My siblings and I had an eventful childhood to say the least and through tough times, we navigated our emotions through music making together. 

Music has always been my outlet. Writing songs, especially with my sibling truly takes me to a different world. I personally have a really hard time verbally communicating my emotions, but it comes so easily to me through writing. 

I can’t always rely on other people to talk to when I’m having a hard time, but I can always pick up my guitar.

My siblings and I share very similar values, yet they differ in many ways. Songwriting together is one of our strongest connections we hold and has been since we were little. It is the one thing that has remained constant throughout our childhood and early adulthood, even after undergoing so many changes in our lives. 

My brother Sawyer and I are identical twins. 

I realize that could cause some confusion, so I’d like to prerequisite this by telling you he is a trans man (and I am very proud of him). 

I thought that making music with him through his transition would be tricky, but it’s been nothing but a beautiful experience. And Sawyer is enjoying it too. 

“I’d say the biggest challenge as a trans man is relearning how to sing in a lower register. I’ve always had an alto voice, so I wouldn’t say it’s particularly hard. As my voice changes, I might find more challenges, but as of right now, I am still pretty happy with how my voice is evolving.” 

At a very young age, Sawyer and I realized we were musically inclined. I spent hours with drums sticks I got from a game for the Wii banging on my Lisa Frank jewelry box making beats. 

One time, when we were about 10 years old, one of our favorite pizza places hosted an open mic night. I was too nervous to perform, but surely enough, Sawyer walked his tiny self up to the stage and sang “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers. 

He was so proud of himself. 

When talking to Sawyer about old silly memories like that, he reminisced. 

“I remember mom posting a video of Ari, singing their first original song “Stars in the Sky” when they were about 6 or 7 years old. I remember thinking it was so cool that I even got a little jealous. After that, we started having competitions to see who could write the better song.

Since then, we have made so many songs together. 

To be clear, he always makes the “better song.”

Music is medicine. 

Even if I’m not feeling up to making anything of my own, I can always listen to the masterpieces of other creators. It’s not just playing music that makes us happy. Listening to music is just as healing and I hope to make music that can help other people get through anything they may endure. 

And I hope that my brother and I can share our experience to both educate and bring others happiness to others.