Aryeh Kunstler has been in the Jewish music industry for over two decades. Although he is part of a musical family, Kunstler was not initially interested in music. At around 10 years old, he began playing the guitar, which has since evolved into his successful career as a guitarist and singer. In addition to performing at weddings and concerts, Kunstler writes and produces his own music. The Jewish Link recently had the opportunity to sit down with the singer/songwriter/musician.

Tell me about your background and childhood. Did you always take an interest in music?

I grew up in a very musical home. My father, Avi Kunstler, was a singer and songwriter. My brother, Dani, was in the Miami Boys Choir. My earliest memories were going to a recording studio with my father. There was always singing and music around the house. However, as a young child, I was not initially very interested in music.

I started playing guitar when I was 10 years old but quit playing because I was more interested in playing hockey. When I was 13, I picked up playing again when my friend got a drum set and we played the same two chords over and over again for four hours. It was then that I realized I wanted to keep playing guitar. I took lessons from a variety of teachers over the years as well as a lot of self teaching.

I started focusing on singing when I began working on my albums. In recent years, I have been working with teachers, but singing came to me more naturally.

Do you write your own music? What’s your composition process like? What inspires you to create?

Yes, I do write my own music. Every song is different. Sometimes it starts with a piece on the guitar that will spark an interest or feeling that leads me to search for lyrics that I come up with or that come from davening, Tehillim or Rabbi Nachman. Sometimes I find lyrics first that inspire me to find the right tune for those words.

Feelings inspire me to create. There is nothing more powerful than the feelings that are inside a person. If something from davening inspires me or makes me feel something, I will use those words.

Who are some of your musical influences, both within and outside the Jewish music world?

In Jewish music, my main influences growing up were Blue Fringe, Moshav Band and Soul Farm. Those bands helped shape me. The Diaspora Yeshiva Band also had a tremendous influence on me as well as my father and his unique style of music. In the secular world, John Mayer is my rebbe.

Are there any specific themes or messages that you consistently explore in your music?

These days I am very much about inner child work, healing and gratitude. Real expressions and being self-aware, which is a big part of today’s world. We often hide behind our phones and distract ourselves, but taking the time to really feel things can make a huge impact in our lives.

What has been your most meaningful or significant performance?

The most memorable performance recently was the InKredible Kids Concert last February in the United Palace theater in New York along with Joey Newcomb, Lipa Schmeltzer and Yaakov Shwekey. It was my first time playing in a theater as a main act in front of 3,000 people. The concert itself, the ability of InKredible Kids to inspire the future of Jewish youth and Jewish people, as well as being able to connect with the audience and being on the stage fulfilling dreams and connecting in that way, was extremely memorable and life-changing.

What has surprised you the most about being a singer?

The thing that surprised me most, especially since I was a guitar player for many years mainly, and now that I am singing more consistently, is the required maintenance and discipline. As a singer, you need to make sure you go to sleep on time, drink enough water and tea and do your vocal warm-ups. The necessary pieces of being a successful vocalist are very underrated.

What was your inspiration for your debut album, “From the Depths,” released in 2007?

“From the Depths” was a very long time ago! However, timing is really important in making music. The album was inspired from my connection to the Land of Israel and to Judaism in a different way than I ever had before. My three years studying in Israel really inspired this album. I started the kumzitz by the Kotel on Thursday nights and a lot of the songs took shape at this kumzitz, performing them live there.

Are you working on any new singles or albums?

I just released two of the three singles of my album. I released “Mi Ani” a couple of months ago and in the last month, I released “Open Heart” and “Just a Child.” God willing, on Lag B’Omer, I will be releasing the “Open Heart” album, which includes lyrics in both English and Hebrew. It is my favorite work I have done so far. I am very inspired by these songs and I think people will be as well.

Do you have any upcoming concerts?

There is nothing specific lined up at the moment, but there are some things in the works that haven’t been announced yet, so stay tuned!

Since this article is part of the Pesach Chol Hamoed Activity Guide, what is your favorite Chol Hamoeod activity?

My favorite Chol Hamoed activity is the zoo. I love zoos. There is always a good vibe at the zoo. You go around seeing all the animals hanging out with the kids. Another good Chol Hamoed activity is going to Dave & Buster’s. Honestly, any activity is great that involves just spending time with your family and finding things that are enjoyable for the family.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in music?

Remember why you started playing music to begin with. It is not about the money or the career. There is no direct path to being a successful musician, unlike being a doctor, lawyer or dentist that have direct career paths. One goes into music for a general love for making music. When one removes the pressure of it being a career and can just tap into it and enjoy it as much as possible, they will find success. Then the music won’t be about making it but rather about being grateful for doing it.