Hey Fellas!

I want to introduce you the NEW HOUSE DIVA OF DETROIT - Mr. Aaron-Carl.

Name: Aaron-Carl
Birth Name: Aaron Carl Ragland
Age: 25
Born: August 19, 1973
Place: Detroit, Michigan USA
Styles Of Music: Deep House, Garage, Dubs (favorite), Disco House
First Bought Record: "For You" by Prince (1978)

Stefan Urankar
February 1999

The following interview was conducted by Stefan Urankar on 01/15/99:

For an introduction, tell me the most important stations of your biography and your musical career.

For starters, and to give you a better understanding about Aaron-Carl (as a person), I must state that I've lived a very "advanced" life. I was an advanced-level reader by the age of four, and was pretty much raised as an "adult" instead of as a child. As for the music... my passion for music began at the age of four. My family was always playing records like Deniece Williams, Al Green, Heatwave, Bobby Womack, etc. I used to sit for hours at a time, just watching the records play. When I was five years old, Prince's first album "For You" was released. It was the first record I had ever bought... and before you ask, YES, I bought it! It was amazing -- not necessarily the music itself -- but the fact that he composed, produced, arranged AND performed every song by himself. From that point on, I was hooked. I remember using two tape recorders, a stack of books and some pencils to make my own one-man band. I would make tape after tape of myself, writing and singing my own crazy songs -- just so I could say they were "composed, produced, arranged and performed" by me. Silly, yes. I know... Music was my refuge; my shelter. I could "escape" from the cold reality of the world -- which I knew all about before I had even started school.

I was always one of those "different" children. I was extremely shy; the one who just didn't "fit in." For a boy, I had a very feminine voice. Even today, my mother and I continue to look -- AND SOUND exactly alike. Spooky, isn't it? In 1989, I was sixteen years old and had just come to terms with my (homo)sexuality. It was also my first HOUSE music experience. I used to sneak into Club Heaven, a Detroit nightclub, and listen to some of the BEST music in the world! The late Ken Collier was the DJ, and he literally made the walls sweat with the music he played. It wasn't disco... and it wasn't the stuff I heard on the radio all day. It was HOUSE music. Do you remember Crystal Water's "Gypsy Woman?" When Ken dropped the needle on that record, I swore I had died and gone to heaven!!! Gypsy Woman was, and still is, my FAVORITE House record.

Used to, Detroit had only the image of a 'techno-town.' The last years, we got known more and more of good house producers such as Terence Parker, Moodymann, Rick Wade, Theo Parrish and of course YOU and your crew. How is the house scene in your area?

Unfortunately, the Detroit house scene is still very "Underground." R&B dominates our radiowaves so in order to hear anything else, you have to literally FIND a club that plays good House music. Most Detroiters don't have a clue as to what House music really is. They think it's "booty" or "ghetto" music. That's also the reason why it's so hard for Detroit House producers. In order to become a success, many Detroit House producers actually have to LEAVE Detroit first.

Do you have a club where you spin the records as a resident? Tell me something about your DJ career. Which clubs did you rock so far?

This month, a new club is opening, called "The Capitol Club." I'll be the new resident DJ. Though it's sort of a small club, I plan to rock it. Sometimes, it's the small clubs that are the most happening! As far as my DJ career as a whole; I don't DJ too often. That's the only "bad" part about being a producer and a singer -- as well as a DJ. Which do I want more? Which do I focus the most attention on? Etc...

Let's talk about your label -- Wallshaker Records. How did it start? Does the name have a special meaning? Who is involved? What is your label philosophy? What are your aims/plans for the future? What will be your next releases?

