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Aaron-Carl
Real Name:
Aaron-Carl Ragland
Profile:
(* 08/19/1973 in Detroit, USA; † 09/30/2010 in Detroit, USA)
His unique ability to cross over between styles like deep house, techno and hard-hitting electro-funk made Aaron-Carl one of the most interesting Detroit Electronic Music artists. It is impossible to pigeonhole, his discography features a variety of styles -- from soulful house cuts like Crucified, Sky and the Billboard-charting My House to ghetto tech anthems like Down, "No No" and 21 Positions.
Aaron-Carl released on various labels throughout the world; including Rebirth, Metroplex, Subject Detroit, Ovum Recordings, ULM and his own imprint, Wallshaker Music. He remixed some of Detroit's biggest techno artists, like Underground Resistance, Scan 7, DJ Bone, Aux 88 and Kelli Hand. In addition, he remixed various house, R&B and other mainstream artists, including Dajae, Gusgus, Manu Dibango, N'Dambi (with Keite Young) and Kindred The Family Soul; as well as writing and producing for legendary house artists, such as Cece Peniston and Michelle Weeks.
Starting in 1996, armed with little more than a keyboard and a four-track cassette recorder, his demo landed into the hands of "Mad" Mike Banks of Underground Resistance. Shortly after, Aaron-Carl was signed to the UR sub-label, Soul City. His first two records -- "Wash It" (featuring "Down") and "Crucified" were released simultaneously, instantly earning him a local and international following.
Mentored by Mike Banks, Aaron described the experience as similar to boot camp. "It wasn't enough for me to write great songs," he said. "Mike challenged me to make great RECORDS." Ron Murphy (NSC/Sound Enterprises, Detroit) taught him how to master his songs, helping Aaron establish his trademark "Wallshaker" beats. In 1998, Aaron-Carl launched his own label, Wallshaker Music. One of his first self-released singles, "My House," got licensed by Josh Wink's label, Ovum Recordings, and became Aaron's first Billboard Top 40 Dance/Club hit.
Aaron-Carl's music was showcased in various feature films -- most notably "Maestro," a house music documentary by Josell Ramos, which featured original tracks "Sky" and Oasis. He also appeared in "The Godfather Chronicles -- The Ghetto Tech Sound of Detroit." His remix of rapper Johnny Dangerous' "Topsy Turvy" (in which he makes a cameo appearance) is featured in "Pick Up the Mic," a documentary by Alex Hinton.
Aaron-Carl was the founder and CEO of W.A.R.M.T.H. International Inc., a collective devoted to preserving the integrity of Detroit Electronic Music, and hosted a weekly internet radio show, "The W.A.R.M.T.H. Sessions."
Aaron-Carl was diagnosed with cancer in late 2010 and passed away September 30th, 2010. He was a fighter, and is survived by his adopted son.
His unique ability to cross over between styles like deep house, techno and hard-hitting electro-funk made Aaron-Carl one of the most interesting Detroit Electronic Music artists. It is impossible to pigeonhole, his discography features a variety of styles -- from soulful house cuts like Crucified, Sky and the Billboard-charting My House to ghetto tech anthems like Down, "No No" and 21 Positions.
Aaron-Carl released on various labels throughout the world; including Rebirth, Metroplex, Subject Detroit, Ovum Recordings, ULM and his own imprint, Wallshaker Music. He remixed some of Detroit's biggest techno artists, like Underground Resistance, Scan 7, DJ Bone, Aux 88 and Kelli Hand. In addition, he remixed various house, R&B and other mainstream artists, including Dajae, Gusgus, Manu Dibango, N'Dambi (with Keite Young) and Kindred The Family Soul; as well as writing and producing for legendary house artists, such as Cece Peniston and Michelle Weeks.
Starting in 1996, armed with little more than a keyboard and a four-track cassette recorder, his demo landed into the hands of "Mad" Mike Banks of Underground Resistance. Shortly after, Aaron-Carl was signed to the UR sub-label, Soul City. His first two records -- "Wash It" (featuring "Down") and "Crucified" were released simultaneously, instantly earning him a local and international following.
Mentored by Mike Banks, Aaron described the experience as similar to boot camp. "It wasn't enough for me to write great songs," he said. "Mike challenged me to make great RECORDS." Ron Murphy (NSC/Sound Enterprises, Detroit) taught him how to master his songs, helping Aaron establish his trademark "Wallshaker" beats. In 1998, Aaron-Carl launched his own label, Wallshaker Music. One of his first self-released singles, "My House," got licensed by Josh Wink's label, Ovum Recordings, and became Aaron's first Billboard Top 40 Dance/Club hit.
