#MusicExchange: Aron Halevi

I caught up with him last week.

When are you happiest?

When I’m lost – either at the piano or in the mountains, or in New York.

What does music mean to you?

Music is my secret weapon. It’s my happy pill. It’s my hot water bottle. It’s my therapist. It’s my emergency exit.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

I love the songwriting process, and being in studio – where anything is possible. Connecting with strangers is also pretty awesome (sometimes).

Are you famous?

Being famous just means lots of people know your face. It doesn’t mean you’re a good person, or even that you’re particularly good at anything. I think fame is highly overrated. So no. I’m not. Thanks.

What drives you: ego or humility?

My ego wants to be humble, and I strive for humility. But it’s not easy to be humble and, at the same time, believe in yourself. This is something I am constantly working on.

Any funny moments on stage?

I remember an early Freshlyground gig on the beach at Mossel Bay. It was New Year’s Eve and Zolani somehow managed to get the year wrong!

Your heroes?

Ordinary people who have overcome adversity and still manage to live life with a positive attitude. And Bobby McFerrin – I love you!!!

What is your most treasured possession?

My fingers. Honestly, I don’t know what I would do without them!

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

I wish I had a really cool answer for this, but I’m probably drinking an Amarula Don Pedro. Blended, not stirred.

Dream gig to do?

Well, the thing at the very top of my bucket list is to perform with a full symphony orchestra. So wherever that happens will be my dream gig! I’d also love to perform at Kirstenbosch Gardens again someday. It’s one of the few things I miss about Freshlyground.

What makes you stand out?

Besides my baldhead, I think my ability to think out of the box – which goes hand in hand with the bald head.

Nicknames:

Arrow. Roro. Dad. Pa.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

I would be a social innovator, coming up with new, creative ways to make a positive impact in the world.

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Compulsive optimist. Obsessive percussive disorder.

Five favourite SA albums of all time:

Graceland – Paul Simon (I’m sorry, but that’s an SA album!)
Urban Zulu – Busi Mhlongo
The Hanging Gardens of Beatenberg – Beatenberg
Nomvula – Freshlyground (I know that might seem a bit biased.)
Weekend Special –  Brenda and the Big Dudes

What is your favourite word?

Meraviglioso – which means ‘wonderful’ in Italian.

Favourite fashion garment:

My Havaianas.

Give us some real proper slang and what it means:

Chutzpahdik – pushing the envelope

Your greatest achievement?

Well, personally being a dad is definitely my greatest achievement. But I suppose winning an MTV Award is one of my greatest career achievements.

What do you complain about most often?

People who complain a lot.

What is your fear?

Having regrets.

Happiness is:

When the people I love are all healthy, and we’re somewhere without Wi-Fi or cellphone reception.

On stage, I tend to:

Find one person in the crowd to connect with.

Where would you like to be right now?

I think the answer for that will always be the same. Next to a mountain pool.

Wishes and dreams?

I have so many! They would never fit here. But one of them is to leave this place in a better condition that it was when I got here.

Social media:

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