In a world where anyone with a computer and a MySpace account can record songs, post them to the Internet and then call themself a songwriter, the experienced songwriter and performer stands out, and is of more value than ever. Aaron Short is that kind of songwriter and performer. Whether playing in his native England, playing a headlining, sold-out show in Chicago, or landing his songs in adverts and TV shows, Short has an ability to connect with audiences through the quality and genuineness of his songs, an ability that he has honed and developed over time, during the course of his life long love affair with music.

Whether playing as part of a duo, trio or quartet, Short knows that there is no substitute for going out and paying one’s dues, and that accounts for his tremendous work ethic, one where he’s played five nights a week to audiences all over Europe, taught music and worked with some of the best musicians in London.

Growing up in Suffolk, England, Aaron began playing piano at the age of 7, and in his teens, he fell in love with Britpop, began playing guitar, joined a band and began writing songs. His influences were classic left-of-center singer/songwriter; Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen and later, Damien Rice. “I’ve always been into the lyrical and the gutsy, the artists who aren’t afraid to be deep,” he says.

Moving to London at the age of 21, Short began to play anywhere he could, continually refining his songs. “When I first began songwriting, I wrote just to write,” he remembers. “But I soon began working to put my own experience in my songs, and I found ways to make my personal experience strike a chord with the audience.”

That continual willingness to refine and improve upon his songs has paid dividends. In 2005, Aaron released his first EP, People Make Mistakes, whose title track was used in the American independent film, “Tomorrow Is Today,” and another song from the EP, “If This Is Love” was featured on a Channel 4 Slash music TV advert campaign. The exposure allowed Aaron to expand his following – selling some downloads via iTunes and increasing his live draw in London and, of all places, Chicago, Illinois, where his music received some exposure and allowed him to perform at his own headlining gig there in 2008.

Now Aaron is readying his debut album, recording with Ian Grimble, who has worked with Manic Street Preachers and Bernard Butler. The songs he’s written and recorded thus far represent another breakthrough for Short – “Special” is a moving and plaintive declaration of love and devotion, one that is moving for both its simplicity and wonderful arrangement, where the acoustic guitar strums, the electric guitar chimes and the strings provide supple and shimmering support. “Lie To Me” is already a favorite of Aaron’s; a plaintive tale of love’s struggles, the song shines a spotlight on the hushed intimacy of his voice, an instrument that movingly conveys the ache of his lyrics.

Aaron continues to play and expand his following in London, and with each show, he has a clear intent: “I want someone to listen to my music and have it cause the same effect that the artists I love have had on me, and I want my audience to say, ‘I get him – I’m pleased that someone has been through what I’ve been through.’” That may seem like a simple goal – but it’s only the songwriter with the skill and experience at his craft that can pull that off. And whether through his new music, or through his shows, Aaron Short continues to prove that he’s a singer, songwriter and performer who belongs in that rarified echelon.