Recently our Program Manager, Kristin, did a virtual sit down with the talented Aaron Carter. We got the scoop on his role as Matt in the off Broadway production of The Fantastics, new music, and what it is about his fans that he loves so much.
You have been in the spotlight pretty much your entire life. Growing up a lot of people referred to you as Nick Carter’s little brother. As someone who has been “the younger sibling” to someone else, I know how that feels. I feel that you have definitely stepped out a lot this year and when you hear Aaron Carter we don’t think of your brother anymore. You think actor, singer, dancer, and performer. How does it feel to be at this point in your life?
It feels great to be able to be recognized for my own accomplishments. I have a great relationship with my brother and he's been able to help guide me in the right direction, but it's good that people are looking at me as my own person now. I like being able to stand on my own and have my talent speak for itself.
You are currently starring as Matt in The Fantasticks. How are you enjoying that role so far?
Starring in The Fantasticks has been a great experience. I enjoy playing the role of Matt because he's's a hopeless romantic and a free spirit and I can really relate to his character. Being able to study and rehearse with Tom Jones, the man who actually wrote and created the musical, has been humbling and a true honor. He is an amazing individual.
We hear from the director that they do not typically hire on cast that is as large as you. How does it feel to know that you wowed them enough for them to break that mold?
It feels amazing. It is an honor to be part of such a great cast and having my fans come out each night to see me. I am very thankful for this opportunity and I've really been bitten by the Broadway bug. I hope to continue doing more in the future.
What can fans that are not familiar with The Fantasticks expect when they attend one of these shows?
When you come to see The Fantasticks you should expect to enjoy yourself from start to finish. It is a musical about love with a few comedic twists in between. I feel like The Fantasticks gives you a completely different “Broadway” experience. We don’t have big special effects and gags, we are not on a huge elevated stage. Our show is very intimate and you will feel like you are part of the performance. I love being able to perform and have the audience right next to me. It's an incredible feeling.
Is theater something you are going to continue to pursue once this role is up?
Absolutely, I would love to do some more theater. I feel like this experience and working with Tom Jones has brought me to a whole different level in both acting and singing.
Stepping away from The Fantasticks a bit, you are also a recording artists. It’s been a while since we have seen a new album from you. Is that in the works and when can we expect it?
Yes, in my down time from The Fantasticks, I have been writing and working on my music. Listening to a bunch of submissions to see if any of the tracks are something I would like to record. I really want my new music to reflect who I am and what I've been through, so it's a little bit of a longer process. I want to give my fans something that I've put my all into and something they feel that they can relate to. Hopefully, I will have some new music out this year.
Seems it has been a while since you have released an album, how do you think your sound has changed over the years. You have obviously matured.
My sound has definitely matured over the years. I've gone through a lot more so I'm able to write about things that really are very personal to me whether it's relationships or life experiences. I also have been producing all of my own music so what you're listening to is completely coming from my heart and soul.
You sing, dance, act… is there anything you haven’t done that you are planning to try in the near future?
Right now, I've been really focusing on my role in The Fantasticks. That's definitely top priority for me and working on my music. I'd also really love to do some more acting. As far as anything I haven't done yet, I'm always looking forward to trying new things.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working, if there is such a time seems you are always so busy?
I love being outdoors, so anything associated with that I like to do in my downtime. Since I've been living here in New York for the show, I've been able to explore a little bit and I love it. The energy in this city is amazing.
Your fans are clearly very important to you. We’ve seen you recently tweeting a lot of them back, following them back on twitter, etc. Why do you feel it’s important to be that interactive with them? Not all celebrities and performers do that.
Without fans you aren’t anything. My fans are the greatest. Which is why I feel it is so important to be interactive with them. Social media has made that much easier. I can now post something and my fans all over the world can see it in minutes. Not only do I keep them informed of what is coming up or what I have been up to but I can also get instant feedback from them. I also like to be able to connect with them on a personal level. With Twitter, they can always message me and I try my hardest to get back to each and every one of them. They mean the world to me and if just a hello or a simple follow from me will make their day, then I don't have any problem doing that. They deserve it.
What goes through your mind when you get those messages that you just made their year, or that they love you? A simple three or four word tweet from you literally makes their day to the point of happy tears.
I Love it!! As I said earlier, my fans are the greatest and their constant support over the years has been absolutely amazing. I want them to always know how much I appreciate and love them and I'm there for them whenever they need me. I wouldn't be where I am without them.
What else should the fans be on the lookout for from you over the next year or so?
Well, I'll be in The Fantasticks until the end of January, then I definitely want to keep pursuing acting and theater as well as working on my music. Hopefully within the year I will be getting some new material out for everyone to hear.
Our last question we are well known for. We ask all of our guests this. It’s a bit fun and random. Here it goes: If you could be any flavor jelly belly (jelly bean), what flavor would you be and why? Feel free to make one up if it doesn’t exist.
Haha, hmm… I'd probably be one of those weird flavors that every one is afraid to eat so they have to work up the courage to do it. Like the Harry Potter flavors… Definitely.
Make sure you follow Aaron on twitter at @AARONCARTER and check out his website to stay up to date at www.aaroncarterworldwide.com. You can also swing over to Ticketmaster and purchase tickets to see Aaron onstage!
Find Artists On Demand online at www.artistsondemandonline.com, @artistsondemand, and feel free to locate our Program Manager, Kristin at @KristinAODradio
