As far back as Joey Aronskind can remember, singing has been a part of his life. From humming along to Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, The Beatles, and Queen in the backseat of his dad's car to shyly performing at summer camp, music has always been a central thread. However, it wasn't until college that he truly began to nurture this passion, spurred by a deep-seated need to express himself. His journey from these early days to recording his first mixtape in 2019 has been one of growth, discovery, and a relentless pursuit of artistic liberation. Recently, Joey released his 2023 indie hip-hop album, "All-American Aronskind’s,” co-created with Grammy-nominated producer Jayme Silverstein. He also moved to Haifa, Israel, and dropped a new 4-song EP, “Berlin I,” on June 25th, in collaboration with Berlin-based multi-instrumentalist Anton Brandt and several members of his band Up&Out.
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Exploring a Unique Musical Style
Joey Aronskind describes his musical style as one focused on artistic liberation and self-actualization. Initially driven by a desire to break free from societal conformity, his first mixtape was a narrated musical fairytale depicting a young musician's quest for truth. This project set the tone for his future work, which now includes pop-oriented music with underlying themes of non-conformity and self-realization. His sound is crafted to be the perfect backdrop for an outdoor Saturday afternoon with friends, blending social activism and a subtle yet persistent message of personal growth.
Inspirations and Influences
Throughout his career, Joey Aronskind has drawn inspiration from a variety of artists. Kanye West's tenacity and honesty, despite no longer listening to his music, left a lasting impact. Drake's ability to craft irresistible hooks and balance romantic and hard-hitting lyrical content has also influenced his work. The conceptual prowess of Kendrick Lamar, Kid Cudi, and Lauryn Hill, along with the hook mastery of Post Malone and the smooth, genre-blending style of Dominic Fike, have all contributed to shaping Joey's musical identity. Remi Wolf, hailed as the queen of pop, significantly inspired his project “All-American Aronskind’s.”
Crafting Songs with Heart and Vision
Joey Aronskind's songwriting process is a deeply visual and conceptual journey. Each project begins with a concept that drives the lyrical and visual narrative, leading to titles like “The Adventures of Barefoot Jones” and “Climbers of Short Hills.” This process involves exploring new roles and emotions through the creation of beats and melodies in the studio, often with producers who add their unique artistic touches. Whether the inspiration flows quickly or takes time, the focus remains on uncovering new creative territories and expressing authentic emotions.
Noteworthy Collaborations and Future Aspirations
Collaborations have played a significant role in Joey Aronskind's career. Working with talents like Colombian singer ILAMIKE, producer Julian Bernál, Grammy-nominated Jayme Silverstein, and jazz pianist-turned-producer Yonatan Meltzer has not only enriched his musical repertoire but also provided invaluable learning experiences. His recent project with Berlin-based multi-instrumentalist Anton Brandt resulted in the EP "Berlin I," showcasing the synergy of their artistic collaboration. Looking ahead, Joey is excited about perfecting his Hebrew and diving into the Israeli hip-hop scene, all while continuing to explore and incorporate Jewish and Israeli themes into his music.
Conclusion
Joey Aronskind's journey is a testament to the power of self-expression and artistic liberation. From his early days of shyly singing at summer camp to producing conceptually rich and musically diverse projects, he has grown into an artist who blends personal authenticity with a universal message. As he continues to evolve and explore new creative directions, fans can look forward to music that not only entertains but also inspires self-actualization and a deeper understanding of individuality.
