To view all of my videos in High-Quality + Full-Screen Go to my youtube profile link right above here.
Aaron Gray @ Guitar Center LAS VEGAS (Part 2)
Aaron Gray @ Guitar Center LAS VEGAS (Part 1)
Aaron Shawn Gray's Entry for the 2009 "PetrucciFever" Guitar Solo Contest on YouTube
AARON’S ENTRY for a GUITAR SOLO CONTEST on YouTube
*LOST* Music Video
*GUITAR CENTER RAMPAGE*
*WHAMMY PEDAL WANKAGE* @ Guitar Center
*THE LIGHTER SIDE of GUITAR WANKING*
*GUITARS + AMP RIG VIDEO SLIDESHOW*
*THANKS, TOBACCO: YOU KILLED MY MOM*
((((((((This could save a smoker's life!)))))))
Aaron Shawn Gray
Lead & Rhythm Guitar (6 & 7-string)
6-string Bass
Drum Programming & Playing
MIDI Guitar Synth
Various Percussion Performance
(All Instruments are Left-Handed)
VIDEO EDITING & GRAPHIC ART
Influences
My Current Musical Influences are:
Dream Theater---My number 1 for life
Steve Vai---Awesome Musician
Joe Satriani---I live for G3's
Sevendust---perfect blend of heavy and commercial appeal
Korn---first album is FOR REALS!
Nickelback---They are Sick writers...the blueprint for success
System of a Down---Intense Music with a mission
Disturbed---Oh Wa-A-A-A...Awesome Band
9" NAILS---the master of synth-industrial
Rob Zombie---the riffs and beats are sick
Tool---Odd-Time Signatures and Mind-blowing Drummer
Seventh Day Slumber---the best Christian band ever and awesomely inspirational to me!
Evanescence---perfect heavy commercial blend
My Twenties Musical Influences Were:
Dream Theater---Where it all began for them
Pantera---DIMEBAG you are missed!!!
Alice in Chains---Vocal harmonies and unique writing
Megadeth---I was fed from the teet of this band for many years
Big Wreck---Thornley Rocks
Collective Soul---catchy riffs and great vocals
Foo Fighters
I Mother Earth---Don't sound Prog, but they are intense
Harem Scarem---Me & tons of Japanese fans can't be wrong!
Fear Factory---triggered drums and brutal intensity
King's X---the vocal harmonies and time signatures
Nuno Bettencourt---the talent behind Extreme
No Doubt---Tragic Kingdom gives me chills
STP---A coverband's source for catchy "easy" songs
George Lynch---the shredmeister from Dokken's past
RAGE---1st album has it all
Creed---before "My Crackhead Wife"
Queensryche---Mindcrime & Empire
Stabbing Westward---Moody yet commercial industrial metal
My Teenage Band Influences Were:
Metallica---my favorite band at 16, up until they diluted their arrangements for mass consumption...My favorite part of the "Some Kind of Monster" DVD is when Lars' father says: DELETE IT!!
Iron Maiden---Wicked Everything!
Dio---Look Out! The singing and guitar rule
Ozzy---Randy Rhoads and Jake E Lee era
Helloween---Singer is great and speed metal solos galore
Van Halen---gotta love 'em
Motley Crue---I once was a 14 year old headbanger
Dokken---great writing for their time
Marty Friedman---His Mellow Instrumental Stuff is Genius...also learning his shredding tore layers upon layers off my fingertips
Jason Becker---This Man SHREDS
Extreme---albums I, II & III---guitar feast
Skid Row---what a set of lungs on S. Bach
Winger---Guitarist Reb Beach Shreds
White Lion---Vito...where you at?
Saigon Kick---Wicked guitarist
Stryper---Vocals are insanely good and the same goes for the guitars
Andy Timmons---A great guitarist that should be way famous
Yngwie Malmsteen---The FASTEST you can play before it sounds like noise!
Tony MacAlpine---A master on the guitar and piano
Faith No More---Totally original and slightly insane---Mr. Bungle-lite
Soundgarden---Vocals and music rock
Fates Warning---the really old stuff kicks ass
Leatherwolf---Really Unknown Old-School Metal from England
Paul Gilbert---Racer-X & Mr. Big Era
Billy Sheehan---Insanely Awesome Bassist
Badlands---Wicked singer and Jake has the goods
Billy Idol with Steve Stevens
Guns 'n' Roses---80's/90's Hit Makersshort-lived though
My childhood influences before becoming a musician were:
The Beatles ---my 1st musical addiction as a child
For over 40 more songs of mine see the player below.
It contains studio songs from my past, current demo bed tracks, and rare recordings from the 90’s to the present.
I was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada and began playing guitar at the age of sixteen. I am basically self-taught, with the exception of a few lessons when I first started. I gave up on lessons when I discovered that I had a skill to learn music by ear. I primarily play guitar, but own and play drums, and various percussion instruments. I always wanted to play drums my whole life, but I got a guitar instead because my Mom said, "Drums are too LOUD and too expensive."
