Singer, song writer Aiden James is no small town honky-tonk. Aiden craved more than his upbringing had offered him and he took off for Philadelphia where he embraced urban life, got himself a big serving of the local music scene and found himself an audience to play for, which quickly turned into a large crowd. Folk music and singer song writers inspired Aiden and gave him the platform to go after his musical dreams. Aiden has added a healthy dose of electronic music to his personal listening roster and says it has most definitely rubbed off onto his current projects. He leaked to me that his new album will be a pop record.
“Currently working on his 3rd studio album due out fall 2011, this self-taught musician was pulled from obscurity when his first music video “On the Run” had its television broadcast debut on Logo’s NewNowNext PopLab in Febuary 2010. A buzz quickly followed on all the big blogs like AfterElton, Joe My God and so on.. saying “Aiden James has stolen our hearts with his video for “On the Run” -AE. You can watch that on MTVmusic.com, VH1.com or his Youtube page.
Aiden added, ” I’ve written, arranged, engineered and performed everything on this new record which is a HUGE undertaking. I am psyched and blown away that I was actually capable of accomplishing.” We see a musicians life on stage, let me do some digging for you and find out about the man behind the music.
Interview with Aiden James:
by Mike Enders
Accidental Bear: I was doing a little Aiden stalking online last night and see that you have folky roots but then starting listening to more electronic music. How would you describe the music on the new album you are working on?
Aiden James: It’s going to be a pop record. More an electronic singer songwriter kinda thing. Big hooks, catchy..cool sounds, beeps, beats, and some hot vocal stacking harmonies. Not often found in electronic music. You will still find my acoustic guitar in there ’cause after all, that’s my thing (smiles), it will still have the substance that you expect from a singer songwriter but with a very modern feel. “po-ro-tronic” pop rock electronic (laughs)
A B: Do you come from a musical family?
Aiden: No. Most times my family would tell me to turn down my lil keyboard. So I’d go outside and play it on the rock behind my house.
A B: As teenager, who might have you had a poster of on your wall and danced frantically to you your room?
Aiden: Well, I didn’t have any posters on my wall, but I remember doing all the Backstreet Boys choreography to like “larger than life” does that count?
A B: Oh, busted. That totally counts. Which one of these terms described your high school years: Musical or a mosh pit?
Aiden: Neither, a “dojang” actually. It’s the Korean word for a place where martial arts is practiced. I’m a first degree black belt and loved that part of my life in high school. I still practice today in Philadelphia when I can.
A B: When you are up on stage and look out, what is the demographics of your audience?
Aiden: So many different people come to see me! I can’t say it’s ONE certain type of person or age range. There are ALWAYS some sexy scruffy guys in the crowd (big grin).
A B: So, if I were to say Andy Bell and the Caribbean, do those words together mean anything?
Aiden: I got to play a few shows in the Caribbean on the biggest cruise ship in the world that Andy Bell was also performing on. He and I hung out a little bit. It was great being able to pick his brain about his life and experience in the music industry. We were drinking cosmos if you were wondering, very strong ones.
A B: When you are home alone and think no one is looking, what is one of your guilty pleasure? Besides reusing paper cups. I read that in another one of your interviews (ha ha that is crazy).
Aiden: I talk to my cat in a special voice sometimes.
A B: Ha! You are not alone with that one. I think a study should be done about a linked gene between gay men and crazy cat ladies!
A B: Scanning through your Facebook activities and interests I noticed you have listed Gimme! Coffee which is in my home town of Ithaca, NY. Do you have a connection with Upstate NY?
Aiden: I have a great connection to Ithaca, NY! It was on one of my tour routes and I have made some great friends there. I like Gimme coffee, except when the guy wouldn’t sell me a Doppio espresso over ice because it “shocks” the espresso. So, I ordered a double shot and a cup of ice. He didn’t like that one bit. (laughing)
A B: Is there a thriving music scene in Philadelphia gay or straight?
Aiden: Sadly, no. Not on either front.
A B: Your career appears to be on the up and up. What one event so far, has been the biggest springboard for your career?
Aiden: I really felt proud when my first music video “On the Run” hit MTV and LOGO’s NewNowNext Pop Lab. It played on tv for a couple of weeks and was right in
between Rihanna and Lady Gaga’s videos (big smiles) I’d have to say that was a “I’ve made it” moment for me. I remember walking to the bar that was gonna air that episode of PopLab. On my walk to the bar my iphone was on shuffle, my very song “on the run” started playing. I teared up a little bit before walking in to great my friends.
Wait, speaking of GaGa above, have you heard my lady gaga Cover? http://tiny.cc/gagaAJ
A B: You are now working on your new album. What is the overall vibe to this album? Are you pulling any tricks out of your sleeve and going to throw down any hip-hop beats?
Aiden: This album will be full of surprises. Some big beats yes, and some very special guests.
A B: We share the love for coffee. Do have any other vices you just can’t give up? Like midget porn? Or Binge eating Skittles?
Aiden: Eating an entire Digiorno pizza that I buy at 7/11 while watching Will and Grace dvd’s I’ve seen about a million times.
A B: That seems sweet and innocent. You should see some of the things I pull out of people’s closets during interviews (laughing). If you were going to go for a long walk at the lake who would you load on to your ipod?
Aiden: Robyn, Edie Carey, Adele, and some Carrie Underwood
A B: There is a lot of focus on teen bullying in the last year and amazing projects emerging like The Trevor Project and the “It Gets Better” videos. Do you see a trend popping up in Philadelphia as well?
Aiden: I don’t see much happening in Philadelphia actually. I do however see a rise in teen flash mobs and crime in center city by young people.
A B: Did you have any experiences this summer that inspired any additional tracks on your new album?
Aiden: I actually do, funny you ask. I met a really sexy, bearded, fancy, polished guy while in Ptown/Boston while on tour. He may have made it on to a last minute addition track on the album (all smiles). You’ll have to wait and see. For now you can get a little “acoustic” preview on my bandcamp page of some new tunes in a very laid back kinda way.
A B: What are some up coming events you are excited about?
Aiden: My Birthday show August 30th in my hometown of PHILLY! Having it at my favorite club The Tin Angel. Doors open at 7:30pm and I’ve heard rumors of cupcakes… and cubs.
Aiden: Oh. ps. I’m single!
Stalk Aiden here:
http://www.facebook.com/aidenjamesmusic?sk=wall http://www.aidenjamesmusic.com http://www.myspace.com/aidenjameshttp://www.twitter.com/aidenjamestour
http://www.aidenjamestour.blogspot.com
http://www.itunes.com/aidenjames/ontherun
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/aiden2
http://www.ilike.com/artist/aiden+james
Accidental Bear 
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