AAries single ‘Better Days’ featured on SoulBounce

AAries in the Press
Written By AAries

AAries single ‘Better Days’ reviewed on SoulBounce article “AAries Returns To Let Us Know 'Better Days' Are Ahead”.

It's been seven years since we heard from the duo AAries. The twin sisters who make beautiful music together dropped their EP Got Ur Request back in 2015 and have been pretty silent since. We knew the Philly natives couldn't stay away for too long, however, and Ayinké Hipps and Ayana Hipps are back on the scene with their new single "Better Days."

"Better Days" fits squarely in AAries wheelhouse with the ladies singing in harmony as they celebrate the strength of Blackness and Black culture. "We grind / But we shine / And we glow / 'Cuz ya know / That fo' sho / We the truth / And we move / Like we do," they sing on the chorus. Meanwhile, the verses tell the story of Black people in the world and the adversity that we overcome to realize our greatness.

The instrumentation is kept relatively simple here to showcase their voices, but it's not an afterthought. Programmed drums are the main element here, keeping the song's leisurely pace. They're joined by bits of guitar made to echo their vocals and occasionally provide a counter melody and synth chords that provide a base for it all.

Being that "Better Days" celebrates our resilience and even calls for reparations, we have a feeling that it's no coincidence that it arrives just in time to celebrate Juneteenth. It's also fitting that the track gives us something to groove to as the newly minted holiday weekend commences. Vibe along with AAries and their latest when you press play below.

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AAries

Ayana and Ayinké, twin sisters collectively known as AAries, have always known they wanted to sing. Born and raised in Alexandria, VA, their father introduced them to Jazz, Soul, R&B. Their mother introduced them to Classical and Gospel, which fostered their love for music. Their mother encouraged their love of music by insisting they sing in church and in chorus; and before the pursuit of a musical career even entered their minds, the two were no strangers to singing at the Kennedy Center and on the Wolf Trap stage. At the age of 14, the sisters showcased their talent on Showtime at the Apollo in Harlem, New York. The two also had the opportunity as teens to sing with Kirk Franklin and Richard Smallwood. After graduating high school, Ayana and Ayinké headed to Lehigh University, where Ayana earned her degree in International Business and Ayinke in Sociology with a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling. Upon graduating college, Ayana and Ayinke set their sights on Philadelphia, which they quickly made their home, embedding themselves into the musical scene including the popular Black Lily showcase at the famed Five Spot venue. Soon after, the two were recognized from their work with Musiq Soulchild. Ayana and Ayinké were featured on such hits as “Girl Next Door,” a cover of Patrice Rushen’s “Settle for My Love” and GRAMMY-nominated records “Love” and “Forthenight.” AAries went on to sign deals with both Atlantic Records and Sony.

Their work ushered in opportunities, such as writing and recording their song “Come Inside” for the Johnson Family Vacation (starring Cedric the Entertainer and Vanessa Williams) movie soundtrack. They also earned the opportunity to be in a national Coca Cola campaign, alongside musical legends Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Amel Larrieux, Angie Stone and Musiq Soulchild. They have provided background vocals to artists such as Joe, Chris Brown, Skillz and RatedArt and Lee Fields. They’ve released a single with the house music collective “Reel People” for the dance floor hit “Don’t Give It Up” and an EP of cover songs called “Cover Girls.” The group has been working on their upcoming EP with the help of talented producer, songwriter, and artist Marcus John Bryant a.k.a. RatedArt. In addition they worked on a song with GRAMMY-nominated producer Ivan (Orthodox) Barias, who also assisted in Engineering the entire EP.

AAries recently released a single off their EP entitled, “Better Days'' This song celebrates our culture in the most encouraging manner, keeping the power we have, ALIVE. It reminds us of who we are, a beautiful people who are creative, nurturing and most importantly, resilient.

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