I recently picked up a 6-string bass so I can start moving away from my programmed bass sound, so my future recordings will have real bass lines on them as well. My recording and programming skills are strong, but I am coming into a new level of creation via new computer software and all the complexities I will need to master to take my sound to the highest level possible. If that doesn't cut it, then I will succumb to the high-dollar studio rates to get that HUGE sound that money gets.
I am an original musician who strives for perfection in writing, arrangement, recording and performance. I create all of my music from scratch using no loops or preset rhythms. I pour my heart and soul into my playing, and write music and lyrics by drawing from various life experiences. I have played in several original and cover bands while in Canada. I have had numerous studio sessions with my original bands, as well as recording many instrumental CDs. I started out on a 4-track tape recorder and have evolved to my present digital recording and sequencing setup. My drive to create and perform has brought me 3,000 miles away to Southern California, where I plan to succeed somewhere in the music industry.
Presently, I have been working on composing guitar-driven instrumental tracks. I am interested in playing either as a solo artist, or if the right singer comes along, I'll work my songs into a vocal format and also backup the lead vocalist with harmonies, as my voice isnt too bad either. My creations can be best described as progressive metal with hard rock, techno and pop thrown into the mix. Hopefully, this hybrid musical direction will make my songs more ear-friendly for all music lovers. My enthusiasm is genuine, and my talent and seriousness drives my passion to create captivating sonic landscapes.
My objective is to move into the spotlight doing what I do best...expressing myself musically. I am looking forward to a variety of musical adventures, ranging from studio work for soloists needing a guitarist for hire, movie soundtracks, radio and TV recordings, forming a band or joining in on a project that would be of mutually creative input. My ear for music makes writing rhythm, melodies and harmonies come easy, and my perfectionism and strong work ethic add that extra polish to my recordings and performances.
I am also getting quite deep into the video side of music creation and plan to record some guitar videos complete with effects and actually synchronized to my audio track. My goal is to make it look like you are watching a live performance where the intensity is captured both visually and audibly. All I need now is plenty of uninterrupted time to get er done.
Thanks for reading my bio. I would be pleased to have you as a friend and answer any questions that you may have.
Take care,
Aaron
Discography
Last Laff-3-song EP
Radioslave-3-song EP
Sonic Bondage-6-song Demo
Elvis Christ-10-song CD
Library of Instrumental CD's, including:
Aaron's Instrumentals Vol. 1, Low B Improvs, Wacko Tunes, Spaceout Improv, Aaron's Music 1991-2002, Old Ideas & Mellow Music, Ancient Ideas, and Aaron's Oldest Creations---not to mention a long list of custom CD's for friends and family.
Track on 2006 SCMA Compilation CD
Track on 2006 SunsetStrip.com Compilation CD
Also, see my Blog "Lucky and Thankful" for the details on my "Metal" Nomination for the SCMA's. (Southern California Music Awards)
"Remember days of yesterday How it flew so fast The two score and a year we had, I thought it would always last Those summer days and west coast dreams I wished would never end A young boy and his father, Idol and best friend
I'll always remember Those were the best of times A lifetime together I'll never forget
The morning shows on the radio The case of the missing dog Lying on the pillows at the old 812 Watching Harold and Maude The record shops,the stickball fields My home away from home And when we weren't together The hours on the phone
I'll always remember Those were the best of times I'll cherish them forever The best of times
But then came the call Our lives changed forever more "You can pray for a change But prepare for the end"
The fleeting winds of time Flying through each day All the things I should've done But time just slipped away Remember seize the day Life goes by in the blink of an eye With so much left to say
These were the best of times I'll miss these days Your spirit lit my life each day
Thank you for the inspiration Thank you for the smiles All the unconditional love That carried me for miles It carried me for miles But most of all thank you for my life
These were the best of times I'll miss these days Your spirit lit my life each day My heart is bleeding bad But I'll be OK Your spirit guides my life each day"
Def Leppard,Poison,& Cheap Trick kicked so much ass on Wednesday. All the hits were played by all 3. That's a show that shouldn't be missed.
