A Quick Chat With Aaron Gillespie About His New Solo Release, Out of The Badlands

Post Author: Meredith Schneider

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance that you’ve already had the pleasure of seeing Aaron Gillespie in action. He is the frontman for The Almost, is currently drumming on tour with Paramore, and – perhaps his biggest claim to fame – he is the co-founder and drummer for Underoath.

Yup.

But now Aaron is taking his talents into a different sound space. He is now flying solo with a new project, an album he just released called Out of The Badlands. The record itself was recorded in his home studio while he was going through a rough time of loss. It’s emotionally driven and raw, made up of re-worked songs from The Almost and Underoath, as well as thee original tracks and two cover songs. He put an insane amount of energy into it, especially considering his current workload, and we couldn’t be happier to see it come to fruition.

In honor of Out of The Badlands‘ official release, we caught a few moments with Aaron to throw some quick questions his way. Check it out.

By now, we’re all very familiar with your work. But if you could introduce yourself in any way, how would you do it? (Consider this your grand entrance.)

Hello, my name is Aaron, is that grand enough? Hahah

When did you decide to pursue music?

I guess I never made conscience decision, since I was a child I knew it was what I wanted, honestly not even wanted just what I was supposed to do.

How did the album come about? What was its ultimate inspiration? 

It was just a healing movement for me, I had just gone through a divorce and it was very very therapeutic. 

What is something that you believe people should know about you?

I dunno I’m a pretty open book. I love cooking, that’s cool I guess. I try, and really strive to be honest in all my music so I fee that I put it all out there.

What’s it like touring with Paramore in comparison to Underoath? 

It’s similar actually, people I’ve known forever just having a killer time.

Any fun stories from touring recently?

That’s one of those questions that’s impossible to answer every day is something different.

Do you have any interesting pre-show rituals?

Obsessive urination, I’m in bands that play for a looooooong time. So the importance of pee is huge.

What’s up next for you?

Tour tour tour. 

Out of The Badlands is available now