Meet Eric Aukstikalnis (Aukoustics) | Music Producer, Songwriter, DJ

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eric Aukstikalnis (Aukoustics) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric, why did you pursue a creative career?
A creative career is always tough especially where I come from in Worcester, MA, it definitely is not the normal thing to do. Most of us have creative passions or artistic endeavors and it’s hard to step out of your comfort zone to go after your truest goals. But from a very young age, my dad always told me to follow my dreams, no matter how crazy they seemed. We were huge fans of Tom Brady and Tiger Woods and he always took me to go see them at a young age and assure me that I could be my own version of that. I chose to pursue a career in music because I loved it, and it was my dream. I was passionate about my craft and creating something that I could add to the world. And also because I would rather be broke sleeping on the floor doing what I love, than be sleeping in a penthouse doing something that I hate everyday.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My stage name is Aukoustics. It is a play on the first three letters of my last name, and also a tribute to how I start every song I make acoustically. I am a DJ, producer, songwriter, and artist. I’ve had the honor of working with artists across all genres including Dolly Parton, Galantis, Steve Aoki, Cheat Codes, 24k Goldn, NLE Choppa, and a bunch more. I like to think of myself as a real producer when I make music. I will start the song from scratch and develop it all the way to the end,

My journey to where I am now has been a wild ride. When I moved to LA in 2018, I slept on my manager Ernest’s couch for almost two years. There were definitely a lot of humbling moments. But it was in those moments where it drove me even more to focus on my craft and work harder than everybody else. Looking back on it, those were the moments where it was really all about the music and just creating the best songs I could create. I learned that you don’t need much to be happy. Life became simple. And I’m grateful I got to experience that.

I want the world to know that my story was about working hard and just enjoying the process. Sometimes in the moments where I should have felt the lowest, I felt the highest. Strictly because it was just me and my art. Nothing else mattered. It wasn’t about having a nice car, or the gorgeous panoramic balcony view, it was just about the art.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
After living in LA for a couple years and moving to ATL during the pandemic, I’ve gotten to experience quite a few spots. For me, I would definitely take someone to see the belt line and all of the culture there is to offer in Midtown. I’m personally a big fan of vegan food so a trip to Slutty Vegan is NECESSARY along with the vegan General Tso’s at Ruby Chow’s. Along with a nice dinner overlooking the city at one of the rooftop bars like New Realm or Drawbar.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give my shoutout to my dad. When I was young, my dad always told me to follow my dreams in my life, no matter what it was. He urged me to pursue music, move to LA, and taught me all of the essential mental toughness that I needed along the way to become successful in this industry. So I owe all of this to him.

Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3o8z3AHOZOxmmb2IKqRxiT?si=wdff5hW_TGSByDj-iIftfA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aukoustics/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Aukoustics/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCe74LHk80z19vy3kmuYwvYg

Image Credits
Antonio Marrone (belt line picture) Ventige Company