"Let it out,let it out Feel the empty space So insecure Find the words and let it out
Staring down,staring down Nothing comes to mind Find the place Turn the water into wine
But I feel I'm getting nowhere And I'll never see the end
So I wither And render myself helpless I give in And everything is clear I break down And let the story guide me
Turn it on,turn it on Let the feelings flow Close your eyes See the ones you used to know
Open up,open up Don't struggle to relate Lure it out Help the memory escape
Still this barrenness consumes me And I feel like giving up
So I wither And render myself helpless I give in And everything is clear I break down And let the story guide me I wither And give myself away
Like reflections on the page The world's what you create
I drown in the hesitation My words come crashing down And all my best creations Burn into the ground The thought of starting over Leaves me paralyzed Tear it out again Another one that got away
So I wither And render myself helpless I give in And everything is clear
I wither And render myself helpless I give in And everything is clear I break down And let the story guide me I wither And give myself away
Like reflections on the page The world's what you create
The world's what you create Let it out,let it out"
Hope your week rocks!! Well,my summer concert season officially kicks off on Wednesday and it's a good one. I'm goin' to see Def Leppard,Poison,& Cheap Trick!!!!!!!! This is gonna be one of the best and most fun shows this summer,it's a show not worth missing. It'll my 4th time seeing Poison and my 1st for Def Leppard and Cheap Trick.
Aaron, wishing you and your family a great weekend and I can't thank you enough for the lives you have helped change with the video of your Mom. THANK YOU!
"It was the mortal passion The flame that lit the fire The beauty of the starlight Brought the cruelty of desire
A lovers link was broken Another's vengeful plan Was contrived through jealous hatred For a cross of God and man
I hope it will turn out so But I can't help being afraid Perception is hindered by lust To be sure of the choice you have made
Grant me this request, please Just promise me your word Attest to the mighty river Let the truth be heard!
She asked to see the power His realm of life and love His godly immortality The thunder roared above
Her words were so quickly spoken Lest he stop her from the deed I gave you my word,now my love Your grim request I shall heed!
Leaving his maiden He rose to the sky Returning in splendors To earth he did fly Subject to presence Too brilliant to face Another had killed passions grace"
"Daybreak at the bottom of lake It's a hundred degrees I can't breathe And I won't get out 'til I figure it out Though I'm weak like I can't believe So you tell me 'trust me' I can trust you Just let me show you But I gotta work it out in a shadow of doubt 'Cause I don't know if I know you
Doing fine but don't waste my time Tell me what it is you want to say You sin,you win,just let me in,hurry I've been out in the rain all day So you tell me 'trust me' I can trust you As far as I can throw you And I'm trying to get out of a shadow of doubt 'Cause I don't know if I know you
Don't tell me you wanted me Don't tell me you thought of me I won't,I swear I won't I'll try,I swear I'll try
Mother Mary quite contrary Kiss the boys and make them wary Things are getting just a little bit scary It's a wonder I can still breathe
Never been much of a doubting Thomas but nothing breaks like a broken promise You tell me 'bout your two more coming But once is just enough for me
Don't tell me you wanted me Don't tell me you thought of me I won't,I swear I won't I'll try,I swear I'll try
I had gotten used to being a soul destroyed She comes in apparently to fill the void All dogs need a leash and at least I'll forget it And she would never hurt me though she's never said it But I'm not gonna ask her today I don't wanna scare her away Your town,I'm all alone And I just can't stare at the phone I wanna talk about lifelong mistakes And you can tell your stepfather I said so
Don't tell me you wanted me Don't tell me you thought of me I won't,I swear I won't I'll try,I swear I'll try"
"Temptation, Why won't you leave me alone? Lurking every corner,everywhere I go
Self Control, Don't turn your back on me now When I need you the most
Constant pressure tests my will My will or my won't My self control escapes from me still...
Hypocrite, How could you be so cruel And expect my faith in return?
Resistance, Is not as hard as it seems When you close the door
I spent so long trusting in you I trust you forgot Just when I thought I believed in you.
It's time for me to deal Becoming all too real Living in fear, Why did you lie and pretend? This has come to an end I'll never trust you again It's time you made your amends Look in the mirror my friend
Let's stare the problem right in the eye It's plagued me from coast to coast Racing the clock to please everyone All but the one who matters the most
Reflections of reality Are slowly coming into view How in the hell could you possibly forgive me? After all the hell I put you through
It's time for me to deal Becoming all too real Living in fear, Why'd I betray my friend? Lying until the end Living life so pretend It's time to make my amends I'll never hurt you again"
Definatly sounds like a great show. I remember seeing Kings X back in '02 when they opened up for DT.
As always I appreciate what you are doing and have done to help save lives from tobacco abuse in the memory of your Mom. It is an honor to have you at the top of my MySpace friends list. Wishing you and your family a great weekend.
Respectfully Yours,
James Freedom Village Quit Smoking MySpace and FVQS Forum on Network54
Hey Aaron!! Great to hear from you...it's been way too long!!! Glad to hear you've been keeping busy with all of your music and movie projects. I've been doing the same (minus the movie part). We should try and get together in the next month of so...
"Would you like to sit and talk to me About the way things change so suddenly When your senses come and the feeling goes? Can you remember feeling much too close?
Stop your hands from shaking,look at me Are your senses racing endlessly Tracing past impressions,so were mine Have you ever been used Or will this be the first time?
