10 Questions with ... Ayron Jones

1. Thanks for taking the time to answer 10 Questions for All Access. Where does this interview find you today? What's on the agenda besides this interview?

Another day of balancing a blooming music career and daddy duty, per-usual during these unusual times.

2. Let’s start at the beginning. How long have you been playing guitar and when did you decide you wanted to make music for a living?

I’ve been playing guitar for 21 years now. I knew I wanted to make a living playing music from a really young age. As far back as I can remember I've always had it in me to perform for a crowd. Whether it be in sports, in acting or in music, I always wanted to put on a show. At 18, when I got out of high school, I immediately started playing open mics and coffee shops. Oftentimes I wouldn’t make more than 25 bucks and a sandwich but I got to turn some heads you know? At the very least I wasn’t playing for free. The more I played the more I wanted and the shows got bigger and bigger. So I guess the short answer to that question would be, my whole life.

3. Seattle has always had a thriving music scene with many historic Rock artists coming out of the Northwest. How much has the Seattle music scene and artists from there influenced you?

I really can’t say enough about the impact my hometown of Seattle has had on me as an artist. There’s a whole laundry list of reasons I can mention but in a nutshell, Seattle, it’s sound and it’s music community is what helped shape the recording artist I am today. I’m not sure I’d be in the same place I am today if it weren’t for the support I continue to get from my home town.

4. Congrats on your success at Rock Radio…first with “Take Me Away” and now the current single “Mercy.” What was the inspiration for “Mercy”?

The inspiration for Mercy came from the harrowing events of 2020. From the pandemic to George Floyd to the forest fires of the west coast. I felt it was so necessary to capture those raw feelings I felt like everyone was having in these hard times.

5. You have also released the full-length LP “Child Of The State.” What can you tell us about this new release?

“Child Of The State” is my first major record label release and the first time most people are getting to really know me as a solo artist. It’s a culmination of my life stories told through the lens of my various musical influences in rock and beyond.

6. What’s your take on Rock Radio today and do you have any favorite on-air radio moments you can share with us up to this point?

I think Rock Radio has been so crucial in keeping rock in the mainstream conversation. I’d say my favorite rock radio moments were at my local station 99.9 KISW. They were playing my stuff over the airwaves before anyone knew who I was. I’ll never forget the first time I heard my stuff over the airwaves in Seattle.

7. I’ve asked this question many times to Rock artists. There’s a definite difference between making a record and going out and playing it live in front of an audience. Many feel that the real work is making the record, and the fun part is playing it live. What’s your take on both of these processes?

I would agree with that sentiment. For me, figuring out how to make a record was definitely more of a process than my live show. There’s just more that goes into making a good record as opposed to laying all bare on the stage.

8. Speaking of playing live, while COVID-19 shut down live shows over the past year, it looks like live music is starting to return. Do you have any tour plans for this year?

Yes. It looks like we have some things on the books and as long as the healing trend continues I anticipate being back on the road very soon.

9. Who are some of the older and/or newer artists who inspire your music?

I’m inspired by artists like, Prince, Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix, Michael Jackson and Rage Against The Machine to name a few.

10. Finally, on a personal note, what do you like to do for fun and relaxation when you’re not in your “Music” mode?

Throwing a frisbee has to be my favorite pastime. In a past life, I was a world class ultimate frisbee player, so get an insane amount of joy throwing disc!