In 2013, 17-year-old Alex Aiono released his debut single 'Doesn't Get Better'.
While the statement may be true of some teenagers, Aiono is not one of them: his career is going from strength to strength.
Collaborating with John Legend, signing with Interscope Records, racking up nearly a billion views on YouTube and starring in upcoming Netflix film Finding Ohana... yeah, things have gone OK.
There's also the small matter of his debut album The Gospel At 23 which will be released on 24 July.
Yet even the most prodigious superstar can't prevent his sisters stealing his clothes. We've all been there.
Find out more about Aiono's life and style in the interview below.
Life
What upcoming project(s) are you most excited about?
Oh boy, where do I start?! I’m most excited about my debut album coming out July 24, The Gospel At 23. It took over a year to create and is my most personal body of work yet.
I drew inspiration from my earliest favourite musical memories, linking gospel music with neo-soul vibes and bringing it into modern day lyrics and twenty-three year old struggles.
The album is a raw and real look into my life so far, and I hope that it can reintroduce my story to people.
My focus track “The Medicine” released July 10, and my single “Good Morning” drops July 17.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
My proudest professional accomplishment is finally releasing this debut album, The Gospel at 23.
Since I was young, I always viewed debut albums as massive milestones – my favourite debut albums include The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and Sound Event by Khalid.
I’ve been lucky enough to participate in so many different things, but releasing my own album that speaks to my personal journey is definitely at the top of the list for me.
If you could change one thing about your career, what would it be?
Ever since I started working with my management team eight years ago, they continuously embedded in my mind the concept of patience and persistence. It’s a marathon and not a sprint.
If I could change anything in my career, it would be me going back in time and telling myself those exact things so I could better process the highs and lows of life.
What do you hope to achieve that you haven’t yet?
I think there is a clear list of what every artist wants to achieve whether it’s selling out stadiums, winning Grammys or going platinum.
While those are all things on my list, I feel like just making a larger impact than I’ve made the day before is something I constantly try to achieve.
Outside of your family, who is/was your biggest inspiration?
Musically, looking at artists like Lauryn Hill, Stevie Wonder, Pharrell, and honestly any artist that stepped outside of the boundaries and created their own boundaries, are inspirations to me.
I also look at Warren Buffet and Gary Vaynerchuk who did the same, but in their own respective professions.
Tell us something nobody knows about you…
I’m a pretty open book, so there’s not a lot that people don’t know.
However, something I’ve been doing with my free time is rock climbing. It’s a very humbling sport and it teaches you to get back up and try again until you succeed.
Style
What’s your favourite item of clothing – and what does it mean to you?
I bought this Stone Island corduroy oversized button up and I love wearing it.
It’s the perfect “hug” and gives me a sense of comfort and vulnerability whenever I’m wearing it.
It’s a staple item that I can dress up or dress down, and I love that about it.
Favourite accessory – watch / jewellery / etc – and why is it special to you?
I have a ring that each of my family members also own that has been engraved with our last name in it.
We all got it during a trip to Disney World where I was performing.
It signifies that very fun trip, but is also a constant reminder to me how important my family is and how I can always rely on them to be there for me when I need them.
What items do you take on holiday and why?
Regardless of the destination, anytime I travel I always have to bring a good pair of sunglasses with me.
Funny enough, I never wear them when I’m home – sunglasses feel more like a “holiday” accessory for me.
Is there an item you threw away – or lost – that you really miss?
Having three sisters, I’m very used to giving my clothes away and immediately regretting it once I see them wearing it out.
I remember I had an Alexander Wang T-shirt that one of my sisters “borrowed” and turned into a crop top… it’s still a touchy subject to this day.
What would you buy if money was no object?
If money wasn’t an object, the first thing I would do is buy my family a plot of land where we could all have our own respective homes but still be together and have a great time.
My family means the world to me and they’ve seen me through all of the ups and downs, so giving back to them is my biggest priority.
The Gospel At 23 will be released on 24 July
