I grew up… “on the crime side the, the New York Times side, where staying alive was no jive” – C.R.E.A.M (Wu-Tang Clan). Most of my youth was invested in the hip hop culture.  I was first attracted to b-boying at a very young age and eventually developed a love for lyricism.  DJ Exile and I started a duo called EMANON back in high school and we continue to make hip hop music together today.

Now you can find me in… the airport lounge where I spend most of my time on the road.  I have been traveling extensively since the release of Good Things.  Life on the road is not so bad but you miss out on important things like spending time with family and friends.

It all started when… I signed with Stones Throw Records in 2005.  I released Shine Through in 2006 and three years later I released “I Need a Dollar” as the first single on my sophomore solo album.  The song was chosen as the theme to HBO series, “How to Make it in America” and quickly made its way around the world via the internet.

If I’m not in the studio or on stage, you’ll find me… heading to the studio or the stage in a plane, train or automobile.  In my spare time I like to learn, so I enjoy watching documentaries on musicians, historic leaders or events, and science and exploration.  I am not much into reading fiction, so you are more likely to find me with a text book than with a novel.

If I could take one CD with me on holiday it would be… DJ Rogers’ album It’s Good to be Alive.  I have probably listened to this album more times than any other in my collection except for Nas’ Illmatic.

The one gig I’ll never forget… was not really a proper gig, but  I sang “Mama Hold My Hand” for a group of colleagues back when I was a junior business consultant.  When I finished the song they gave me a standing ovation and some of my co-workers were in tears.  A senior consultant whispered in my ear, “you might be in the wrong business, kid.”

I wish I hadn’t… stopped playing the trumpet for so long. When I quit the high school marching band, I traded in the trumpet for two turntables and a microphone.  Years away from practice have made it hard to get back to into the swing of things, but I still use it to record simple lines when I get the chance.

My most treasured possession is… my mobile phone. I don’t really have any material “must-haves” but my phone helps me record new song ideas and I also use it to write lyrics, so it is the most important aid in my craft as a songwriter these days.

My favourite festival is… Carnival in Panama.  I have had the pleasure of enjoying the celebration a couple of times and I really enjoy the energy.  I am looking forward to experiencing Carnival in Brazil one day.

My favourite piece of clothing… is my black perforated leather jacket.

It makes me happy when… I write a new song, or I see people enjoying themselves while listening to music, or when I see children learning, or when someone does something out of the unconditional kindness of their heart.

It makes me sad when… I see bad parents yelling at young children, bad politicians making terrible decisions for their constituents and greedy business folk corrupting government with lobbies to aid their narrow goals that don’t benefit society at all.

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s… you have to be honest with yourself and do what makes you happy in life.  Your happiness can be infectious and help other people find peace and happiness.

If you’re new to my music, I’d suggest listening to “You Make Me Smile” first.  

My most recent album is Good Things and my next single release will be “Better Things”.

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Aloe Blacc – You Make Me Smile

Aloe Blacc – Femme Fatale

Aloe Blacc – I Need A Dollar (Tensnake Remix)