The name "Wallshaker" has many special meanings to me. First of all, it represents the type of music I make. Secondly, and most importantly, it's a symbol of my independence. When I was signed to Soul City, I was "clueless," as far as the business was concerned. I knew nothing about royalties, contracts, etc. And I was ultimately taken advantage of. Granted, I don't wish to "bash" anyone during an interview. However, there are LOTS of talented singers and producers out there who know absolutely nothing about the business. They meet the wrong people and wind up signing away their rights -- publishing, royalties, etc. It's a reality I know all too well... NOW... After my contract with Soul City had finally ended, I decided to launch my own label -- giving my music the attention and exposure it badly deserved. Finally, Wallshaker represents a more spiritually mature side to me. When I walked away from Soul City, (though on "good terms") I promised to NEVER look back. And I've never been happier. Jay Baker (my life partner) and I started Wallshaker Records in December of 1997. It took a lot of struggle and hard work, but it was well worth the journey. Along the way, I've met some truly wonderful people, whom I've grown to love and admire. Marcel Schooler especially, for his undying belief in me. He's like the big brother I never had -- always pushing me to do my best. I must also give special thanks to Hotwax Harley and Rudy Malinao, for being there from the beginning. They are what makes Wallshaker more than just a label -- but a FAMILY... I've never felt more blessed! As for Wallshaker's NEXT release... I plan to keep the spirit of True House Music alive by releasing my version of a traditional hymn. I call it "Soldier." It's coming soon, so be ready. Not to mention a new sub-label, (the newly formed) WRG -- Wallshaker Records Germany. I have LOTS of other plans for this year, which include releasing my second album.

On your track 'Soldier' you sing all the vocals on your own. Are you also doing live performances?

Yes, I sang all of the vocals, which included the "preacher man" as well as the "choir." But this is nothing new for me. I've ALWAYS sang my own vocals -- both lead AND background, as well as doing the music myself. As for performing live, I hope to do LOTS more of it in the near future. For the past year, I've spent my time in the studio and working on the label, instead of being on stage. I miss it a lot, but I'm glad to say that I'm ready to return!

What is your definition of house music?

As you know, there are so many "types" of House music nowadays -- Garage, Speed Garage, Hard-House, Funky House, Tech-House... GOD... I CAN'T KEEP UP!!! House music, to ME, is a melting pot of any and every type of music known to man. HOUSE is a universal language. What more can I say?

What is your message to the world?

I will let my works speak for me... My messages are in my music, for my music is my life.

Any other question you'd like to be asked?

I'll tell you the most ANNOYING question I've ever been asked: "Who's that WOMAN singing on your records?"

Please tell me your current AND your all-time charts.

Certainly... Here goes:

Aaron-Carl's CURRENT top 10 (in no particular order):

1. Mousse T. vs. Hot n' Juicy "Horny" Peppermint Jam
2. C+M feat. Marcel "True House" SFP (test)
3. Aaron-Carl "Sunday Episode" (test)
4. Lauryn Hill "Lost Ones" Columbia
5. House = Luv "Set Someone Free" (test)
6. Whitney Houston "I Was Made To Love Him" Arista
7. Aaron-Carl "Soldier" Wallshaker (test)
8. Various "Drama After Midnight, Vol. 1" Wallshaker (acetate)
9. Q-Marc "Do Whatever" (acetate)
10. Various "Global Klubbing" (tape)

Aaron-Carl's ALL-TIME top 10:

1. Crystal Waters "Gypsy Woman"
2. Jaydee "Plastic Dreams"
3. Jomanda "Got A Love For You"
4. Nightcrawlers "Push The Feeling On" (MK's remixes!)
5. Norma Jean Bell "I'm The Baddest Bitch"
6. Floorplan "Funky Souls"
7. Bette Middler "To Deserve You" (MK Remixes!)
8. Tori Amos "Professional Widow" (MK Remixes!)
9. Two Brothers And A Dat "Take A Cab"
10. Kym Sims "Take My Advice"

The Discography:

1996
"STORM" Full-length CD (Reality Productions)
"Wash It" b/w "Down" 12-inch single (Ghetto Zone/Soul City)
"Crucified" 12-inch single (Soul City)

1997
"Make Me Happy" 12-inch single (Soul City)
"Midnight Jams, Volume 1" 12-inch EP (Soul City)
"Wallshaker" 12-inch single (Soul City - unreleased)

1998
"Shine" 12-inch single (Soul City - unreleased)
"Closer..." 12-inch single (Wallshaker)
"The Journey" (from "Drama After Midnight, Vol. 1") 12-inch EP (Wallshaker)
"My House" 12-inch single (Wallshaker)

1999
"Soldier" 12-inch single (Wallshaker - unreleased)
"Closer... The Remixes!" (Whirling Records - TBA)

Find out more about Aaron-Carl and his record label Wallshaker Records at: http://www.wallshaker.com