Aaron Carter built his name by performing Nickelodeon-approved bubblegum pop aimed at 9-year-olds. Carter, who was 9 himself when his first album released, rode that wave of fame for a half-decade before much of his audience grew up and moved on. After putting his music career on the back burner, Carter was mostly known for reality TV appearances and a variety of personal problems on public display. In early 2018, he released his first album in 16 years, Love. It’s an impressive record, showcasing Carter’s surprisingly solid grasp on modern-day electronic R&B and pop. Carter clearly isn’t content with being written off as another child star, and it seems like he might just be able to pull off a successful second act.
AARON CARTER Pop artist and former teen sensation now dabbling in beat-heavy EDM. See Calendar Pick on p. 16.
JUSTIN STONE Pop-rapper from Columbus, OH.
GRANT COWAN Local jazz-influenced, piano-playing singer-songwriter.
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