In Episode 53 of Post-punk Heartstrings, we sit down with legendary drummer Aaron “A-Train” Smith, whose career spans alternative rock, new wave, and influential Christian music scenes from the 1980s onward.
Aaron shares stories from his time with The 77s, his work in the post-punk/new wave world with Romeo Void, andrecording sessions with artists like Rich Mullins, Charlie Peacock, Chris Taylor and Ojo Taylor. Along the way we talk about musical influences, Nashville sessions, and the unique intersection of alternative music and faith-based communities.
Aaron also reflects on his early musical upbringing, learning drums as a kid, and the winding path that led him fromNorth Carolina to Sacramento and eventually Nashville.
If you enjoy deep dives into alternative music history and behind-the-scenes musician stories, this is an episode youwon’t want to miss.
Episode Highlights
• Aaron’s early musical influences and learning drums in North Carolina
• Joining The 77s and the band’s creative peak in the late 80s and early 90s
• The famous drum solo in the live version of Mercy Mercy
• Playing with Vector, Romeo Void and The 77’s during the new wave era
• Recording and touring with Rich Mullins and the Ragamuffin Band
• Nashville session work with Charlie Peacock and Margaret Becker
• Recording stories and studio memories with Steve Scott
• Working on projects including recordings with Chris Taylor and more recently Ojo Taylor’s BEHOLD album
Songs Featured in This Episode
• Caught in an Unguarded Moment –The 77s
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2S6tJwZf8kzP0bQm7m4VqW
• Desperately – Vector
https://open.spotify.com/search/vector%20desperately
• Higher Ground – Chris Taylor
https://open.spotify.com/search/chris%20taylor%20higher%20ground
Artists & Projects Discussed
The 77s
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2S6tJwZf8kzP0bQm7m4VqW
Romeo Void
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3IbXhW2hYhI8M2YF3yJf9Y
Rich Mullins
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6zZySmcFZ2zvR3yQY7dF9V
Charlie Peacock
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3y2YhKkK8QbP8S9Pq7Z3t3
Margaret Becker
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6qF2iV7R7E4kP9hGQeW0k0
Steve Scott
https://open.spotify.com/search/steve%20scott%20music
Post-punk Heartstrings explores artists who lead with emotion, commitment, and originality—followingthe deeper threads that connect sound, memory, and meaning.
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Instagram https://www.instagram.com/postpunkheartstrings/.
🎵 Songs & Artists Featuredin This Episode
• A Girl in Trouble (Is a TemporaryThing) — Romeo Void
https://open.spotify.com/search/A%20Girl%20in%20Trouble%20Romeo%20Void
• Caught in an Unguarded Moment —The 77’s
https://open.spotify.com/search/Caught%20in%20an%20Unguarded%20Moment%2077s
• Higher Ground — Chris Taylor
https://open.spotify.com/search/Higher%20Ground%20Chris%20Taylor
• The Altars — Ojo Taylor
https://open.spotify.com/search/The%20Altars%20Ojo%20Taylor
• Mercy Mercy (Live) — The 77’s
https://open.spotify.com/search/Mercy%20Mercy%20Live%2077s
• Minor Characters — Steve Scott
https://youtu.be/zty_menBhBc?si=65FbRRslKjIgSvRl
• Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone — TheTemptations
https://open.spotify.com/search/Papa%20Was%20a%20Rollin%20Stone%20Temptations
• Sunshine — Ray Charles
https://open.spotify.com/search/Sunshine%20Ray%20Charles
• Desperately — Vector
https://youtu.be/F1oT8W5tY_I?si=oWi57SUjYj0WswQ2
• What Is the Mystery — SteveScott
https://youtu.be/elC06ATHkro?si=aUE3I2_HcjcyqAEC
