Aaron Schembri began performing around Melbourne in his first local pub band at age 15. By 17 he had started performing with and developed a close relationship with the late Ross Hannaford of DADDY COOL.
In 2019, Aaron released his debut album ‘City Lights’ which featured an array of special guest Australian artists. With the likes of Ross Wilson, Normie Rowe, Russell Morris, Colleen Hewett, Swanee, Mark Gable, Mike Rudd and James Cupples all singing songs that Aaron had written.
In 2020 Aaron released ‘It’s Not Goodbye’ as a single which debuted at #6 on the iTunes Charts. The single was accompanied with a music video which consisted of cameos from Ross Wilson, Molly Meldrum, Anthony Field, Russell Robertson, Jayden Short and Paul Norton and Wendy Stapleton.
In 2021 Aaron released The Lockdown Sessions, an album featuring mainly acoustic cover versions of songs which have been influential to his musical development.
In 2022, Aaron released his single called ‘The Setting Sun’ which was co-written by Aaron and Paul Norton.
Also in June 2022, he collaborated with Melbourne FC legend and now musician Russell Robertson to help raise awareness for ‘Fight MND’. ‘Life Is Just A Game’ written by Aaron Schembri was released on June 13th, 2022, coinciding with the AFL Big Freeze Round on Queens Birthday. The Official Film Clip was filmld on the ground at an empty MCG, a familiar home for Russell Robertson and Neale Daniher.
In 2024 Aaron released a new original song ‘Breaking Chains’, a co-write with Axle Whitehead – which was originally pitched for use as the theme for a podcast grappling with some pretty heavy stuff – gambling, money laundering, and prison life.
Aaron has also worked with: Renee Geyer, Dave Evans (ex AC.DC and Rabbit Vocalist), The Choirboys, CHAIN, Wendy Stapleton, Paul Norton, Neale Johns (BLACKFEATHER), Wilbur Wilde, Mick Pealing (STARS), SWANEE, Kevin Borich (LA DEDAS), Mike Rudd (SPECTRUM), Geoff Achison, Brian Mannix (UNCANNY X MEN), Russell Morris, Jimmy Cupples (The Voice), Normie Rowe, Eric McCusker (MONDO ROCK) and Bobby Bright (BOBBY & LAURIE) and many others.
Aaron has currently been on the road touring throughout the country with Ross Wilson celebrating the 50th Anniversary of ‘Eagle Rock’ and ‘Daddy Cool’ and has also been touring arenas and theatres with The Wiggles. Aaron has worked with The Wiggles as both a composer and as a musician during various live concerts and on several studio releases.
Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips caught up with Aaron Schembri recently at the St Andrews Hotel where he was entertaining the crowd with his band on some fabulous covers. We sat down for a chat to discuss Aaron’s career and gear as our Musician of the Month for March 2025. Photos by Jason Rosewarne.
Aaron Schembri Website: www.aaronschembri.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aaronschembrimusic/
Check out Jason Rosewarne’s photos from the Aaron Schembri band performance at the St Andrews Hotel
