Multi-instrumentalist Aaron Ward has released his debut solo single, I Don’t Mind, out now via Speak Right Records.

Written as an ode to a friend whose marriage was breaking down, I Don’t Mind highlights the importance of friendship at hard times and the need to open up. Filled with sweeping melodies and Ward’s emotive, colloquial vocals, it oozes a distinctive lyrical richness. I Don’t Mind fuses together a gentle, folk-tinged musicality with glitchy electronic hooks to create an impassioned ballad, sounding akin to Vance Joy or Bon Iver.

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Aaron about the latest project, motivations, challenges and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?

This track isn’t really synonymous of the sound I had in mind for moving forward with this project. I wanted to start with something that sounded like a solo artist though and this track meant a something to me so I thought why not see what people make of it. I have been really pleased with the response.

How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?

I have been heavily involved in the music industry for a few years now but this is the first time I have ever put something out under my own name. It’s a scary thought to think I will be judged as me and not hidden behind an alias.

Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?

I tend to focus on writing about my own experiences. I think you can spot it a mile away when people are just writing about a version of themselves they think people want to see. They end up like a Ricky Gervais Character. I don’t know what it is that motivates me really. Maybe its arrogance. I love writing which helps I guess.

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?

I wanted a project where anything goes. I mean I want to make good tunes but ultimately, I want to throw everything into having a good time and see what happens. Maybe that’s the key?

What was the last song you listened to?

I’ve been playing the Bad Mannequins EP today. Awesome band!

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

I think they all serve a purpose. You probably just wanted a word here didn’t you, sorry. I have a vinyl player but every time I buy a record I just end up displaying it because they look so good. I used to love the inserts in CDs with the lyrics on and artwork. I do miss that but digital music is super convenient isn’t it?

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I use Spotify all the time. I have friends who do great from Bandcamp but for me, these days it’s all about availability so Apple Music and Spotify are a God send.

Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?

Social media algorithms and reaching new listeners. I think that attracting them once you find them is the easy bit if you believe in your music. I think finding them and reaching them is hard. Social media is an amazing platform but they are geared up to make it a costly experience. You only have to look at people who have experimented with adverts and the cost to click ratios. That’s why you guys are crucial for us.

Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?

I am planning to go back on the road but I want to concentrate on the studio at the minute and get some new tracks out so that people can sing along. Live streaming is something I want to experiment with in the near future.

Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?

I love Twitter and I have just started a new Instagram. I am @aaronwithsound on pretty much everything. Facebook, Spotify, apple etc.

Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?

Shout out to Ross Hamilton and Michael Bannister who produce my tracks. Read more Hunter S Thompson and go to more live shows and you will be happier! Thank you.