Aaron McDonnell - Texas Alt-Country Star with a Timeless Sound | Instagram LIVE | Rugged Revival
Aaron McDonnell is one of Texas’ most exciting alt-country artists. With multiple Top 40 hits, over 1,000 live shows, and his acclaimed LP "Too Many Days Like Saturday Night", Aaron has carved out a reputation for blending classic country roots with moody, timeless influences reminiscent of Dwight Yoakam and Chris Isaak.
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Oregon
Singer and guitarist Aaron McDonnell was born and raised in Oregon's rural Willamette Valley. He bought his first guitar, a knock-off Telecaster, when he was 15 years old and proceeded to learn everything from Garth Brooks to Nirvana, however, it was the sound of the older generation that captured his imagination as a songwriter. George Jones, Johnny Cash, and Conway Twitty songs drifted from the radios and turntables of his grandmothers' kitchens and living rooms. This heritage is alive and well in McDonnell's earnest and heartfelt songs, and strong, clear baritone.
Aaron formed the Pop Country band, Gin Betty! shortly after moving to Seattle in 2004 recording two albums and quickly found himself with the following playing top local venues. Personal turmoil within the band lead to its unraveling and the formation of The Grandtours in 2009 (named after the classic George Jones tune "The Grand Tour"). This band explored darker territories lyrically and more complex sonic arrangements all the while staying rooted in a Country Music format and flavor. Again, a local following was formed and two records were recorded, unfortunately, they dissolved due to conflicts within the band in 2011. Undoubtedly the best thing to come out of The Grandtours was the fact that Aaron met his wife-to-be, Dani Michalak who sang back-up in the group. After taking some time off from playing music publicly, Aaron moved towards a solo project named Aaron McDonnell & The Gospel Plow which released an EP in January of 2013. The project was met with positive fee…Read More