Aaron-Carl's music was showcased in various feature films -- most notably "Maestro," a house music documentary by Josell Ramos, which featured original tracks "Sky" and Oasis. He also appeared in "The Godfather Chronicles -- The Ghetto Tech Sound of Detroit." His remix of rapper Johnny Dangerous' "Topsy Turvy" (in which he makes a cameo appearance) is featured in "Pick Up the Mic," a documentary by Alex Hinton.
Aaron-Carl was the founder and CEO of W.A.R.M.T.H. International Inc., a collective devoted to preserving the integrity of Detroit Electronic Music, and hosted a weekly internet radio show, "The W.A.R.M.T.H. Sessions."
Aaron-Carl was diagnosed with cancer in late 2010 and passed away September 30th, 2010. He was a fighter, and is survived by his adopted son.
Sites:
aaroncarl.com, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, alteregomgt.com, imeem.com/aaroncarl, virb.com/aaroncarl, myxer.com/aaroncarl, SoundCloud, residentadvisor.net/dj/aaroncarl
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Reviews & Discussion
ijustspeak
Oct 03, 2010
Man this really is sad. Them Detroit producers are such a small but dedicated and important family within the electronic music. Losing someone within this circle really does sets it's mark. I been tailing the Detroit scene for a time now, and Aaron-Carl's music was just so down to earth real and genuine. "Sky", "Down" & "Crucified" has made Aaron recognizable but he has made many more good and inspiring tracks. My thoughts doesn't just go out to his son, family and personal friends, but also to his Detroit brethren within music that look out for eachother. The city has lost one mighty soul.
Thank you Aaron for your wonderful music, it was really tragic and sad to lose you.
RIP.
Thank you Aaron for your wonderful music, it was really tragic and sad to lose you.
RIP.
I knew Aaron personnaly, for beeing the coolest guy I've ever met.
He taught me a lot of things concerning the industry, the market, he was my mentor.
In addition, he was a real talent, as well as a singer, a songwritter, a composer and a DJ.
I remember our discussions about scheduling the W.A.R.M.T.H. tour in Europe.
When he knew about the cancer, he was still the same: a fighter!!
Aaron always had cool words, you could talk with him about everything.
When it was about music, sometimes he was rude, but you knew he was right... and incredible selector and a so extensive knowledge... I am so respectfull for all that things he did and even more, because he gave me the confidence, he was always around!
His tracks are timeless, from the first to the last ones, listen the music and hear that so unique voice, missing him is a real lack for the entire House Music scene, a master and a monster of producer from Detroit that used to bless our souls with his "Wallshaker" beats.
Love you for ever AC, R.I.P. True Legend!
He taught me a lot of things concerning the industry, the market, he was my mentor.
In addition, he was a real talent, as well as a singer, a songwritter, a composer and a DJ.
I remember our discussions about scheduling the W.A.R.M.T.H. tour in Europe.
When he knew about the cancer, he was still the same: a fighter!!
Aaron always had cool words, you could talk with him about everything.
When it was about music, sometimes he was rude, but you knew he was right... and incredible selector and a so extensive knowledge... I am so respectfull for all that things he did and even more, because he gave me the confidence, he was always around!
His tracks are timeless, from the first to the last ones, listen the music and hear that so unique voice, missing him is a real lack for the entire House Music scene, a master and a monster of producer from Detroit that used to bless our souls with his "Wallshaker" beats.
Love you for ever AC, R.I.P. True Legend!
stevealoha
Sep 30, 2010
Really sorry to hear of Aaron's passing, Crucified was and is an all-time favourite of mine. RIP and thanks for the music.
LadyBlacktronika
Sep 30, 2010
Aaron you will be missed. I am so sad that you have gone so soon. We love you and you will stay in our hearts.
I had been looking for 'Down' for ages - it wasn't until I went to Aaron's web sit that I realised 'Down' is the B-side of 'Wash It' my favourite 'filthtech' track of all time....and I've had it in my collection for 5 years - how stupid do I feel!!!! 'Down' is like a cross between DBX, Aux 88 and a New York builder in a frock circa 1979. I love this record...Aaron, you're a genius!