sjoerd: 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.