Aidan Carroll On His “Original Vision,” Homegrown Collaborations & A Musical Life In Ditmas Park

In the past several years, our area has become a hub for musicians seeking pastoral inspiration (you know, as much as New York City has to offer), a melting pot of cultural influences, lodging affordable enough to leave room for a creative existence, and camaraderie with fellow lovers of sound. One such artist is Aidan Carroll, whose debut album Original Vision is out today, and who took a  moment out to chat with us about his “blueprint,” colluding with nearby noisemakers, and a musical life in Ditmas Park.

Ditmas Park Corner: How long have you been living in Ditmas Park, and where were you before? What drew you here, and what are some of your favorite things about the neighborhood?

Aidan Carroll: I’ve lived in the Ditmas area now for about four years. Previously I lived closer to Flatbush off of Ocean Avenue, and before that Washington Heights while I attended City College of New York. I was drawn here originally because it was affordable, diverse, and I knew many other musicians already in the area. I enjoy some of the restaurants on Cortelyou, the general services in the area near Newkirk Plaza as well as places like Coffee Mob. It just made sense coming here because many of my friends lived in the area, or at least off of the Q/B train line.

You’ve been playing music since you were eight, but it wasn’t always the bass. Why did you end up gravitating towards the bass, and do you still play any other instruments today?

I ended up gravitating towards the bass out of a love for rhythm and from being a drummer first (I started on drums around eight years old). They were in the same family, and I just became more drawn to the bass as I got older. The bass encompasses and holds the potential to display all the foundational elements I love about music: rhythm, harmony, and melody. I also play the piano/keyboards, which would be my second instrument if I wasn’t a bass player. My mom also plays piano and teaches professionally. Lastly, I dabble with the guitar as well; it was always around because my dad played it.

How would you describe “Original Vision”? Was there one very central inspiration behind it, or is it an amalgamation of much more varied material?

“Original Vision” is a blueprint of how I hear, compose, and play music in one sense. It is a collection of various material, but all the tunes were written specifically for the musicians and developed in a live performance setting before recorded. I also had a blast doing post­-production on the album — in other words, adding other sounds, layers, and ideas after the full band recorded. In that way I was able to make the record even more personal by adding what I heard in key places, and being very hands-on throughout the mixing stage. The whole process was one of self-­discovery and learning, not to mention a challenge to make it all happen logistically!

You played for years with Ditmas Park’s Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds. Do you ever collaborate with other local musicians, or are there any local musicians you particularly admire?

Yes, I played with SSDB for many years and rehearsed in Ditmas countless times during that time. Some of the other local musicians I play with in the ‘hood include drummer Richie Barshay (who I went on my first ever tour with to Poland in 2008), drummer and NY native Ben Perowsky, pianist Glenn Zaleski, and old friend Sam Harris (we’ve traveled to Spain together with Logan Richardson’s group in the past). I also admire the guys at The Club Casa, who are a mini­-community of artists and creators in the neighborhood, including former Ditmas resident Sly5thAve who I work with time to time. They allowed me to do some filming at the Casa for my first music video, ­ “Sundays.”

It looks like you’ve had the opportunity to study under a lot of excellent mentors. What’s one of the most significant lessons you’ve learned?

I’ve learned so much from my various mentors. One that remains an inspiration for me is John Patitucci, who taught me about keeping a rigorous work ethic, remaining diverse on one’s instrument, and never giving up on your dreams.

You have an April 15 show scheduled in Manhattan, and it looks like you’ll be pretty busy running around before and after that date, but… any chance of a show in the neighborhood?

Yes, on April 15 I have a CD release show at Rockwood Music Hall‘s Stage 2 … my old home from when I used to practically live there while playing with Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds. No shows scheduled in Ditmas Park as of yet! I know a few venues that have actually closed their doors in the area, so I’m definitely keeping my ears peeled for any new spots in the area to perform at.

Want to keep up with the latest from Aidan? You can follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube — and if you find yourself particularly inspired, you can even learn about taking lessons with him here.