BIOGRAPHY
Haviland. An idea. A place. A beginning. Something in between.
Haviland was founded by close friends Aaron Espe and Michael Ayars. In the fall of 2010, both were wanting a fresh way to cultivate their respective musical pursuits: Espe, a singersongwriter; Ayars, a guitarist and vocalist in the former Rock-Pop band, Meese. Their shared desire led them to try collaborating, the result of which is a growing collection of songs which illustrates the merging of each one’s strengths.
“I’ve always wanted to work with Aaron. His songs are unbelievably clever, both lyrically and melodically. He does things I would never think of. And he knows his way around the guitar too. Seven years ago, when I first heard him, I was blown away and I thought, ‘How do I convince him to let me play?’ I just knew something great could come of it.”
“To be able to play music with one of my best friends is especially sweet because of how talented Mike is. He comes up with great sounds, guitar riffs, vocal ideas. They’re innovative but also believable and not overdone or forced. I think Mike’s an incredibly mature musician in that way because he really works on the song’s behalf — he’s got integrity in terms of what he chooses to provide and leave out.”
It is a wonder why Espe and Ayars, being friends, did not collaborate sooner. Nonetheless, it is good they finally did, and Haviland is being realized and shared.
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