It's come so clear to me Light fuse and get away No gain,no pain It's a fatal game and the true lose everything
I can see what trust and loyalty have done for me Falling miles from the mark With a thirst for revenge and a dangerous heart
I've tried to wash from memory Feelings of betrayal and the incidents That plague me since I lost my sense of innocence
A history of changes now I'm loving Now I'm losing keeps me constantly In fear of hearing "I can't see where this is going"
You lie alone with the memory Feeling the ceiling and walls closing in on Your conscience,my ally The guilt,your affliction From preying on praise as you fed an attention addiction
Someone told me Light fuse and get away No gain,no pain And when it's lust to dust you can Crawl from the wreckage
I can see what trust and loyalty have done for me Lying bleeding in the dark With a thirst for revenge and a dangerous heart
It's come so clear to me Light fuse and get away No gain,no pain It's a fatal game and the true lose everything
I can see what trust and loyalty have done for me Falling miles from the mark With a thirst for revenge and a dangerous heart"
Enjoy your weekend!!!!!! Got any special plans? I'm goin to see my friends in Get Your Guns tonight.
"Hear me,speaking Asking why I even bother Tell me,how you Live from day to day
Take your time and look around Is this utopia you've found
Sick of all of this The suffering and we just carry on Isn't it time we care and lose the hate Understand our fears
But we do all that we can Justify the means to an end Sorry you must excuse me I've painted my own Mona Lisa She's fixed everything Now I'm spoiled beyond my wildest dreams
Blind Faith we have in you Invisible Which direction do we choose Predictable
Take the streets,the beaten path Our system works for whom I ask Yeah I have it all The bigger house An iron fence to keep you out
When did we all let you down So come Messiah show us how how Our human spirit drowns Don't think you hear me now No sign of you around What is it you hope to see
Blind Faith we have in you Invisible Which direction do we choose Predictable Give us something we can use Desirable Cause you've done all you can do Regrettable
And still life pushes on With or without you We've got to carry on Our will,will guide us to A place where we belong Know there lies the truth I am the believer who gives purpose on to you
I don't think we let you down So come Messiah show us how how Throw us a pure lifeline I hope that you hear me Too proud to be around There's more to us than we see now
Blind Faith we have in you Invisible Which direction do we choose Predictable Self ignorance,abuse Desirable Cause you've done all you can do Incredible"
Your welcome Aaron, and it was nice meeting you in Mr. Powell's class as well. I will definitely visit you guys again and i will surely keep you in touch for music for film.
"For a while I thought I fell asleep Lying motionless inside a dream
Then rising suddenly I felt a chilling breath upon me She softly whispered in my ear (Forsaken)
Forsaken I have come for you tonight Awaken Look in my eyes and take my hand Give yourself up to me
I waited painfully For night to fall again Trying to silence the fear within me
Out of an ivory mist I felt a stinging kiss And saw a crimson stain on her lips
I have to know your name Where have I seen your face before? My dear one don't you be afraid
Forsaken I have come for you tonight Awaken Look in my eyes and take my hand Give yourself up to me
Take me far away Close your eyes And hold your breath To the ends of the earth
Forsaken I have come for you tonight Awaken Look in my eyes and take my hand
Forsaken Fly away with me tonight Awaken Renew my life Now you are mine Give yourself up to me"
OMG,Chickenfoot was incredible last night. They played nothing but stuff off their debut album,which comes out on June 5th and I highly recommend picking up,along with "Bad Motor Scooter" & "Highway Star". Chad was a gorilla on drums,Michael was smilin' and boppin around on bass,Joe was a being from another plant on guitar,& Sammy...well let's just say that he looks & sounds incredible for his age. Still sounds just like back in the day,did A LOT of screaming. One cool thing that happened was Micheal gave me his beer after the show. They're the type of guys you just love to hang out and party with,sounds alot like me LOL. I'm off to see my friends in Rock Kandy tonight. Shows are never ending with me. This all leads up to the big summer concert kick off.
"She dresses in black everyday She keeps her hair simple and plain She never wears makeup But no one would care if she did anyway
She doesn't recall yesterday Faces seem twisted and strange But she always wakes up Only to find she'd been miles away
Absence of awareness Losing time A lapse of perception Losing time
Wanting to escape She had created a way to survive She learned to detach from herself A behavior that kept her alive
Hope in the face of our human distress Helps us to understand the turbulence deep inside That takes hold of our lives Shame and disgrace over mental unrest Keeps us from saving those we love The grace within our hearts And the sorrow in our souls
Deception of fame,vengeance of war Lives torn apart Losing oneself,spiraling down Feeling the walls closing in A journey to find The answers inside Our illusive mind"
Have a rockin' weekend!!!!! I'm off to see Stephen Pearcy tomorrow night. Expect a new album from Mr. Pearcy and the rest of the Ratt gang later this year.
