Today we’d like to introduce you to Aidan Burke.
Hi Aidan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Definitely! I started playing guitar when I was 9 years old, taking classical guitar lessons at home. At the time, my brother was learning Jazz Drumming for his middle school and highschool Jazz bands, so naturally I wanted to learn to play jazz guitar. I played all kinds of guitar, from being in a garage band to flamenco classical playing in a marching band show, it wasn’t till I went off to college where I really tried singing. The first time I sung in front of anyone outside of my family was at a charity event my Freshman Year. I sang John Mayer’s “Daughters” in front of a few hundred students and staff, and they loved it! Looking back now I can see how rough my singing and playing still was, but the feeling I had from seeing people really connect with the music as I was playing was incredible. I was in college studying Business at the time, and it wasn’t till my Junior year when classes went online (for Covid) that I had some extra time to play more and try writing some songs. During those couple years at home, I bumped into a twitch streamer while playing a video game (GoatR2) who asked what I did for a living. At the time I was delivering food for Uber and playing music in my free time, so I opted to go with “music” as my answer haha. He asked if I wanted to play a song for him, and so I did! He ended up making a TikTok of that interaction that went viral and really kickstarted my music in a big way. A few months after that video, I recorded and released my first song “Lazy” which I wrote while bored during the summertime in 2022. I started performing at open mics and jam sessions all around Chicagoland in 2024, as well as started taking vocal lessons with the amazing Tamara Anderson in Kenosha. Since then, I’ve performed hundreds of shows around Chicagoland, and have even gotten to travel to cities like Nashville, Boston, and Minneapolis for my music.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say yes. I have a very optimistic perspective on things, and that has come in handy when things have gotten tough. I’ve experienced plenty of struggles that most working musicians have gone through in the studio or at gigs. There have been nights where I play for 1-2 people, or in front of a roomful of people who couldn’t care less about live music. But above it all, my family is so incredibly supportive, and I’ve been fortunate enough to work and connect with some of the best people and musicians around Chicago. They are what make what I do feel smooth and joyful during the times where it can feel very rough.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a songwriter, singer, and guitar player. Locally I am known for my performances at bars and restaurants around Chicago. Mostly cover music, putting my own spin on a lot of people’s favorite songs. More nationally I am known for my songwriting. My song “Want to Love You” was a top 3 song in Red Bull’s Nashville songwriting contest end last year. Earlier this year my song “Peace of Mind” won a Wide Open Country song contest as well. Both of these songs are on my EP that released in May 2025. I’ve poured a lot of time into my songwriting and singing, and feel those aspects of my music really stand out from the rest.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Hmmmm… I’d say people make me happy. I love doing new things or traveling, but even if I’m doing something by myself, it’s usually highlighted by meeting a new stranger or sharing the experience with a loved one. If the amazing people I have in my life weren’t there, I don’t think life would be nearly as happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aidanburke.com
- Instagram: @aidanburkeofficial
- Facebook: @aidanburkeofficial
