Aaron on Music, Masculinity and Moments That Matter

AFFECT caught up with Aaron, one of today’s most compelling voices blending heartfelt songwriting with genre-defying soundscapes. Known for his own project Aaron and collaborations with artists like Zartmann, he has built a career rooted in authenticity and emotional connection. From small-town beginnings to Berlin stages, Aaron opened up about how family shaped his musical journey, why vulnerability is his greatest strength, and how he navigates music, masculinity, and moments that matter most in life.

PHOTOGRAPHER: LINDA CARL

AFFECT MAGAZINE: Who are you, what do you do, and how might people know you?
AARON: Hey, what’s up? My name is Aaron. I make music in a variety of forms, and people might know me from my own project, Aaron, or from my production work. I also collaborate with others, for example with Zartmann, where I often perform live.

A: How did your upbringing shape you?
AA: I grew up in a small village with very limited space, living with my family. There were four kids and my parents, so space was always a bit tight. That definitely shaped me, by the time I was fifteen, I shared a room with my two younger brothers. We were constantly together. My dad was very passionate about music, always playing and singing different styles of music for us. Music was always around the house. Eventually, we started making music together, and it became something really special for us.

A: What does “home” feel like to you?
AA: Home, for me, is ultimately my parents. Seeing them after a long time feels like home. It’s not so much about the place where I grew up, but more about my parents. My brothers are part of that too, but they live in Berlin now.

A: Did you have a role model as a child?
AA: I didn’t really have a real role model. Musically, maybe Chad Smith, the drummer from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. And of course the typical stars that came up at the time, like Justin Bieber.

A: How did you get into music?
AA: It’s a pretty cute story. When I was around eight or nine, my brother got an instrument set from our parents for Christmas : A small drum kit, a guitar, and a keyboard, I think. We kept switching between the instruments and experimenting. That sparked our love for music. Because we were always listening to music at home, we started playing those instruments day in and day out. Eventually we joined a music school and had our band. I was probably thirteen or fourteen the first time I performed on stage, and since then it’s been a constant part of my life.

A: Would you rather only work in the studio or only perform live?
AA: That’s hard to answer. Both depend on each other. Impulsively, I’d say performing live first because it gives such a rush — euphoric moments, dopamine. But I wouldn’t want to play the same songs forever, so I need the studio too. So I want both.

A: Is there a certain place or ritual you need for your music?
AA: Not really. I’ve made music in all sorts of situations, in different collaborations and camps. Eventually, you get into a mode where no matter the circumstances, you can still be creative. For me, the best moments are when I’m alone at home in the evening, relaxed, letting thoughts come, reflecting on the day. That’s when I can make my best music.

A: How do you know when an album is truly finished?
AA: I don’t have a concrete answer for that. Even I don’t know, and this is my first album. I’m very happy with it and proud of it, but it took a long time to put together. An album is never truly finished, you could always tweak things. At some point, there’s a time factor, a deadline. Ideally, I’d just keep working until it’s perfect.

A: Has there ever been a song that felt “too close” to you?
AA: That’s actually the best part. Sure, sometimes you think maybe dropping a name is not the best idea, but I try to keep it real. Writing songs has always been a way for me to process my own situation. So I don’t shy away from topics,I let it all in.

A: Is there a social topic you want to make visible through your music?
AA: I wouldn’t say I have a mission to change something drastically, but I try to speak from personal experience, struggles, mental health, fears about the future. It’s not something I force, it emerges naturally from the situation.

A: What does it mean to you to openly show emotions, especially in a music scene often defined by “coolness”?
AA: I don’t really think about whether I’m revealing too much. I love it. I get goosebumps and pure joy when I create a song or a line that feels real and authentic. That’s what makes it special — being yourself and processing things through music.

A: How do you deal with encounters in the music scene that are intense but sometimes short-lived?
AA: You learn that over time. It’s a job. There are ups and downs. You can’t always predict people. I try not to let people get too close too quickly and surround myself with my closest friends, who are also part of the industry. That gives me an anchor, people I can talk to without pretending. I’m lucky to have good friends like Zarti or Luis, who are always with me when I’m on the road. That helps me handle it.

A: Were there friendships that completely changed how you see yourself?
AA: Definitely. The people I mentioned help me, especially when I reflect on struggles. I often wrestle with myself, partly because making music as an independent artist is uncertain. I have fears about the future because everything changes so fast. These people help me recognize my self-worth and avoid being overly influenced by social media or comparisons.

A: How do you feel about masculinity and gender roles in the music scene?
AA: I think the German music scene is undergoing a positive shift. When I was younger, it was cool to hear phrases like “f*ck your mother” or rappers flexing their lifestyle. Now, showing genuine emotions has become important and even more commercial, it reaches people. Men openly showing feelings and speaking about heartbreak is now valued, and I really appreciate that.

A: What does masculinity mean to you?
AA: For me, masculinity is about taking responsibility and maybe being a role model, especially for my younger brothers. My dad always taught me that. It gave me a sense of responsibility to do it right. Nowadays, I also believe showing vulnerability is masculine, being helpful, attentive, and open.

A: Do you ever fear being forced into a certain idea of masculinity as an artist?
AA: Not anymore. Things are changing so much that people don’t want that anymore. I don’t think about needing to be cool or masculine. The only thing that works is being yourself without playing a role.

A: How do you react when someone reads your sensitivity as a weakness?
AA: It’s 2025, and I think those people probably have something they’re suppressing themselves. What can I say? If you can, try to change.

A: What do you want to remember about yourself in ten years?
AA: Mostly the summers, the last summer, this summer. I want to keep every single moment. I need to be able to remember these times clearly.

A: What advice would you give to your sixteen-year-old self?
AA: I’d tell my sixteen-year-old self to do exactly the same thing again. I’m the kind of person who has made everything so far with intention. My younger self did well.

A: How do you want people to feel when they leave your concert?
AA: I hope they leave smiling, feeling relieved, exhausted from dancing, maybe shedding a tear at a certain song, or just having had a great time with friends.

A: If you could make one wish for your future, what would it be?
AA: I’d probably wish for a bit more time, a year that’s two months longer than others, where I could relax and travel.

A: Perfect, that’s all, thank you Aaron.
AA: Thank you!

Interview by Noemi Zak