biographical info
Aaron Allen, born August 1, 1981 in Chatham, Ontario, is a Canadian
alt-country/blues/acoustic/rock singer-songwriter. Driven by influences such as Neil Young, Ryan Adams and Bob Dylan, Aaron's approach to writing music starts from the power of his lyrics which are sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes straight up rock and roll, but always true to his heart and honest. Aaron believes in making music that is timeless and continues to carve out his place in the music industry to ensure a long career in doing what he loves.
Aaron's greatly anticipated, third album entitled A Place Called Hell is now available worldwide via iTunes and CD Baby. He shot a Music Video for the title track "A Place Called Hell" with Elvis Prusic in Toronto and has hopes for airplay on Much Music and MTV Canada. He toured solo in the summer of 2009 in support of it, which saw him play Ottawa, Montreal, and dip into the United States for a handful of shows throughout New York, Rhode Island, and Massachuestts. Although the Small City Saints (tSCS), featured in Aaron's sophomore, self titled album, were not by his side for this tour, his family and friends, which made up tSCS are still very much involved with the recording process, which has always been very important to Aaron. Throughout his albums Aaron's brother Myles has held it down on the drums, his wife Aimee sang complimentary harmonies as well as played piano, organ and bass guitar and engineer Andy Magoffin has lent his skillful ear and many musical talents, including trumpet, bass, guitar and drums. Following the tour the Small City Saints regrouped and have been playing shows around the Southwestern Ontario area with Aaron. Aaron also continues perform solo show wherever possible.
Aaron's music can be heard nationally on the Canadian late night talk show J.R. Diggs Man with a Van including writing the theme song "Man with a Van" along with many other sketch songs and music bits. Dedicating an entire episode to Aaron enabled him to showcase a live version of the rockabilly/blues song "Moving On" from his upcoming album as well as his first television interview.
Aaron's album "Aaron Allen & the Small City Saints" landed a spot on CHRW's "Top 100 Albums of 2008" and received a nomination for CHRW's "Local Album of the Year" the same year. 2009's "A Place Called Hell" has also been nominated for CHRW's "Local Album of the Year", meaning Aaron Allen has been nominated two consecutive years. His music continues to gain airplay on radio stations across Canada and has charted as high as #1 in cities such as Guelph, London, Quebec, Windsor and Calgary.
Hopes for his third album are to hit a higher level with Worldwide Distribution, continued Radio airplay, a brand new Music Video, and his intimate and frequent live shows. Aaron will always strive to continually build a strong foundation through his fans and hard work and to grow as a songwriter and musician.
influences
Ryan Adams
Bob Dylan
Neil Young
Steve Earle
Bruce Springsteen