A Chat with Aaron Fross (14.04.25)
Welcome back to the world of Aaron Fross – where every note tells a story and every silence is intentional. Known for her cinematic compositions, spiritual depth, and contributions to both folk and contemporary music scenes, Aaron Fross has spent the last few years nurturing other musical projects, including the neo-folk duo Yorige. Now, with her latest single ‘Cherry Blossom’, she revisits her roots as a solo artist, offering listeners a minimalist yet emotionally rich experience that speaks to impermanence, beauty, and transformation.
OSR: Welcome back, Aaron! After a four-year hiatus, what inspired you to return with ‘Cherry Blossom’?
Fross: Hello there! A pleasure to chat with you guys. Well, in the last four years, I have released two albums with my neo-folk duo Yorige, after fulfilling my folk/new age music cravings, I have decided to come back to the piano and contemporary music. ‘Cherry Blossom’ was in the making for almost eight years, but I have finally found the time and the motivation to release it.
OSR: The track has a very minimalist feel. What was your process like in creating such a delicate, stripped-back arrangement?
Fross: It was a very long process actually… sometimes you have to put a huge orchestral arrangement to realise that the melody is the most beautiful naked. And because it is a very poetically delicate song, it felt right to have it like this – stripped back, intimate, naked and soft enough to get to the quiet place of the individual soul.
OSR: ‘Cherry Blossom’ touches on the theme of impermanence. Why do you think this theme resonates so deeply with you?
Fross: I always found the depth of the feeling of loss so beautiful. Just how impactful it is, so potent – the intensity of the emotion. And just imagine how powerful such energy can be when used positively. I think that is part of the creative artistic alchemy and every artist’s responsibility. It might be a sad song, but I do consider it to be a mantra of gratitude for the beauty of time and change in everything that is.
OSR: Your Lithuanian heritage plays a significant role in your music. How does your background influence your sound and songwriting?
Fross: I think it mostly influenced my singing style and technique, my preference for harmony and my absolute obsession with singing. It has also impacted my spiritual development from a young age, which led me to understand the art of music in a deeper way.
OSR: How does your experience as a solo artist compare to working with bands like Kulgrinda and Double Aces?
Fross: I love being in a band, I really miss singing in a group. To dissolve playfully in a cosy and safe space of music with people you love is one of the best meditation and healing practices I have experienced. I also miss the shared responsibility and companionship in the business side of music. But, being solo has made me feel closer to myself, and I believe that creating solo is the only way I can express my true and authentic essence completely.
OSR: The cherry blossom is a powerful metaphor in the song. What drew you to this specific symbol when exploring the idea of beauty and loss?
Fross: I love flowers, I always did since I was a small child. I would pick the flowers in my grandmother’s garden that she grew so carefully and take them to her. And she would be so upset, and I couldn’t understand why – I brought her some beautiful flowers! And she would reply sadly, “Just let them grow”. I still stop and smell the blossoms everywhere I go; the smell makes me happy. One of the most beautiful things in nature is the fall of the cherry blossoms. I always stop and immerse myself in the slow moment of them falling. It is the most beautiful time of the ‘Cherry Blossom’ – the metaphorical snow of spring and a slow goodbye to its flowering season, a sacrifice for the coming summer and its fruits. When the song came to me, I felt the same bittersweet feeling, I didn’t even have to think about it, I knew this was the ‘Cherry Blossom’ melody.
OSR: What role did your experiences performing with the Lord of the Rings orchestra play in shaping the cinematic quality of the song?
Fross: Musically, not so much. The song was already composed and recorded when I started touring with the orchestra. I think I aligned so well with the job because I was already enjoying the cinematic aspect of music. But what it did give me was the inspiration and motivation to finally release it. The experience also pushed me to pursue the true and authentic expression of my essence, hence reigniting my solo career. And if the orchestra experience will impact my future project, I have no doubt, so far it has taught me that music is limitless.
OSR: Can you tell us more about the production process of ‘Cherry Blossom’ and your collaboration with Nix Bakx?
Fross: Oh goodness, this was a long process. Nix Bakx is an absolute legend and deserves a Nobel prize for their patience. We have been recording music together for almost 10 years now, but ‘Cherry Blossom’ is probably the project we have worked on the most as a single song. There must have been like 15 versions of it. Some with orchestral arrangements, with multiple parts, there is a version of it that is six minutes long that I am actually still planning on releasing someday. Overall, it almost felt like raising a child. We put so much time and patience into this song. I am extremely grateful for Nix’s help with completing ‘Cherry Blossom’ and delivering it to the world.
OSR: How do you approach vulnerability in your music, and do you think it’s becoming easier or harder to express yourself as your career evolves?
Fross: It goes in waves. The evolution of every artist’s craft and our honesty with it grows and expands through challenges. And sometimes we get stuck on one. I was creatively blocked for a long time after the first few years in London. With all the challenges that came from being vulnerable in life, it was almost impossible to be vulnerable in art and allow myself to create. With every success of overcoming obstacles, it becomes easier to reach that playful space of creativity. And I have been learning that true creative power comes from riding the waves instead of trying to avoid it. Being happily naked and vulnerable in the spotlight is an absolute superpower.
OSR: Now that ‘Cherry Blossom’ is out, what’s next for you? Are you planning to release more music soon?
Fross: Yes! Absolutely, I know I am very busy touring Europe right now, but inspiration is the biggest souvenir that I am bringing home. Also fun fact, for some eason the place I get the best melody ideas is when I am flying on the plane, so I will be delivering some music from up above.
Many thanks to Aaron Fross for speaking with us. Check her out via her Instagram and Spotify.
