Aki Starr has a pulse for what is happening in popular culture and music with his chart-climbing Billboard singles. His songs are played on the radio, in clubs and in hot spots from New York to Sao Paulo, Brazil. Starr’s songs reign on top 10 dance, club and EDM (electronic dance music) charts making him one of the most relevant singers today. His current hit “The Closer I Get to You” has been featured in iTunes as “New and Noteworthy” with its high-energy dance mix and dubstep beat. It has also been featured on MTV’s “Sways Universe” as a top music video and praised by industry music veterans and dozens of music blogs and magazines. Starr’s musical accomplishments have taken him from the dance floor to the homes of millions, writing hits for popular TV shows “Knock First”, “Jake 2.0″, “Malcolm in the Middle”, “Desperate Housewives” and others. Aki Starr is an internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer. He is also an accomplished actor and model making him a 5-star threat.
Interview by Tim Brown
When and why did you start singing?
Breakdancing at an early age was my first taste of entertaining! Once the fad died down, a couple of friends and I decided to get into music. The two friends are Sway Calloway (MTV, TRL) and King Tech (World Famous Wake Up Show!). Sway started rapping and King Tech started DJing. I had no idea what my role was going to be because I had no idea I could sing yet so I was just tagging along and helping. One day, King Tech suggested that we needed to find someone that can sing. He then asked me, “hey Aki, by any chance do YOU know how to sing?” I responded, “I only sing in the shower lol”. King Tech asked me to sing something and the rest is HISTORY!!
Which famous entertainer do you admire? Why?
Michael Jackson, the artist! In my opinion, he is the greatest singer/entertainer ever. The stage presence will never be matched. The combination of his amazing voice and dance moves on stage may never be matched. He is the Gold Standard of how an artist should perform. He is the King Of Pop!
Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?
Being a bboy and dancer, James Brown’s music was a huge inspiration in my life. Soul Sonic Force and Planet Patrol as well. The song “Play At Your Own Risk” by Planet Patrol was a life changer! A revolutionary dance beat with doowop singing! This song changed the game!
Who are your favorite musicians? Groups?
I love Carlos Santana’s music! He put the genre Latin Rock on the map. The band Malo, which featured Carlos Santana’s brother Jorge Santana was also great as well! As a matter of fact, I am now one of the lead singers of Malo! I also sing with Jorge Santana’s band!
Do you perform in public? Describe those occasions? Concerts, radio, TV
I’ve been performing live for many years now and have shared the stage with artists such as Boys 2 Men, Digital Underground with Tupac, Selena, Aaliyah, Usher, TLC, Stevie B, Cover Girls, Tower Of Power, War, Zapp, Los Lonely Boys, Ozomatli, Delfonics, GQ and many more. I feel at “home” when I’m on stage. I’m normally an introvert, but put me on a stage and a “light switch” turns on and I become a different person!
What type of music do you do now?
I consider myself a pop dance artist. I sing and produce a wide variety of dance music ranging from dance pop, EDM to Freestyle. I also sing love ballads
Why did you choose to play this kind of music?
Dancing is in my blood! When it came time to start singing, I wanted to sing to something I can dance to! As far as the ballads, romance is always in the air and everyone is always looking for that special love song they can relate to! Tear jerkers as I call them sometimes.
Let’s Talk about your music and your last work…
I have a dance single called “Voices In My Head” that is currently charting on the Billboard dance chart at number 19 with a bullet!! The single has gained radio play globally and the demand for live shows has increased because of it! I have some big tours lined up and I am super stocked and ready!
How do you feel about the internet in the music business?
The music industry has changed drastically over the last 10 to 15 years and now the internet pretty much controls the music indistry! It is what it is and as artists, we have to adapt keep up with the times or we will fail.
What are the plans for the future?
I have a follow up single called “Treasure Of My Heart” that will be released in about a month. I am currently working on the music video for it and the video will have many pleasant surprises! Stay tuned!
Who is your biggest fan?
My mom of course!! She is the reason for my passion and determination for success!
Social Media
https://www.facebook.com/AkiStarr/
https://twitter.com/akistarrmusic
https://www.instagram.com/akistarr/
https://www.youtube.com/user/AkiStarrMusic/videos
https://soundcloud.com/aki-starr
Billboard Charting Artist:
https://www.billboard.com/charts/dance-club-play-songs?fbclid=IwAR1-2nWprjxyK_EH7P68BoNi9AahjSTIW_sHn7WZxQJtQCDRmWxwgoX6TYA
1.1 Million SoundCloud Plays
https://soundcloud.com/officialspanishfly/voices-in-my-head-featuring-aki-starr
Contact – Gino Caporale
ginocaporale@418music.com
M.T.V.rock 