Seeking with Aaron Raays

This week, we meet with Aaron Raays, a musician and creator, at his effortless abode tucked away in the hills of Los Angeles. The artist resides in Highland Park, in a hillside tree house-esque home drenched in greenery, wearing his chosen SEEKER items with love. With its inspiring views and adjoining music studio, the space is a self-created sanctuary. Follow along to learn more about his calling, community, and the enduring power of creation.

Introducing our friend & Seeker:

Raays 35, Los Angeles, CA

We go deep fast  - At what age did your realize this was the path to your lifes work?

I fell in love with music at an early age. My dad would play the piano for me, and when I was about 7 or 8 he started teaching me some of the basic classical pieces like Für Elise by Beethoven and Bach’s Solfeggietto. There’s this sweet photo I have of him holding me up to this vintage Casio keyboard from the 70s when I was like 1. I still have that keyboard and play it for my son regularly. At 2yrs I'd wake up at like 6am and walk across the street to the neighbors garage where there was a drum kit and start banging. I never really knew a life without music, and certainly can’t fathom one now. 

Isn't it a beautiful experience when you can reflect on your journey from such an early age and letting your intuition be your guide. On that note, is there anything in your life right now that you feel you are seeking?

I suppose it’s through music that I seek to learn more about myself. It’s put me into so many different situations, and has helped me through so many situations, I’ve really grown to respect its power in terms of being a tool of introspection. Creating and performing makes me feel like an Archeologist of Self, excavating bits of truth.  

I love lending insight to those following along. I believe we can all learn from each other. Could you share some words of wisdom for those on their creative journey?

Make sure to recognize the different forms of currency, other than money, that one can become abundant in through a creative path. It can be really disheartening to only measure success by how much money has been made. There’s unknowable value in the connection to one’s self, and connection with others through one’s offerings. It can take you around the world, it can show you a side of people that isn’t normally on display, and perhaps at its best, it can introduce you to the source of it all.