AB & 14KT “SATURN RETURN” ALBUM

Saturn Return brings the pressure of time and is often the first awareness of your own mortality. You take stock of what it would take to achieve those big dreams and possibly dread ever getting there. But happily, it’s a time when things like discipline, focus and clear sight come in to give you pragmatic hope. You’ll figure out what’s still possible and make the changes necessary to get on track. It’s a crossroads period when life-altering decisions are made.

Saturn Return is more than an album… It’s a story that was developed by two friends, while they were individually working their way through one of the most grueling transition periods of their lives. This period left them both questioning their purpose in life, what they wanted for themselves, what made them happy, as well as who they were.

Their conversations and the continual support of each other led soul singer Aaron “Ab” Abernathy and beat-smith 14KT to co-produce a progressive soul album focused on a love story between characters Ab and Lalah. However, it is an experience that anyone can relate to.

“The characters’ chemistry plays out like the typical love relationships,” said Ab. “It’s the exploration of each other that leads to trouble because when you’re trying to grow with someone you have to face yourself and everyone doesn’t want to do that because it’s painful. Ab and Lalah’s relationships represent that familiar place we’ve all been in.”

“Saturn Return is a diary page of what we were going through at the time and our conversations put more emphasis on us wanting to get this project done….it was as if we had to because I knew so many people that were going through this same transition period,” added 14KT.

While the story is great, it doesn’t overshadow the music. Saturn Return is filled with a plethora of different musical landscapes. 14KT’s signature hard-hitting drums and euphoric atmosphere mixed with Ab’s melodic and soulful approach to instrumentation consistently mirror each other in every stage of this album and sonically lays the foundation for its in-depth lyrical content. It’s the perfect way for listeners to sit in on the intimate love relationship between characters Ab & Lalah and witness all the vulnerability that comes with it.

“The way Ab writes on this album is special,” said 14KT. “It’s so rare to see such vulnerability displayed from a male singer. It’s as if we shouldn’t be privy to his deepest thoughts, emotions, and feelings.”

In addition to lyrical vulnerability, Ab’s vocal versatility matches his emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. On the opening selection his Marvin Gaye like falsetto and background vocals are haunting and resurface again on “Heavenly” where he bares his love for Lalah. Aggressive styles of funk vocals are revealed on “Lover’s Galaxy” in pursuit of his lover while his sinister harmonic lead on “Forget Who I Am” is reminiscent of Prince over 14KT’s pulsating deranged production. Ab is a choir of voices on “God (Food & Water)” and last but not least you’ll find his subtle and somber vocal style on “Sweatpants & My Cardigan,” the self-produced duet with vocalist Shelley Barnes.

Then there is “Forgotten.” This stand out record is where you’ll find the duo’s co-production at its best. It features Ab’s Nat Turner affiliate Malik Hunter assisting on upright bass coupled with both producers on keys and percussion and leaves you no choice but to get up and dance.

It’s not often that two producers with two different styles go through the same thing at the same time and collaboratively use their personal struggle in their everyday lives to create something that has the possibility of being so impactful. Saturn Return is a conceptual journey through music and love that pulls you in because the album is about a part of your past or present life.

Because the album is as much about your life as it is about Ab and 14KT’s.

About Ab:
Aaron Abernathy, professionally known as Ab, is a multi-talented musician — singer, songwriter, producer, and entertainer. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Ab joined the ranks of artists like Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack as a graduate from the prestigious music program at Howard University, where he sharpened his vocal abilities and musicianship. With outstanding talents as both a keyboard player and a vocalist, he has acted as musical director for global touring acts Black Milk and Slum Village and collaborated with Grammy-nominated artists including Jack White, The Foreign Exchange, and Eric Roberson. Find out more about Ab at www.aaronabernathy.com

About 14KT:
Kendall Tucker, professionally known as 14KT, is an extraordinary producer/DJ hailing from Ypsilanti, Michigan. As a two-time winner of Red Bull’s Big Tune national beat battle competition, 14KT has produced for the likes of Mayer Hawthorne, Bun B, Jay Electronica, and Aloe Blacc. As a DJ he’s performed at SXSW as well as one of the most influential venues for the ‘beat music’ genre, “Low End Theory.” 14KT has also been spotted on tour with Mayer Hawthorne, across the U.S. and Canada, and throughout Europe. Find out more about 14KT at www.asideworldwide.com/artists/14KT/