Aaron Reevey

Aaron Reevey (born November 14, 1985) is an American R&B singer, songwriter, actor, author and model. Reevey debuted in 2002 with Capitol Records and quickly achieved success when his debut single hit the U.S. "Billboard" Hot 100 chart. Following a series of personal problems in 2003 Reevey was dropped from Capitol Records just as "Billboard" magazine, called his debut album a refreshing breath of fresh air. Reevey however, resurfaced in late 2006 with the semi-autobiographical novel "Speaking from Experience" which has achieved success with just a limited release. [Shapiro, Marc. "Aaron Reevey" (2003). pg. 145. UK: ECW Press, Canada.]

Early Childhood

Aaron was born in Long Branch, to an Irish and Native-American father and an African-American and Hispanic mother. Reevey grew up in Red Bank where he attended according to conflicting reports Red Bank Regional High School or Red Bank Catholic High School. Reevey now attends Monmouth University, located in West Long Branch where he double majors in Political Science and Communication. Reevey also is one of eight children.

Music career

Aaron Reevey stated in the April 2003 edition of VIBE Magazine that music was a form of escape while he dealt with issues such as being multi-racial and the divorce of his parents. In 2002 Reevey was signed by Capitol Records and his dream suddenly became a reality when his debut single "Played" peaked at number 128 on the mainstream chart, number 79 on the rhythmic chart and number 88 on the urban chart. To date the single has managed approximately 40 million in audience impressions. In 2004, Reevey was dropped from Capitol Records and his album was never distributed to stores.

Today, Reevey enjoys success as a member of the Independent Recording Label, Street Money Entertainment. Reevey does have an album scheduled for release in 2008.

Writing career

Aaron Reevey's first novel "Speaking from Experience" was met with many favorable reviews. The Guardian called, "Speaking from Experience" an intense tale that will leave a lasting impression in the mind of readers everywhere." [Sullivan, Kevin. [http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/reviews/story/0,11712,1449385,00.html "Aaron Reevey, "Speaking from Experience"] . "The Guardian". January 11, 2007. Retrieved March 17, 2007.] "Speaking from Experience" is a semi-autobiographical tale of a multi-racial individual who struggles with identity. Reevey confesses to TriCity News that being of Irish, Venezuelan, African and Native-American decent has been extremely difficult. "I have always been enveloped in what others thought of me. For years, I was considered not black enough, white enough, and not Hispanic enough, and that left me wondering if I was good enough. It is extremely difficult dealing with this issue because you have to grow to be accepting of yourself and your heritage no matter what others have to say. There will always be those who poke fun of your ethnicity, and make you feel unimportant, but it is essential to be proud of who and what you are no matter what."

Modeling career

Aaron Reevey is the former face of Old Navy, LensCrafters and can be seen in new print ads for Virgin Mobile phones.

Film career

In 2002, Reevey played a waiter in the straight to DVD release of "Wise Girls" starring Mira Sorvino. Reevey has since signed on to play a student in a movie currently in production called "The Underachievers", and an aspiring boxer in "Sweet Science".

Personal Issues

Reevey revealed to Billboard Magazine around the time of his release, that he suffered the effects of exhaustion while writing and recording his album under Capitol Records. Reevey stated, "I was just over worked and it took a toll on me mentally and physically to the point where I just broke down."

Reevey's breakdown was also met with scrutiny from R & B and hip-hop fans. Fans of these two respective genres called Reevey's debut album which leaked to the internet "souless bubble-gum pop." Reevey took offense to his critics, "My voice may not be anything to write home about, but to be fair, I write my own songs and I choose to go the opposite direction from what most of these fans [R & B and hip-hop] are used to. I write music with substance and if they cannot feel that, too bad."Gardner, Elysa. "Under Pressure". "VIBE". May 2004.]

When asked why he left Capitol Records, Reevey stated, "It was hard working with a company that didn't understand the importance of artistic development. In fact, when the corporate folk started to tell me how to look and sound, I felt like I couldn't be myself."Gardner, Elysa. "Under Pressure". "VIBE". May 2004.]

References