Aurelio Voltaire

In the annals of contemporary music, few artists have carved as unique a niche as Aurelio Voltaire Hernández, simply known as Voltaire. Born in Havana, Cuba, in 1967, Voltaire’s journey into the enigmatic realm of dark cabaret and goth music is a tale of relentless creativity and defiance of convention. Voltaire's early life was defined by a blend of cultural influences and personal upheavals. At the tender age of ten, he and his family emigrated to the United States, settling in New Jersey. It was here, amidst the suburban sprawl, that Voltaire began to cultivate his artistic inclinations. While many of his peers were enraptured by the burgeoning punk and new wave scenes, Voltaire found himself drawn to the seminal imagery and storytelling inherent in the world of animation and film. As a teenager, armed with a fervent imagination and a Super 8 camera, he produced stop-motion animation films reminiscent of the work of his cinematic idol, Ray Harryhausen. His endeavor into professing this craft was furthered by formal education at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. There, he honed his creative talents, subsequently channeling his skillset into the commercial sector of animation upon graduation. Voltaire's early career saw him contribute to noteworthy projects, including the iconic Pee-wee’s Playhouse, which displayed his knack for infusing whimsy and a gothic touch into visual storytelling. Yet, it was the siren call of music, the vibrant expression of complex emotions that truly captured Voltaire's soul. In the early 1990s, amidst the bustling, edgy arts scene in New York, Voltaire embarked on this parallel journey. His musical influences were as eclectic as his artistry – from the melancholic strains of David Bowie and the eccentric compositions of Tom Waits to the gothic allure of Bauhaus. These influences would congeal into a singular musical style that defied easy classification, blending elements of dark cabaret, folk, new wave, and gothic rock. In 1998, Voltaire released his debut album, "The Devil's Bris," an exploration of gothic themes delivered through theatrical storytelling and melodic elegance. The album quickly established Voltaire as a distinctive voice within the goth subculture. Its lyrical wit and macabre charm were coupled with rich, melodious tunes, characteristics that would become hallmarks of his expansive oeuvre. "The Devil's Bris" was succeeded by a steady stream of albums, each building upon its predecessor while entrenching Voltaire's status as a luminary in his field. Albums such as "Boo Hoo" (2002) and "Then and Again" (2004) saw his work growing in complexity, melding acoustic instrumentation with introspective lyrics that explored themes of existential angst and dark romanticism. Voltaire's live performances have been integral to his allure, often described as cabaret-esque in their flair. His concerts are theatrical escapades, where humor, storytelling, and music converge to create an intimate and engaging experience for audiences. Renowned not just for his music but for the atmospheric spell he casts over his audience, Voltaire has showcased an ability to strike an emotional chord that resonates deeply with his devoted fan base. Beyond his music, Voltaire has remained an active participant in the broader cultural discourse. He penned a series of graphic novels, "Oh My Goth!" and "Chi-Chian," drawing upon his fertile imagination and distinct visual narrative style. The latter was adapted into a stop-motion animated series for the SyFy Channel, melding once more his dual passions for animation and storytelling. Voltaire’s impact is not merely confined to the goth subculture but extends into the wider fabric of music and art. His music features prominently in various compilations and has been adapted for use in film and television, providing a mood-setting backdrop that underscores a narrative's emotional gravitas. In later years, Voltaire has continued to evolve, seamlessly integrating new sounds and thematic elements into his work. His 2008 album "To the Bottom of the Sea" featured a pirate aesthetic that echoed the theatrical grandeur of his performances, while his 2011 album "Riding a Black Unicorn" further expanded his thematic repertoire, exploring fantasy and mythological contexts. Voltaire's musical journey reflects a deep, introspective exploration of identity, combining elements of his varied heritage, education, and artistic passions. His oeuvre is a testament to the enduring power of combining narrative storytelling with musical innovation, creating captivating, sometimes whimsical, sometimes haunting tapestries that speak to the heart of human experience. As we step further into an era defined by rapidly shifting cultural and technological landscapes, Aurelio Voltaire remains a beacon of creative authenticity, a purveyor of dark yet exquisite musical tales, forging a path entirely his own.