Local artist profile: Aaron Pearce

THIS week we caught up with Aaron Pearce, lead singer and guitarist from young Bendigo heavy rock/metal band Lost In The Past, who went to see KISS with his dad in 2022… and the rest is history!

What motivated you to take up singing and guitar?

I remember getting a guitar for Christmas in 2021 and for the next year I didn’t pick it up once. I felt so terrible. Then, my dad took me to see KISS during their “End Of The Road Tour” (in 2022).

After seeing Paul Stanley fly across the stadium on the zip line with his guitar, I turned to Dad and said “That’s what I want to do”.

I got home that night and learnt all the KISS songs I could, and haven’t put my guitar down since.

Singing started off from me being a part of a school musical. I ended up taking some lessons, but the big thing that started everything was that KISS concert.

How would you describe your style?

For my voice, it’s been heavily influenced by the music I listen to, from the likes of Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), James Hetfield (Metallica) and Ozzy Osbourne, whilst also working on making it unique to me.

With my guitar playing, I’ve been heavily influenced by fast, heavy metal genres but also by other bands like AC/DC, Motley Crüe etc.

Which other musicians inspire you?

My biggest guitar influences would undoubtedly be Randy Rhoads (Quiet Riot/Ozzy Osbourne), Synyster Gates and James Hetfield.

Randy Rhoads, purely because of his influence over so much of the earlier stages of heavy metal and his technical ability.

Synyster Gates, the lead guitarist of Avenged Sevenfold – his solos are unlike any that I’ve heard from anyone else.

James Hetfield (is) someone many would consider the greatest rhythm guitar player of all time.

Bruce Dickinson is probably one of, if not my favourite singer. His voice is so unique and his way of telling stories through music is something that I’ve always admired.

What are some highlights you have from your time so far?

Honestly, just playing up on stage with the other boys from Lost In The Past.

Being asked to play at Rock the Vine #4 was a really big highlight too – it’s always awesome to play and share our music with people.

The release of our debut single That’s That is also undoubtedly my biggest achievement so far, and now with our next single Seat by the Fire, that’s also a huge highlight.

How can people check out your work online?

I have a personal music Instagram account,

@aaronpearce_music

Where do you see yourself in a couple of years? What about in 10 years?

I’d like to think that in a couple of years there’s at least one or two albums out. We’re potentially on tour, maybe even starting to really break our way into the music scene, having some success.

I think it would be really cool to see our fans break the 1000 follower mark on Instagram.

In 10 years though, I think it’s too early to tell.

What would you say to young regional aspiring musicians who are thinking of making a go of it?

Just start, whether you’re by yourself or you have people around you. The only person that’s going to stop you from achieving is you. Get out there, go to that open mic, ask that friend to start a band, start teaching yourself how to play, start writing.