Artist Spotlight: Aaron Strumpel

I first met Aaron Strumpel at a Christian conference in Seattle. Some of the musicians had gathered together at a nearby pizza joint/coffee house that agreed to stay open late for an impromptu music showcase.

Aaron was one of those singers. He stepped up to the mic with his guitar and an apology for his scratchy voice from fighting a cold. While he tried to warn us about his less-than-stellar voice someone heckled him, “Just sing!” Aaron smiled, sat on the stool, and strummed and sang. He sounded great; I wouldn’t have even known he was sick had he not said anything. This was my introduction to this talented singer/songwriter who hails from Colorado.

Raw acoustic, honest lyrics, soulful voice with and a gritty edginess that comes from letting your heart bleed into your art. Aaron is not a newbie, or a mainstream pop singer throwing ballads about Jesus around. He’s been around, and it shows in the maturity of his lyrics and voice.

Aaron has toured in over 40 states playing college campuses across the nation with a Colorado-based music venture called The Restoration Project. He’s also become a part of the Enter the Worship Circle community, a collaboration of musicians, singers and songwriters who together have sold over 100,000 copies worldwide.

Aaron is a featured artist on Enter the Worship Circle’s current series titled, Chair and Microphone, Volume 2. This album was a bare bones production. Aaron, his guitar and a mic, all recorded in just one take. Worship Leader magazine said the album “memorizes you in raw emotion combined with a well-designed improvised feel.” (click here for full review)

Ben Pasley, producer of the Enter the Worship Circle series said,
“The album is so real and accessible and the recording is the best acoustic thing I have ever done, and maybe ever heard.”
(from http://www.aaronstrumpel.com)

Aaron recently partnered up with author Brian McLaren who produced a music project called Songs for a Revolution of Hope. Aaron helped co-write some of the songs and also lent his voice and musical talent in the production. Aaron is also making appearances at Brian’s current tour, Everything Must Change.

This spring Aaron will be releasing a solo album as well as be one of the featured singers on Enter the Worship Circle: Fourth Circle, due out March 15th 2008.

(check out Aaron’s website for more info and concert dates at
http://www.aaronstrumpel.com).