Aquile

NBC’s take on talent-driven reality TV is “The Voice.” The season 3 blind auditions kicked off in a big way with three consecutive shows Monday through Wednesday. “The Voice” celebrity judges Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton listened to dozens of aspiring artists this week, including a rising star from San Diego.

Aquile, the 24-year-old singer songwriter born in San Diego and raised in Wyoming, stole Aguilera’s heart on Tuesday night’s episode, earning him a spot on Team Xtina.

photo
NBC's "The Voice" season three
+Read Caption
Aquile performed a smooth rendition of Elton John’s Your Song, which was recently covered by Ellie Goulding, remaining relevant to today’s audience. His soulful song prompted three judges to spin their chairs around: Aguilera, followed by Levine and Green at the last second. But it was obvious that Aguilera’s enthusiasm topped the charts.

Aquile’s subtle smirk left the Dirty singer wanting more. “Hands down, I was drawn to your voice from the second I heard it,” said Aguilera. “I really ‘got’ you as a vocalist and I would love to have you on Team Xtina and to really take you to that place. I kinda want a private concert to be honest.”

photo
Aquile and "American Idol" runner-up Jessica Sanchez -- Facebook
+Read Caption
Viewers watching “The Voice” from home got a glimpse into the contestants’ back stories. Aquile opened up to host Carson Daly that he broke his jaw during a bad fight just a few years ago. When he was 19, Aquile was punched in the face, and had to have his jaws wired shut for six weeks. Whether Aquile will become the next Kanye West is yet to be determined, but our local guy sure did have a Through The Wire experience like the Chi-Town hero.

Today, Aquile reached out to his San Diego fans via the ever-popular social media platform Twitter. He said: “Where's all my San Diego people @ let me hear from you!!! Let's celebrate our success this weekend!” You don’t have to tell us twice. We’ll definitely be celebrating Team Xtina, San Diego-style all weekend long. You can follow Aquile on Twitter @Aquile, or check out his website aquilemusic.com - San Diego Union Tribune

Aquile, 24, of San Diego, told The Voice about the challenges he’s faced in life.

He grew up in the small town of Douglas, Wyoming, in a mostly white community. He’s biracial.

“A lot of people loved me. There were also people who had their own opinions of me without really knowing me,” he says, hinting that he faced at least some discrimination.

Then, at 19, he was punched, his jaw was broken and had to be wired shut.

In hindsight, he calls that an “amazing blessing” because he learned to play guitar and wrote music while recuperating.

On The Voice, Aquile performed “Your Song.” Adam and Christina turned their chairs almost immediately; Cee Lo joined them at almost the last second.

Then the praise began. Christina called the performance amazing and joked that she’d like her own private concert because Aquile is one of those guys who didn’t exactly need a blind audition.

Said Adam: “From the minute you starting singing, there was this really unique, rich, buttery consistency. It was so good from the very first note.”

What the show didn’t show: In a post-audition interview, Aquile told Christina Milian he picked Christina because she turned around first and seemed most excited about his performance. His Voice bio tells us Aquile has a child on the way, meaning “the days of pursuing music as just a passion are over.” On Facebook, we learn that he excelled in choir while living in Wyoming, attended Casper College and performs with a band called The Orbit Group. Oh, and that his name is McChale “Aquile” Gunby. The Orbit Group released an EP, “Live at the Bar Deluxe,” in 2010; it appears Aquile released a single, “Sweet Mistake,” a year earlier. Go to Aquile TV on YouTube to hear more. - Idol Chatter

Aquile (The Voice)
NBC’s “The Voice” is gearing up for another season, this time absent Cee-lo and Christina. Last season, however, team “X-tina” uncovered an indisputable talent in Aquile. Unfortunately, he was cut before America got to vote for him. In his time on the show, however, Aquile proved to the world that he is one to watch for. Even the other judges on the show stated that he was “ready.”

For the first time in my life I watched a music competition show for the simple reason that Aquile is also a friend. We grew up in the same town and in the same church. So take this with a pinch of bias if you will, but I chatted with Aquile about the show, the road ahead, and how he was robbed by not making it to the voting round.

Lee: Aquile, good to chat with you. Now, you’ve recently received some national attention by being featured on last season’s “The Voice.” Talk to me a little bit about your thoughts on that experience and how it has helped further your dreams.

Aquile: Thanks for having me. My experience on the show surpassed my expectations. I showed up to open calls in L.A. just to support a friend and see how I’d do in the process. Unfortunately, my friend didnt make it, but they put me through to the next round. Call back after call back and I eventually made it to television. The moment Christina turned her chair around changed my life forever. I now have fans around the world in places I’ve even never heard of, lol. Twitter is an amazing way to connect with my fans in other countries. The exposure I got from “The Voice” has given me that extra boost I’ve needed for so long. I’m extremely busy recording, writing, and traveling; playing three to four gigs a week. The blessings keep coming as the weeks go on. Overall it was a dream come true to be on that national platform.

