One on One with Aryeh Kunstler

 

With two solo albums and several singles to his credit, guitarist, singer and songwriter Aryeh Kunstler is known to be one of the nicest guys in the Jewish music business.  Join us for a quick convo as we get Aryeh to share his thoughts on music, munchies and more.

Jewish Music Report:  At what point in your life did you decide that you were going to become part of the Jewish music business?

Aryeh Kunstler:  I don’t think it was so much of a decision. It kind of just happened. B”H my first album got me a nice following that encouraged me to continue to make original music. At the same time I started playing weddings and doing recording and both of them just pushed me into the Jewish music business.

 

JMR:  What CDs are in the sound system in your car right now?

AK:  Right now the main albums I’ve been listening to are Yonatan Razel and Yosaif Krohn. Razel is just so different, it blows me away every time I listen to it. And Yosaif Krohn, aside from being a close friend is a genius songwriter and lyricist. So I always try to pick up and borrow musical ideas from both of them.

 

JMR:  What is the craziest experience you have ever had in the music business?

AK:  Well I just has NBA superstar Amar’e Stoudemaire in my studio to record some Voice Over work. That was pretty crazy!

 

JMR:  What is your favorite breakfast cereal?

AK:  Cinnamon toast crunch. I can eat it 3-4 meals a day.

 

JMR:  What person has had the most influence in your life?

AK:  By far my father. Pretty much anything I do musically started from him. Aside from being a great songwriter and performer, he’s just the best person I know.

 

JMR:  What would your dream duet be?

AK:  Avraham Rosenblum of Diaspora, the founder of Jewish rock.

 

JMR:  What do you have in your pocket right now?

AK:  Wallet and car keys?

 

JMR:  What did you want to be when you grew up?

AK:  Hockey Player for the New Jersey devils.

 

JMR:  If you could be any kind of fruit or vegetable, what would you be and why?

AK:  Watermelon. Because its yummy.

 

JMR:  What is your all time favorite song/album?

AK:  Generations by Blue Fringe from their album 70 Faces.

 

JMR:  What is the ringer on your cell phone?

Typical iPhone ringer.

 

JMR:  If you were stranded on an island and could only have two things with you, what would they be?

AK:  My wife and son?  Or a gemarah (shtark!) and a guitar.

 

JMR:   Tell us an interesting fact or tidbit about yourself that isn’t public knowledge.

AK:  I desperately need voice lessons.