Aramis Stone

The Human Condition

By Robert Waldner

Aramis Stone is an artist of perhaps the most unconventional kind. At a young age, his love of music propelled him into a world of self teaching, where in due time, he would create a brand all his own. “I really have no official music background,” says Aramis. “Neither of my parents were musicians.” A native of Miami, Aramis’ family struggled financially throughout his childhood. 

As his mom worked hard to put food on the table for him and his sisters, there was no extra money for music lessons or any extra curricular activities. “When I first became inspired to make music, I remember drumming on buckets and using the under pans from stove burners as the cymbals,” he says. “When I was fifteen, I went to Toys R’ Us and bought a 44 key Casio. That was my first official instrument.”

The path that has led Aramis to where he is both physically and spiritually today, is one that has sculpted his introspective nature. With a Spotify playlist that is as unique as he is, Aramis directs his attention to smaller, independent artists that play a specific kind of music. “There are not a lot of happy songs on my playlist,” he says. “I’m really into the Math Rock genre.” Featuring odd time signatures and irregular beats and rhythms, Math Rock is a complex, lesser known derivative of the broader rock scene. Just as distinct as the music Aramis listens to, so is the music he writes and the way he plays it. “My piano style is classical,” he says. “I am really inspired by the Russian pianist, Sergei Rachmaninoff.” Though a popular style, Aramis’ self teaching of classical piano was anything but conventional. “I learned through experimentation,” he says. “I started stringing chords together using the white keys. I use the black keys now, but avoided them while learning.” In addition to piano, Aramis is also well versed on the guitar. “My guitar style basically follows the Math Rock genre, a cross between jazz and emo,” he says. Adding to the charm of his unorthodox artistry, Aramis continues, “People also find it unique that I do not use my pinky fingers when I play either instrument.”

During his past five years in St. Augustine, Aramis has focused intently on building around his natural artistic talent. However, he has done so in a more personal way. A creator of many facets, you can find proof of his visual artistry on his forearm, a handpoked tattoo that is filled with references to his personal life. Performancewise, you won’t see Aramis on the schedule at many of the local music venues. “I played a lot of gigs when I lived in South Florida,” he says. “You could see me playing quite often in my old stomping grounds of West Palm Beach at piano bars and other venues.” Today, Aramis directs much of his attention towards making a living and taking a more individual path with his music. “I am a transporter for Craig Funeral Home,” he says. “My work schedule is not really conducive to being able to schedule gigs as I spend most of my time on call. Nature can take its course any hour, day or night, and I need to be there when it does.” Aramis’ calm, almost meditative nature is centered around his love for humanity and his understanding of the daily struggles that many people face. “The thing I love most about my line of work is being called upon to be a pillar for families during their most difficult times,” he says. “I get to be part of an integral support system.” 

Aramis’ compassion and understanding of the human condition can be credited to his own experiences with adversity and the support he received as a child. “I grew up below the poverty line, but my mom gave everything she could to raise us to be good people,” he says. “Even now, she is my biggest supporter.” That same benevolence, paired with his self awareness and artistic comprehension also fuels the originality of Aramis’ music. “There was a time when I thought I wanted popularity. Now I just want to send into the world what is authentically me,” he says. While Aramis plays occasionally at different local art galleries, you’re more likely to find him at one of his favorite hangouts, such as Green Turtle Kava, where he has been known at times to play a tune for passersby who are eager for a melody.

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