Lee: So, you were tragically cut before America got a chance to vote for you in the competition (and believe me we would have!), but you got some great remarks from all of the judges about how you’re “ready.” Talk a bit about how you felt when that all went down.

Aquile: Just to hear those “SUPERSTARS” say my name felt like such an awesome accomplishment. They know who I am and thats the best part. The fact that they called me ready just confirmed that all the years of practice has finally begun to pay off.

Lee: Before you hit the national spotlight this past year, you previously spent a couple years singing with the worship team at Highland Park Community Church in Casper, Wyoming. How do you feel that served to prepare you for where you’re at now?

Aquile: I grew up in the church and music was always a huge part of why I loved it! Singing at Highland Park was also another great platform for me. Working with Pastor Kendel Terry was a lot of fun and he helped me flourish, giving me solo sections and at times leading the choir. Church offered another avenue for me to share my gift with people . My voice comes from God and there is no better place to let it be heard than in His house!

Lee: Talk a little about your relationship with God. How has your faith affected and/or influenced your music?

Aquile: Ever since I can remember I have always believed in God. My mother is a Godly woman and raised me to be a Godly Man. However, like most I tend to stray out in the materialistic world we live in. I’ve been in some low places since I’ve been out on this quest, including jail. Had I not believed in the Lord, I dont know how I would have ever gotten through or overcome the darkness I faced. I was able to learn from my mistakes and grew closer to God in the process. I was blessed with a baby boy last year and that little miracle has brought me closer to God as well. If you’re a parent, you know how much you pray for your child. All of these experiences I’ve been through good and bad have in some way or another influenced my music. I believe God won’t let me go through anything I can’t handle or use to my benefit. Whatever the devil pitches my way im gunna knock it out the park. God is responsible for the things in my life that inspire me. So when I start my day I ask for inspiration, because He has it everywhere.

Lee: Do you find it hard to have faith in God in the music industry? Or, is that something that provides a solid ground through it all?

Aquile: I haven’t found it hard at all. If anything its easy for me because I realize I wouldnt have the gift I have if He didn’t have a plan for me to use it. This industry can be so overwhelming and discouraging. But with faith put in God im kinda just sitting back and enjoying the ride.

Lee: What’s life been like since you left “The Voice”?

Aquile: Life’s been hectic, but fun! It’s wild getting recognized by strangers. I sometimes forget I was on TV and wonder, “why is this person starring at me like that?” Lol. I’ve really been enjoying my time as a new father with my son. He keeps me grounded and gives me another reason to work even harder. I feel more blessed than I’ve ever been and im so thankful to get to do what I love and make a living from it.

Lee: Have you had any contact with the judges since you left?

Aquile: Those guys are so dang busy! Hardly anyone I know has had much contact. I’ve spoken with Adam Levine briefly since the show. I’m hopping to work with him in the near future. I’m sure we will all be crossing each others paths at some point.

Lee: Any rumblings of a full length album your fans should know about? Basically, what’s “next” for Aquile?

Aquile: I’ve been working hard in the studio since the show. I’m really exited about the sound that’s coming out. Most likely going to release a single soon… until the album is finished. The goal is to finish a solid album and hit the road later this year.

Lee: Way back in the day, you released a Christmas album as your introduction into the music world (I still have my copy, by the way). When you were making that album at the church, did you ever think you’d be where you are today?

Aquile: Wow, that’s old school, haha. I think I was 16 when I recorded that album. I knew that I wanted to be a singer but I had no idea it would be like this. Singing has already taken me places I didn’t think I could go and I’m still a baby in the industry. So that being said, Im very exited for what is yet to come!

Lee: When you look five or ten years in the future, where do you see yourself then?

Aquile: In five to ten years, I plan on being on the road full-time around the world. I plan on having a clothing line by then, a non-profit organization, my own record label up and running with lots of talented and successful artist signed to it. Im currently pursuing an acting career as well. Theatre has always been a part of my life and I want to get into the movies. Shoot, I could even see politics in my future.

Lee: Alright, I always end with a silly, but revealing question. Who’s better, Superman or Batman?

Aquile: I think Superman is cool and all but, Batman Is a “G” haha. He doesn’t need superpowers to fly or to whoop the enemy. He’s just a super-rich smart Kid trapped in a really buff grown man’s body. Plus, I really like his gadgets and cars. I mean come on, it doesn’t get much more cool than BATMAN.

Lee: Thanks Aquile! Appreciate your time.

Aquile: Thanks again for having me, man. Take care! - Indievision Music