We were lucky to catch up with Double AA recently and have shared our conversation below.

Double, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project that I have worked on has been my latest album, TITAN. This project is important to me for a few reasons.

For one, the album featured artists, musicians, songwriters and engineers that I have built meaningful relationships with from across the US and overseas. I first had the idea for the album in 2018. Working through location challenges and the pandemic were obstacles that turned into blessings. During that time well over 60 records were created and a new direction for the album’s overall theme developed.

I wore multiple hats as a composer, songwriter, producer, engineer, A&R and executive throughout the process. To date this is the best body of work that I have worked on. With an extreme focus on putting the music first I was able to assemble a stellar cast of artists, songwriters, musicians and engineers to create the best product my budget would allow.

It is not common practice for producers to release a full album as an artist. It is rare to see it. Aside from DJ Khaled, who else comes to mind? My goal for this project was to serve as a calling card/resume for myself as a producer but also for everyone that contributed to the project. And to date, it is doing just that.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I don’t remember a time that music was a part of who I was. From my uncle giving me drumsticks and teaching me “The Lone Ranger” theme song cadence to what I do today, music has always been a mainstay. My first placement was with a Philadelphia based gospel label for a group, Everyday Process, in 2007. Since then I have been a part of production teams, a distribution, publishing and marketing business and a studio owner. I continuously hone my skills so I can perform and serve at high level. Today my main focus is on creating the best song with every client I partner with.

What’s my calling card? As a producer you will get a specific sound working with me. No “type beats”. What does that mean? We are going to create something that is an authentic representation of your artistry that will sonically compete with the big records in the preferred genre the artist is most comfortable in. With me it will always be about the music and that means dong what is best for the song. No egos. My studio is an environment of peace and a place the creatives can escape and be completely free to be their authentic selves. There is no competition. Let’s be the very best we can be with what we have been given and that will always be more than good enough.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My drive is simple. It’s not money or fame driven. I just want to be the best producer, musician and composer I can be. All the accolades will come but if they do not, it’s okay because I would have “left it all on the floor”. Simply saying I’ll be satisfied with the final outcome as long as I gave my very best.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Early in my career my team and I created a record for an unsigned artist. This song landed with a major artist that became a billboard charting hit record. We did not receive credit for the song. Because of the parties involved with the record, lawyers cited a “conflict of interest” although we had a musicology report and session files to support our claims. Social Media was not what it is today meaning we would not have been able to use “the court of public opinion” to assist us in putting pressure on the record label. “Black balling” was still a fear which left us feeling very defeated. For a time I took a step back from aggressively pursuing my creative destiny. Six years to be exact. When you are called to do something it’s only but so long you can rest easy not doing the thing you were meant to do. I found that love and drive again working with the man he put music in my hands, my uncle, Little Jeffery Grier.

Not too long ago the song was sampled and created another high performing record leaving us to relive it all over again. This time would not let that deter us. I decided to put that in the rearview and press forward. What is for me, no one can take. Many records and opportunities later I am better than I have ever been!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.iamdoubleaa.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamdouble_aa/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamdouble_aa/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/iamdouble_aa