Interview with Aaron Perrino from The Sheila Divine – A Comprehensive Look
Aaron Perrino sat down for a Zoom interview just after the record release show of The Sheila Divine in Boston. The band’s tour in Belgium was fast approaching, an area that has supported them over the years due to early radio play secured by an A&R representative. Despite a slightly worn voice, Aaron’s spirits were high, finding joy in his band even after personal challenges like the end of a relationship and a job loss. The essence of the band’s songwriting, deeply influenced by the British bands he grew up watching on MTV in the ’80s, remains unchanged and shines through in their latest album, The Middle Ages, which he speaks of with enthusiasm.
Reflecting on his long history, the interviewer shares a connection with Aaron dating back to 1997 when they first met at a bagel restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, a local music venue known as the area’s CBGB. Over the years, they have shared conversations about Aaron’s musical endeavors, including the transition from The Sheila Divine to Dear Leader before his current project, Aaron and the Lord. Their familiarity and shared experiences make their interviews easy and engaging, bridging their common ground despite not growing up together.
The conversation turns to the band’s recent performances, with Aaron disclosing that their setlist for the new album leans heavily towards new songs while also weaving in older tunes from their expansive catalog, a mix of nostalgia and fresh energy that the current band lineup injects into their performances. He praises his bass player, Andy, for his dedication to learning the entire catalog and the band’s enhanced production value, attributing their new approach to the commitment and expertise of his bandmates.
In discussing the band’s evolution and the balance between fun and growth in this new chapter, Aaron emphasizes the vitality he feels in the current lineup, drawing on fan feedback and personal drive to push his music to the next level. Despite challenges in his personal and professional life, he finds solace and fulfillment in making music, especially with the band’s upcoming European tour adding excitement to their journey.
The conversation shifts to identifying standout opening tracks from The Sheila Divine’s albums over the years, highlighting songs like “Automatic Buffalo,” “Nightmare Alleys,” and “Gods of War” from different eras of the band’s discography. Aaron’s appreciation for these songs reflects his musical influences and creative choices in setting the tone for each record, including his conscious efforts to create memorable and impactful opening tracks.
Reflecting on past decisions to transition from The Sheila Divine to Dear Leader and now back to the original band name, Aaron opens up about the challenges and personal conflicts that arose from these changes. Despite friends’ disappointment and lingering tensions, he stands by his decision to prioritize his musical vision and creative output, allowing him to freely explore and perform songs from across his catalog with The Sheila Divine. The freedom to incorporate a wide range of songs into their setlist keeps the band’s performances fresh and exciting, offering a dynamic mix of old favorites and new material for fans to enjoy.