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One On One
One on One ~ Aaron Alexander
This blogger is always inspired by those individuals who take time to hone their craft and evolve into some of the greatest talents to walk the earth. You had to know that when my path crossed with the amazingly talented Aaron Alexander, I was simply impressed.
Check out this dope One on One with this gifted artist.
Aaron we know about your background being the son of legendary Songstress Peri “Pebbles” Reid and Music Executive Antonio “L.A” Reid. You have been connected to music from the womb. Who are some of your musical influences?
Michael Jackson played a major role in my life and I must say he is the biggest influence to me. From the way he performed and how he owned the stage, he has been my inspiration for years. Lenny Kravitz is a genius, plain and simple.
Also, Pharrell Williams, Marvin Gaye, Usher Raymond, Led Zeppelin and The Beatles have inspired me as well. They all make up the collective inspiration that shines thru on my upcoming project “This Is Me”.
Amazing! Many artists are going the independent route verses signing with an established label. What are your thoughts?
Independent artists make it happen! Also, the established labels are just as important being that they can provide you with that extra push. They can make you sexy and appealing which is important as well. Independent artists have to really put the time in and kind of do it all themselves which can include a variety of tasks.
Your debut project This Is Me is garnering major buzz with the release of your single Crazy Luv, which I feel is a certified banger. What was the experience like creating this project and seeing it come full circle?
It has been simply amazing and I have taken these last three weeks to put the finishing touches on it. The experience has actually transformed me into a more serious artists and I feel very proud. It is an amazing piece of artwork.
I have seven songs which represent who I am and you will experience different musical sides such as R&B, Up-tempo as well as rock. Every song is a single and it is a blessing from God to be able to live out my dream.
You have to understand, I was attending Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia and I dropped out to focus on my dreams. God saw my heart and what He instilled in me allowed me to forge forward and I am grateful.
Who are some of the producers that worked with you on this project?
I am fortunate to work with Jazzy Pha, Black the Beast, who has worked with Diggy Simmons on his project, the talented producers Phantom Boyz and many more. This project showcases some great stuff and every song is different. It’s my first body of work and it consists of pieces of my heart which was really an amazing experience.
My style is more of a rock star which is how I often feel. One day you may see me rock five bracelets and then turn around and rock seven fly chains. Some of my favorite designers are Class Villain which is based out of Kansas. They represent coolness along with rebellion which is me and I love it.
It is also a dream of mine to own my own clothing line one day. I am in the gym these days and for me, I embrace being a big dude and all the attention that you garner from that. You might see me rocking a leather jacket with the sleeves cut out and embellished with pins, patches and much more. The line will cater to guys my size who are not scared to wear something outrageous.
Those of us who are familiar with you can tell that your family is extremely important to you. Share with our readers the importance of a great support system.
Having an amazing support system is extremely important because if you don’t have that, you really don’t have anything. A support system is imperative being that they can support you in various areas such as Love, Advice and much more. My support system supports what I do and they love me. They are always careful to give me sound advice musically as well.
Being the son of musical royalty, do you feel any pressure to make great professional choices?
Being the son of musical royalty, do you feel any pressure to make great professional choices?
I don’t really feel pressure simply because there are many kids who are out here chasing their dreams as well. There are some kids who use their fame/namesakes to purposely mess up and make it look bad for their families and that’s not good.
There are those such as Zoe Kravitz, Diggy Simmons and many more who are chasing their dreams and making it happen for themselves. It involves taking what you love and making it become a reality.
You have an amazing fan base which consists of fans that love and support all that you do. How important are the fans to you?
OMG! People love and support me like no other. I personally don’t like the word fan simply because it just doesn’t seem right. I prefer supporter which sounds much more concrete and genuine. I tell people don’t be a fan but be a supporter because it means so much more.
You have a unique ability to zone in and recognize what is hot right now in the area of music, fashion and more. Who do you consider to be on the cusp of greatest right now?
There so many who come to mind such as Wiz Khalifah, Zoe Kravitz, Diggy Simmons and of course myself. Also on the cutting edge, there is rap group Odd Future, rapper Lil B and Mack Miller.
Do you have any mentors that you glean from? Do you mentor other individuals as well?
My dad, LA Reid, is my best friend, Dad, dude and mentor all rolled into one. My mother plays a major role in my life as well as my godfather Clarence Avant; they keep it real with me and let me know what works and what doesn’t. I also mentor and speak to youth and young adults which is something I love to do as well.
Upon speaking with Aaron, I could instantly tell that he simply has been raised correctly and it almost seems as if his spirit permeates that of a gentle giant. As I spoke with him on a list of topics that run the gamut of family, fashion and most importantly his new project, I found him to be just what the industry needs.
Check out the official video for Crazy Luv and be sure to follow him on Twitter and pick up his new joint on Itunes.