Aaron Duncan: From Soca Star to Trailblazing Producer, Proving He’s Truly “One of a Kind”
Trinidadian singer, songwriter, and producer Aaron Duncan has been making waves since his early days in the junior categories of Calypso and Soca. A five-time Junior Calypso champion, four-time Junior Chutney winner, and two-time Junior Soca Monarch, Duncan solidified his name as a standout talent from a young age. But now, he’s stepping into new territory as a producer, with his latest project, the “Summer Scene Rhythm,” becoming the biggest of the season.
Aaron first burst into mainstream Soca with his global hit “Can You Feel It?” Since then, he’s delivered a string of hits like “Back to Basics,” “Stay Feel,” and “Darling.” But 2024 marks a new chapter for Duncan as a producer. His “Summer Scene Rhythm,” featuring Lady Lava’s “Ring Finger,” Nelly Catois’ “Boop,” and his own collaboration with Travel With Zoe, “Single,” has taken the music scene by storm.
Duncan’s shift into producing came as an unexpected but divine twist. He recalled the spontaneous creation of “Single,” explaining, “Travel With Zoe came to the studio just for an interview, and out of a joke, I said, ‘Why don’t you do a song?’ That song went viral, thanks to platforms like TikTok. From there, I sent the rhythm to other artists, and Lady Lava responded first, giving us ‘Ring Finger,’ which is now the biggest song on the rhythm.”
Though Duncan has been producing for four years, this is his first major success in the field. “I didn’t expect producing a zess rhythm would be in my bingo card for 2024,” he joked, “but I always felt the music could evolve into what we’re seeing now.” Lady Lava’s Ring Finger already has a whopping two million views and counting. From all accounts, she destroyed every stage she touched during the recently concluded Miami Carnival.
Duncan credits his growth as a producer to the guidance of Kit Israel from AdvoKit Productions, who’s behind hits like “Hello” by Kes and “Ola” by Olatunji. Duncan says, “Kit got me started in 2018, and I’m grateful he’s part of my management team now.”
As for what’s next, Duncan is excited about his upcoming release, produced by Kit Israel, set to drop soon.
Duncan told Your Caribbean Guide that his next release is particularly close to his heart. His new song, “One of a Kind,” is a love song he wrote himself.
“It’s a song I hold very close because I wasn’t supposed to be a writer. I came into this industry as just an artist, but I wanted to expand,” he shared.
He credits the COVID-19 pandemic for pushing him to learn new skills like writing, producing, graphic design, and video editing. “It gives me a sense of independence,” Duncan says, noting how this journey has made him more self-sufficient and confident in his artistry.
Having been a key player in both Soca and Calypso, Duncan has witnessed the genres’ evolution firsthand. “There’s been a drastic change,” he noted, highlighting the growing influence of youth in these musical spaces. While some people may resist these shifts, Duncan embraces them, especially as he sees more young people gravitating toward Calypso and Soca, revitalizing the genres with fresh energy.
Looking to the future, Duncan said his goals have matured along with him.
“When I was younger, I wanted to be the youngest Soca Monarch, but now, I just want to build an army of supporters who feel connected to my music.”
With social media platforms like TikTok, Duncan has already started to achieve this, building a dedicated fan base that shares his passion for music.
His advice to aspiring artists? “Never give up, work hard, and don’t look for handouts,” he said stressing the importance of self-reliance in the industry. “You have to bring something to the table before you expect the table to feed you.”
As for future collaborations, Duncan dreams big. “I’ve always wanted to work with Machel Montano, and now, I’d love to collaborate with Vybz Kartel.” He envisions blending Jamaican dancehall and Trinidadian Soca into a project that could turn into the next big rhythm.
With his talent, determination, and vision, Aaron Duncan continues to carve his own path in the world of Caribbean music, proving that he is indeed “One of a Kind.”
