A negative influence provided the necessary inspiration for a former Williamsport native to create commercial music.
Aaron Oliver Lee, now of Federal Way, Washington state, began playing piano at the age of four. When he had a music theory class at Loyalsock Township High School with a teacher he felt did not care about teaching, it made him want to learn to play music the correct way.
"It wasn't important to me as it became when I first got to high school," Lee said. "It was always something I did."
Article Photos
PHOTO PROVIDED
Aaron Oliver Lee released his album, “Sweet Dreams...”, cover pictured here, in 2009 and says Williamsport Area High School teacher Kent Weaver was one of his inspirations in pursuing a music career.
Lee's debut CD called "Sweet Dreams..." came out in 2009. He released the 20-song compilation on iTunes, YouTube and Amazon.
Renault Z.E. licensed one of the songs from the album for an automobile commercial in France and throughout Europe in their new ad campaign for 100 percent electric cars with zero percent emissions. The commercial is available on the website and YouTube under "Renault Z.E. brand new TV advertising campaign - The electric life."
When Lee first received the commercial with his music, he was surprised.
"I remember watching it and being so amazed," he said. "I'm not used to good thing happening in my life. It was a huge turnaround and a huge shock."
Lee began composing for his first CD in 2005, the year he graduated from Williamsport Area High School, where he later transferred. It took four years to finish because of the jobs he had to work in addition to writing the music.
Now with more time available to him, he is halfway finished his next album, which he only began working on a few weeks ago. He devotes time daily to improve his works.
"I try to edit some songs I've been recording (every day)," Lee said. "I get some piano time in. I play at least a couple times a day to stay in the groove."
One of Lee's goals is to write music for a movie soundtrack. One of his favorite soundtracks is from The Piano from 1993.
"That is one of the biggest, most inspiring movies that I've seen," he said. "I learned how to play it before I saw the film."
Lee has no explanation for his move to Washington, other than feeling a draw to the area.
"The only place that gave me a sense of calm was Washington," he said. "I just moved out here. It's gorgeous, absolutely beautiful. It feels like home."
While Williamsport has a large music scene, it did not feel right for Lee like Washington did.
"Williamsport never felt like home even though I've been there all of my life," he said. "It's not the proper city for me to be in. There are certain places that you want to be for music or acting and Seattle is a huge music scene. I didn't find out till after I moved though."
Another inspiration for Lee was his music theory teacher when he transferred to Williamsport Area High School, Kent Weaver.
"He was one of the best teachers I ever had in my life," he said. "He was one of the biggest influences for me. He's a fantastic music teacher. I hope his (students) realize that."
To hear or purchase Lee's music, visit www.myspace.com/lightandlee, www.promofm.com and search him by name or www.facebook.com/pages/Aaron-Oliver-Lee/235730473105969. The Renault Z.E. commercial can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=13l6UsQAe5M.
