10 Questions with ... Aaron Cole

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Aaron Cole turns 19 years old this week. Most young adults his age are still trying to figure out what to do with their lives-if they've even started thinking about their respective futures at all. But Aaron has been dialed in on his purpose to create music as early as he's been able to string two sentences together. The latest artist signed to Gotee Records' close-knit roster earned his first No.1 this past December when his debut single "Right On Time" (featuring label owner and mentor TobyMac) topped both the Mediabase and BDS Hot AC/CHR charts.

Currently, he's performing as part an explosive lineup each night of the TobyMac Hits Deep Tour alongside Mandisa, Danny Gokey and label mates Ryan Stevenson and Finding Favour.

1) You grew up listening to Christian radio, right? What are some of the earliest songs you remember enjoying?

I honestly didn't grow up listening to Christian radio. I grew up listening to Kirk Franklin, J Moss, Da Truth, Tye Tribbett. And sadly, they weren't on Christian radio, so I listened to CDs and my MP3 player.

2) What kind of music was most prominently played around the Cole house?

It was a lot of Christian Hip Hop-Da Truth and The Ambassador and just old school vibes. Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, TLC. The whole nine. I grew up with my whole family teaching me good music. Rarely did we listen to what was popular at the time.

3) You signed to Gotee Records in 2016; how would you describe your relationship with TobyMac?

Yes! Our relationship is great. I've learned a lot from Toby. Obviously he knows what he's doing, so I've been trying to soak up everything he knows as far as music, life, business...anything. I just want learn from him. And also try to get him frustrated on the basketball court!

4) Considering you started your music career at such a young age, surely your parents have played a huge role in all of this. How are your parents different from each other as it pertains to watching their son growing up in the music industry?

Both of my parents have been crucial to my music career. I would not be anywhere I am today without them. My dad has managed me for years, and my mom has been right by both of our sides helping along the way. They both nurtured my gift since I was really young, and even though I've moved out of the house, the support hasn't changed at all. They're still right by my side.

5) What has been the greatest and most challenging aspects of being a part of the TobyMac Hits Deep Tour so far?

The greatest part of this tour is getting to work with so many wonderful people and getting to do what I love every night. This was something I always dreamed of so to see it come to pass it just means so much. Honestly? The most challenging thing is simply finding a basketball court in every city we're in! The whole crew and artists involved in making this all happen just makes this tour a breeze.

6) Has there been a particular eye-opening moment of "this is my reality" for you while on this tour?

Definitely. That happened towards the beginning of the tour when a bunch of kids from high school hit me up and said things like "Man I remember when you always talked at the lunch table about what you're doing now" and "Man so proud of you man its crazy to see your dreams come true"... it made me realize man God really made my dreams come true. It's still crazy to think about.

7) With so many distractions coming at you day-to-day, how do you keep your heart for ministry grounded while on the road?

Good question. Will definitely say this is a hard part. But going back to my parents they always instilled in me that I can't do any of this without God. So if I get off track with spending time with God or getting distracted I always get like this tug that tells me "Aaron you're tripping". And that comes from just getting that poured into me when I was living at home.

8) As an artist always working on new music, are you willing to divulge a line from an upcoming song you've written that is particularly meaningful to you?

One line that comes to mind is, "I know I mess up / I know I fall down / But you Thurgood / Like you working for the law now." Meaning, "God, I know I'm not perfect, but you 'Thurgood': You're there (being) good. As if You're working for the law now." It's a play on words, incorporating Thurgood Marshall, the famous African American judge during the Civil Rights Movement. Anyone unfamiliar with his story needs to look him up!

9) You have access to three artists of your choice to collaborate on a future album. Who would they be?

Stevie Wonder, Musiq Soulchild, and PJ Morton.

10) Especially considering your first-ever radio single ("Right On Time") hit #1, do you find it hard to not inflict pressure on yourself to keep writing great songs?

Oh, for sure. But that's always been a pressure of mine. I'm always wanting to better myself and constantly perfect my craft. And that's why I keep real people around me that speak the truth and never let me slack.

What can the world expect from Aaron Cole in regards to new music in 2018?

Diversity and Soul! That's my whole vibe. Whether it sounds like a pop song, a trap song, an R&B song, a hip-hop song, it's all Aaron Cole.