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.
Sites:
Aliases:
Variations:
[a382254]
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Artist

  • Aaron-Carl Discography

    Recent Releases from Aaron-Carl
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Albums

Uncloseted

(CD, Album)
Wallshaker Music 2002

Detrevolution

(CD, Album)
Wallshaker Music 2005

Bittersoulfulsweet: The Aaron-Carl Experience

(2 versions)
Wallshaker Music 2008

Laurent & Lewis feat. Aaron-Carl - Motion 日本版 (8xFile, MP3, 256)

Cherry Juice Recordings 2008

Singles & EPs

Wash It / Down

(2 versions)
Ghetto Zone Records 1996

Crucified

(9 versions)
Soul City 1996

Wallshaker

(8 versions)
Soul City 1997

Make Me Happy

(12")
Soul City 1997

Midnite Jams Vol. 1

(12")
Soul City 1997

My House

(4 versions)
Wallshaker Music 1998

Closer

(2 versions)
Wallshaker Music 1998

Down

(5 versions)
Metroplex 1998

Dance Naked

(10 versions)
SFP Records 1999

Soldier

(12")
SFP Records 1999

The Boot

(12")
Wallshaker Music 2001

The Answer / Down

(12")
Electrofunk Records 2002

E:\ectro-bytes.exe v. 2.1

(12")
Afrosyntrix 2003

Switch

(2x12")
Wallshaker Music 2003

Homoerotic

(12")
Wallshaker Music 2003

Hateful

(2 versions)
Wallshaker Music 2004

21 Positions

(12")
Motor City Electro Company 2004

Tears

(2 versions)
Subject Detroit 2006

Aaron-Carl & Benjamin Hayes - The Devolver EP (12", EP)

Wallshaker Music 2007

If There Is A Heaven Remixes Vol. 1

(2 versions)
Wallshaker Music 2008

Oasis

(3 versions)
Superb Entertainment Records 2008
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Reviews & Discussion

froggy1 Oct 26, 2010
RIP Mr. Aaron
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.
Nepthys Oct 02, 2010
RIP Mr Aaron Carl. The music world needs more like you.
my4a Oct 01, 2010
Aaron! You will stay in our hearts ... forever ...
Review by d_former Sep 30, 2010
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!
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.
Review by meadz Dec 20, 2008 (edited 8 months ago)
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Review by iamelectron Sep 06, 2002
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!
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Videos

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