44°
"I see all the negative stuff in the media (music business), promoting their beliefs and their way of thinking, while Christians stand idle not wanting to offend anyone," Aaron David. "Jesus offended many people, but He spoke truth. So that's what I plan to do - hold up God's standards. People can judge for themselves how they measure up." Born in the Bronx and raised by his minister parents Bob and Sue Ilardi in Yonkers, David (Ilardi) has loved music and entertaining since he heard his first hymn. And before he was old enough to write songs, he showed a sense of rhythm and style along with a few dance moves in his living room performances for family and friends.
"To see my little brother grow up has made me realize how we must cherish every moment of our lives," his sister Karen Ilardi-Javier said. "Most importantly, how far he has come and how much he has changed through the years and matured as a Christian. He is choosing the opposite of what most young men today are doing - to serve God. His album is refreshing and an encouragement to both young and old." Motivated by gospel music icon Carmen, David hopes to share his "alternative" pop music themes and world view. An admirer of Justin Timberlake and Ne-Yo as musical performers, the young artist offers another less popular slant on romance and love. His "True Love Waits" encourages abstinence in relationships before marriage. "It's so difficult to say who are my influences when it comes to music," he said. "I really like the style in which things are portrayed a lot of the time, but when I listen to the lyrics I'm turned off. This goes for a lot of Christian artists as well. Their lyrics don't always match what the Bible says and I feel that's a problem." David, who leads praise and worship at Christian Life Fellowship Church in Yonkers, believes his first CD, which was nine months in the making and began with his own funding, is ordained by God. The CD is a mix of pop, rock and rhythm and blues with the emphasis on salvation, faith and living a positive lifestyle. The cuts include "Out of Control", "Open Our Eyes", "True Love Waits", "Surrender" and "Just One Touch". "I began with no budget - all out of pocket." David said. "Then a family member heard my work and decided to pay for the whole thing. I took it as God confirming my album. He wants someone to speak on His behalf and stand up for righteousness. That's where my inspiration comes from." David will leave for Italy on Sept. 10 where he will debut his album live on Sept 13, 14 and 15 in Acquaviva Della Fonti and in the city of Bari at University Church. For more information on Aaron David and his first album, log on to his Facebook site.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Yonkers and receive free news updates.
