Tempo Talks: A Conversation with Keith Aaron

THE RELEASE

Hailing from Melbourne, Keith Aaron is a talented musician whose long-awaited comeback single, "When She's Dancing (featuring So&So)," marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career. With a fresh sound inspired by the vibrant energy of the 80s, Aaron presents a captivating fusion of lush synths, a steady bassline, crispy drums, and his own energetic vocals. Collaborating with the talented artist "So&So" from Wellington, New Zealand, the track seamlessly blends their distinct styles, resulting in a vibrant 3-minute journey that explores topics ranging from the universe to Michaelangelo. Aaron's velvety voice, reminiscent of The Weeknd, harmonizes effortlessly with So&So's unique flare, captivating listeners and leaving them eager for more.

"When She's Dancing" is a mesmerizing ode to that magical moment of a first encounter with someone special. Inspired by the enchantment he felt when he first witnessed his then-girl's effortless and natural movements on the dance floor, Aaron sought to recreate that indescribable feeling in a song. This uptempo track captures the fleeting essence of that captivating experience, as Aaron's vocals intertwine with So&So's poetic prowess. With its nostalgic 80s-inspired sound and irresistible energy, "When She's Dancing" is a testament to Keith Aaron's musical evolution and sets the stage for a promising new phase in his artistic journey.

THE INTERVIEW

What song or moment in time sparked your passion for music?
I don't think there was a specific song or moment. There were several songs that impacted me the most and I kept replaying like All Rise by Blue and Billie Jean by Michael Jackson. There wasn't a specific moment either that sparked my passion for music. I think it was every little moment that I learnt a new chord as a child or every moment that I would sing in front of people. It all just added up really and I went from liking music to loving it.

If you had to create a Mount Rushmore of inspiration, what four individuals molded the artist you are today?

I would definitely have to say Bruno Mars for his incredible stage presence. Frank Ocean's writing ability. Kanye West's belief in himself (especially during the College Dropout era, that was HUGE for me). Someone who wanted to prove to the industry, the world and himself that he could do it is so inspiring to me man. And lastly I would probably have to say Tyler, The Creator. I think his impact on me has grown over the years. Learning about his involvement with everything he puts out and his attention to detail is something I'm more aware of in my creations now.

How does your creative process work from the moment you develop the idea to the completion of the record?

In the past, I liked to get songs done as quickly as I could because subconsciously I think I was scared that the idea would go away or something like that. Nowadays I like to sit with an idea for a while and let it kinda "marinate". It's very organic with my process. If I have an idea for a hook, I'll work it till it feels right. When I've hit a wall, I'll go away maybe for a few hours to a few days and come back to it with new energy or a new idea of where it could go. Then I'll just repeat that cycle again and again and again and again. But for the most part, it doesn't take too long to complete a song for me. I can't even remember how long "When She's Dancing" took me to complete, I just allowed the ideas to flow. I remember it being a very organic process. As for So&So's verse, I literally sent the verse to him and he sent it back within like a day. That's my brother man, he's so talented.

As for this release, who is the producer and what about the production moved you?

This one is produced by me! I was trying to recreate a specific feeling with the production. I wanted to make an uptempo song that felt like you were seeing a girl for the first time. It's that moment when you're a kid at the school dance and you see the prettiest girl across the dance floor. I wanted to recreate what that would feel like and what it might sound like.

When it comes to the songwriting on this record, what is the message you want to get across to your listeners?

I wrote this about a girl and wanted to paint the story of the night when I was starting to fall for her. "Her body makes my body go weak" is pretty self explanatory of how she made me feel. I'm a sucker for a girl who can dance (not like crazy choreography though haha). I guess the message I wanted to get across with this is don't be scared of letting them know how you feel. Let that person know how you really feel inside. Not just for you but who knows, they might feel the exact same way about you man who knows!

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