Biography
Aaron Lee Tasjan, born August 24, 1986 in Wilmington, Delaware, is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer known for his genre-defying approach to Americana, alt-country, and indie rock. Raised in a musical family, Tasjan taught himself guitar at age 11 by learning Oasis songs and quickly became a sought-after guitarist, performing with Peter Yarrow by age 16 and earning the Outstanding Guitarist Award at Jazz at Lincoln Center. After high school, he declined a Berklee College of Music scholarship to move to Brooklyn, where he formed the glam rock band Semi Precious Weapons, later collaborating with the New York Dolls and founding The Madison Square Gardeners.
Tasjan relocated to Nashville in 2013 to focus on songwriting and his solo career, releasing a string of critically acclaimed albums including 'In the Blazes' (2015), 'Silver Tears' (2016), 'Karma for Cheap' (2018), and 'Stellar Evolution' (2023). His music is celebrated for its sharp lyrical wit, sonic adventurousness, and openness about his queer identity, blending influences from classic Americana to glam rock and synth-pop. Tasjan’s songwriting has earned him a Grammy nomination for his work on Yola’s 'Diamond Studded Shoes' and a reputation as one of Nashville’s most innovative and inclusive voices.
A restless musical shapeshifter, Tasjan is known for his ability to reinvent his sound with each project, drawing on a wide range of influences and collaborators. His legacy is marked by both his genre versatility and his advocacy for LGBTQ representation in Americana music, as well as his role as a mentor and producer for emerging artists.
Fun Facts
- Tasjan taught himself guitar at age 11 by learning Oasis songs.
- He turned down a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music to move to Brooklyn and pursue a career in rock.
- He was the recipient of the Outstanding Guitarist Award at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Essentially Ellington Competition as a teenager.
- Tasjan is openly queer and has become an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ representation in Americana music.
Associated Acts
- Drivin’ n’ Cryin’ (1986–present)
- The Madison Square Gardeners - original
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Kevn Kinney - Mentored Tasjan after discovering his work with Semi Precious Weapons, advising him not to be defined by one genre. (Touring and live performances) [Late 2000s]
Key Collaborators
- Justin Tranter, Cole Whittle, Dan Crean - Bandmates in Semi Precious Weapons, co-writing and performing together. (Semi Precious Weapons – 'We Love You' (2008)) [2006–2008]
- New York Dolls - Served as guitarist for the influential glam rock band. (Live performances, touring) [Late 2000s]
- Yola - Co-writer on Grammy-nominated song 'Diamond Studded Shoes'. ('Diamond Studded Shoes' (2021)) [2021]
- Mya Byrne - Produced Byrne's album, helping establish her as a pioneering trans artist in Americana. ('Rhinestone Tomboy' (2022)) [2022]
- Natalie Hemby - Songwriting collaborations in Nashville. (Various co-writing sessions) [2010s–2020s]
Artists Influenced
- Mya Byrne - Tasjan's production and advocacy helped Byrne become one of the first openly trans artists in Americana. ('Rhinestone Tomboy' (2022)) [2022]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Tears | 2016-10-28 | Album |
| Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan! | 2021-02-05 | Album |
| In the Blazes | 2015-10-06 | Album |
| Karma For Cheap | 2018-08-31 | Album |
| Stellar Evolution | 2024-04-12 | Album |
| Stellar Evolution | 2024-04-12 | Album |
| Karma For Cheap: Reincarnated | 2019-08-30 | Album |
| Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan! | 2021-02-05 | Album |
| Karma For Cheap: Reincarnated | 2019-08-30 | Album |
| Karma For Cheap | 2018-08-31 | Album |
| Karma For Cheap | 2018-08-31 | Album |
| Karma For Cheap | 2018-08-31 | Album |
| Silver Tears | 2016-10-28 | Album |
| Silver Tears | 2016-10-28 | Album |
| In the Blazes | 2015-10-06 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Little Movies (Silver Tears)
- Hard Life (Silver Tears)
- Till The Town Goes Dark (Silver Tears)
- 12 Bar Blues (Silver Tears)
- Memphis Rain (Silver Tears)
- The Trouble With Drinkin' (In the Blazes)
- Up All Night (Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan!)
- Heart Slows Down (Karma For Cheap)
- Don't Overthink It (Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan!)
- Another Lonely Day (Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan!)
External Links
Tags: #americana, #folk, #folk-rock
References
Heard on WWOZ
Aaron Lee Tasjan has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 26, 2025 | 15:52 | I Love America Better Than Youfrom Stellar Evolution | Homespun Americanaw/ Ol Man River | |
| Sep 14, 2025 | 15:48 | I Love America Better Than Youfrom Stellar Evolution | Homespun Americanaw/ Ol Man River |