Aaron Nathans is a Philadelphia-based alternative folk music singer, songwriter and recording artist with a distinct sound, due in large part to a combination of rhythmic acoustic guitar, wide-ranging baritone vocals and beautiful melodies that you won’t soon forget. When pairing that with talented songwriting that touches on everyday life and easily connects with audiences, you’ll see why Aaron is someone you won’t want to miss.

Aaron, a 2024 Kerrville New Folk finalist, has a unique brand of storytelling. He writes about things no one else has written about before—like a song about male bonding between a guy and his barber. Or the onslaught of the outside world upon a new parent. Surely somebody's written that song, right? Ok, find it.

Aaron describes his songs as, “wild-mind, bittersweet acoustic music.” This doesn’t mean somber. It means you’re in for a treat whether you’re watching Aaron at a live show or tuning in to his extensive Spotify and YouTube playlists. He creates an unforgettable listening experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seat.

If you’re lucky enough to catch Aaron performing during one of his many live shows throughout the U.S., you’ll notice he unabashedly opens up to his audience, sharing stories that will keep you every bit as captivated as the music itself.

Aaron is a prolific presence in the Philadelphia folk music scene, with both solo and collaborative performances and recordings. He runs both the Philly Songwriters In-the-Round Series and the Philly Songwriters Circle critique group with Avi Wisnia and Meghan Cary.

Aaron also performs and records as one-half of the guitar-cello duo Aaron Nathans & Michael G. Ronstadt. His shows with Michael are high-energy events, full of musical combustion as Aaron plays off Michael's brilliant cello work, as well as Michael's own wildly creative songs.

Their latest album is "Hello World," which was the 7th most played album on folk radio in March 2023. Their single, "Rebuild," was the 3rd most played song on folk radio in December 2022. Their album, “Hang On for the Ride,” includes Aaron’s tribute to Jackie Robinson and the power of nonviolence, “The Strength to Not Fight Back.” John Platt of WFUV radio in New York City said, “You need to hear this song!’

Ian Zolitor, host of The Folk Show on WXPN (Philadelphia), said: “What a treat… This album, Hang On for the Ride, is really fantastic, a great collection of songs that’s really all over the map in a lot of ways. There’s serious songs, there’s political songs, there’s funny songs, choice cover songs… Wonderful album.”

Michael Tearson of SingOut! magazine wrote of their previous album, Crooked Fiddle, “Throughout the songs are stirring and they leave you thinking. A thoroughly satisfying and stimulating effort."

Jill Knapp of the comedy duo Hot Breakfast! raved, “Said it before, but it bears repeating: Aaron Nathans & Michael Ronstadt’s Crooked Fiddle is PERFECT. Songwriting, playing, singing: Just, wow.” And CityPaper of Philadelphia called Nathans & Ronstadt one of the Best Bets for the Philadelphia Folk Festival in 2015.

Aaron has opened for Lucy Kaplansky, Tracy Grammer, Vance Gilbert and other folk luminaries. He has written with Craig Bickhardt, Phil Henry and, of course, Michael Ronstadt.

Aaron was born in the mill town of Paterson, New Jersey, and grew up in Bexley, Ohio.