Press Archive: AAries in Philadelphia Style Magazine

AAries Press Archive
Written By AAries

Ayana and Ayinke were featured in a 2 page spread in Philadelphia Style Magazine’s January/February 2003 issue, page 56.

Feature: AAries: Ayana & Ayinke Hipps, Twin Sisters, Singers.

article text:

VANGUARD 

PEOPLE ON THE FOREFRONT OF PHILADELPHIA'S ARTS, MEDIA, FASHION, BUSINESS AND SOCIAL SCENE

We envision identical twins as annoying think-and-dress-alike family members out of Doublemint gum ads. But that couldn't be less true for sisters Ayinke and Ayana Hipps, also known as AAries. Since arriving from Arlington, Virginia, the South Philadelphians have given the music scene deeply textured soulful songwriting with intimate yet powerful vocals that wowed locals such as Musiq Soulchild, Amir Thompson, Carvin Haggins, Andre Harris and Vidal Davis - all of whom had input on AAries' debut CD, Always Remember (Atlantic). 

"We had a long history of church singing and great music in our home," says Ayana. After studies in classical music and vocal training at the Washington Conservatory School of Music, they came to Lehigh University to major in sociology (Ayinke) and international business (Ayana). Though a trip to Harlem's Apollo Theater set the soul train in motion at age 14, it wasn't until the heavy duty days of college that they were bitten by Philly's music bug. "We had serious majors," says Ayinke. “It was hard. But it balanced us."

We might not have known what to do," says Ayana. "But God knew what to do.” They soon became friends with Soulchild and Harris. While Musiq had them tour with him and record vocals for his album, Harris had them record at A Touch of Jazz studios. "These guys became our brothers,” says Ayana. "They're jokesters. Everything they do, they do with love.”

"It doesn't get better than having your first experience in this business be with people who have so much fun doing it," adds Ayinke. The majority of AAries' songs were written with a sense of classic soul. "People may think this is a Philly sound, but it's just good music," says Ayana. On "Eventhough," "Strangers To Lovers," "So Nice," and their Minnie Riperton cover, "Baby, This Love," these Virginia girls show that they have the perfect Philly recipe for soul: sliding strings, slow burning brass, ticklish keys and clinking clavichords topped with angelic vocals and devilish bad-relationship heat. Ask them where all this sadness and heartache comes from and they perk up, laughing about sweet relationships gone sour. When talking about the gutsy "Take U Back," Ayinke giggles about their song of empowerment. "It didn't start out that way, but by song's end… Luckily, this song isn't about us. Because I'm not taking anybody back." — A.D. Amorosi

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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