Interviews

Published on June 15th, 2020 | by MuzikScribe

The Story Of Aaron Kane…

First things first, please tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it actually all begin for you?

I have always been interested into music since I was little. I started doing demos of covers in my room when I was 14-15.

Now you’re a native of Newport News, Virginia, correct? So growing up in “Bad News,” who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

Yes. Now I reside in South Jersey. Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Ready for the World, Melvin Riley, Guy, Keith Sweat.

At what point in time, specifically, did you even opt to pursue music on a professional basis?

When we signed with Mike “Biv” Bivins. I was always into sports before. Actually got a baseball scholarship.

How did you all initially come together to form Too Special?

We were all friends in high school.

Tell me about the transitional phase with Too Special later becoming the WhytGize and eventually Sudden Impact…

We were Too Special then Sudden Impact (then) the WhytGize.

Michael Bivins of BBD / New Edition fame entered into the picture in between WhytGize changing over to Sudden Impact, correct? So what particular string of events led to this linking up?

We met Mike at Marvin Gaye’s Hollywood ceremony when he got his star on Hollywood Boulevard. We were Sudden Impact in “Motownphilly” video, and then became WhytGize in The East Coast Family video.

Sudden Impact first appeared in the Boyz II Men video for “Motownphilly” — What do you remember most about this particular stage in your career?

It was our first time ever going to Philly. We thought it was about to be on the same level as Boyz II Men.

From there y’all made your singing debut on the track “1-4-All-4-1,“ featuring the entire Biv 10 roster, taken from the ‘East Coast Family’ LP — Following right on the heels of MC Brains / Tam-Rock it seemed like y’all were next in line, even having signed with Capitol I believe, but then nothing ever materialized, how come?

Yes. Biv signed us to Capitol first, and then put us on Biv 10 / Motown. We recorded lots of songs, but he never thought we were ready.

Why do you feel that not only you all, but pretty much every then aspiring label-mate; Fruit Punch, TomBoyy, Cale’, Hayden, 1010, Mark Finesse, Big Ant, Yvette and Lady V, all pretty much met the same fate of being permanently shelved?

I think it became too overwhelming for him. And he still had to manage his own career; BBD, NE and Boyz II Men were taking off to an amazing level.

While on Biv 10 did you all ever complete a full-length album?

No. Didn’t record anything under Biv 10. 4-5 songs on Capitol. Then did 4-5 songs with Leon Sylvers III in Virginia Beach under Teddy Riley.

Do you still stay in touch with Mr. Michael Bivins?

Yes. He still sends shout outs to me during interviews that he does when they ask about us.

The next incarnation of the group came in the form of Outsidaz 4 Life signed to Blackground Records, right?

No. Then we signed with Boyz II Mem (now defunct) label Stonecreek as just The Outsiders.

What did this working relationship entail?

We did a lot of songs while signed to Boyz II Men. We were the next group to come out after Uncle Sam, and then Sony dropped the label. So we never released anything.

What caused you all to disband in the first place?

Creative differences.

You then were signed as a soloist to Boyz II Men’s Stonecreek imprint — What all were you able to accomplish while inked to this upstart label?

I was never signed to them as a soloist artist. Just as The Outsiders. I was signed to an indie label called Invigorator Records run by Elisha Woods here in South Jersey. We had a Top 10 hit on Billboard called “Gotta Love,” reached to #7 on R&B Sales charts 2005-2006.

Which brings us to now…where have you been? And, what exactly had/have you been up to, both personally and professionally speaking, during this lengthy musical hiatus?

I continue to release new music as a solo artist. Write, produce for major and indie artists. Also do music for TV / film with my music partner, Tim Byrd Music, which was the 6th member of Sudden Impact. He was our producer.

It’s my understanding that you’re finally back in the lab preparing a solo record — What all can be expected from your long in the making official solo debut?

I have 3 solo albums on all social media now going back to 2007. ‘Bout to release a new album.

With that being said, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?

I do adult contemporary R&B / Pop music. But a little bit of everything. Even this new autotune sound. LOL!

In having said that, when you sit down to pen your lyrics where do you draw your inspiration(s) from?

I draw my songs from real life experiences. It’s my therapy.

What do you want people to get from your music?

I’m all about love and relationships. I love LOVE. And I hope people can feel where I’m coming from.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Babyface, The Underdogs, Tim & Bob Robinson, Teddy Riley, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

Super Bowl! Biggest audience.

In terms of longevity, what do you feel it is that will continue to sustain you in this grueling industry?

Just being real, and writing songs that people can relate to.

Do you have any other outside / additional future aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

Discovering new artists.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of music?

Yes. People always complain about music today. I feel this is the best time in music. So much good stuff out there. Just have to find it. It might not be on the radio, but it’s out there!

To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

Video cameos, performing on 106 & Park BET, having a top 10 hit, and just releasing new music.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

Doing what I’m doing now, just making more money LOL! More placements.

As for the immediate, what’s next for you, Aaron?

Keep moving and being creative.

Any chance of a Sudden Impact reunion? Do the five of you remain in contact? And, what about your former label-mates / friends from the Biv 10 days?

Yes. We are all still friends. I still talk to a lot of the people in East Coast Family as well. Doing a few songs now with MC Brainz.

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?

Yes. Me and my brother were not in Outsiderz 4 Lyfe at Blackground. We split from them, and started a new group called DNA. We worked with Nokio from Dru Hill and Eric Williams from Blackstreet, and Jack Knight, songwriter from Bad Boy Records. But then I did my solo thang when I moved to South Jersey.

Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?

Always look for Aaron Kane Music and Tim Byrd Music. We help new artists, and continue to release new music.