: What advice do you have for anyone wanting to get in the music business as a singer/songwriter?

 AH: Do you and stay true to you and be original. There are so many opinions of and from people who have too much to say because of personal opinion. I would say be you always and grow and surround yourself with positive people who wanna grow you and pour into you. Be around people who do things, not just say things.

DL: What life lessons has music taught you?

AH: To be honest and not to be a big head - there is always someone better than you. Be humble in learning. It’s taught me to really support people if they are good or not because it may take your support to help change someone’s life or career through motivation and support. We all start with a crowd of 1.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

 A typical day for Aaron is a blend of farm life, music and family. “I have 5 children and an amazing wife,” he said. And fishing - he definitely makes time for fishing. He continued that receiving a second chance in his walk with the Lord was among his greatest achievement in his life so far - along with being a father, husband and pastor.

HAVE A LISTEN

Hold Fast

Prince of Peace

Red White & True

WHERE CAN I FIND AARON?

Website: www.aaronhymesmusic.com

Also on YouTube, major streaming platforms and social media

In addition to writing this blog for KICR, David C. Lannan is a freelance writer with feature stories published across the country. He is also a member of the Board of Advisors for The Branson Opry. If you would like to be considered for a future blog, send your contact info and links to your music to dlannan@LFE.design.