Aaron Rizzo of East Atlanta on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Aaron Rizzo and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Aaron, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
It may sound trite, but it’s walking. Lately, my weeks have been packed to the brim with different studio sessions, gigs and admin work. It brings me immense clarity and joy to simply grab a coffee, turn my brain off and go walk every morning.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Aaron Rizzo, and I’m a local Atlanta musician by way of Rochester, NY. I’ve been putting out records for the last 8 years and working closely with many other artists on records of their own. Personally, I make music that’s inspired by the rock records I’m constantly discovering. Rock music has always been integral to my development as an artist, and it brings me so much joy to create it. I recently put out an album that I’m incredibly proud of called “NONSTOP DEATHMATCH.” It’s a collection of songs that explores my journey of coming into my own and shaking the insecurities that plagued me as a young musician.

I’m very proud and honored to be a creative here in Atlanta. When I moved here, the music scene embraced me with open arms and helped me to get on my feet quickly in order to move closer to making a full time living as a musician. I’m eternally grateful for this. There are so many people who have offered me their shoulders to stand on, and it humbles me each and every day.

This generosity has led me to center my career around building community. Art is by no means a zero sum game, and if we can lift each other up in the process our lives will collectively improve. All that matters to be is being surrounded by good people, and I’ve been so lucky to root myself in such a place.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was younger, I was so wrapped up in the belief that there was some standard to measure up to that I wasn’t worthy of achieving. I thought no matter how good I got or how much I figured it out, I’d never deserve the fruits of my labor. I now know that the only thing standing between myself and my dreams — was me. I spent far too many years being insecure about my music, my looks, my personality, you name it. The fear of being cringe or corny had me in a chokehold that I thought I’d never escape.

It wasn’t until I moved to Atlanta and met the people I have grown to call family that I shed these insecurities. I stopped believing that other people were always thinking about me. It was such an ego-driven way to live. It’s a lifelong process, but my fear of being perceived is slowly fading away. I’m so excited to be unapologetically myself.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I wish I could have known this at the time, but then again, I wouldn’t have learned the lessons the hard way (which is often the way that sticks.) I have had so many instances in my music career of failure and suffering — albums flopping, tours getting canceled, relationships falling apart, feeling inadequate, mental health struggles, etc. Some of these things even brought me within an inch of giving up. I’ll be the first to admit that there have been times where I was hopeless about my career.

However, this suffering taught me more than I ever could have imagined. Mainly, it taught me to stop looking for answers in places where they didn’t exist. I let so much of my suffering stem from the “not knowing” of being an artist. I felt entitled to the fruits of my labor, and when they didn’t come I shut down and leaned more on my anger. For so long I let this ego-driven anger get the best of my decisions. I was making choices that were far too individualistic that failed to consider the bigger picture of all of it.

I learned through this suffering that I have no right to the fruits of my labor. To quote the Bhagavad Gita; “We have the right to our duty, but the results are dependent not only on our efforts.” (Chapter 2, verse 47.) Once I let go of this idea that I was owed something from my work, my career became so much more peaceful. So in a weird way, suffering sort of taught me to love suffering. The process became the focus of my efforts rather than the result. I could have never learned this lesson if all of my ventures had been successful. Now, I’m so grateful for this lesson because it makes me appreciate the wins AND the losses equally. They both contribute so much.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Integrity. I believe it is one of the things that keeps us in touch with our humanity. Simple as that.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel the most at peace when playing music with people I love. It doesn’t matter if it’s in a living room, rehearsal space or a stage. If we’re playing tunes we love, life is good.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aaronrizzomusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronrizzomusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aaronrizzomusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aaronrizzo
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@aaronrizzo

Image Credits
Portrait Shots – Arlaina Axenroth
Live Show Shots – Chase Moore