John Oates Talks New Album, Hall & Oates Fame

PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio 1020 KDKA) - You know Hall & Oates as one of the most successful duos in the music industry, but have you ever stopped to think about who Hall and Oates are?

KDKA-AM's Larry and John had a chance to chat with John Oates, who is not only still touring as Hall & Oates, but recently put together a solo album with some of music's biggest names.

In fact, Oates says his ambitious solo album, "Good Road To Follow," uses digital distribution in an old-fashioned way. Instead of releasing the album as a whole, each month a different single will come out, harkening to the days when people would wait to buy a single as they come out, as opposed to today's ability to buy an album all at once.

"Every month, there will be a new single," says Oates. "They're all different, they're all unique, and they're all collaborations with really cool people."

Those cool people include the group Hot Chelle Rae, One Republic's Ryan Tedder, Vince Gill, John Pousette-Dart and others. Oates says he used a wide variety of musicians because it was the kinds of music he likes.

"I just happen to have a really wide variety of interests," says Oates. "I love all sorts of music- the bottom line for me is, 'Is it a good song?'"

Outside of his solo endeavors, Oates says he and Hall are still playing together. This summer, they have been scheduled for more festivals and concerts then in years past, and have worked more then they have in the past ten years.

"2013 has been the year of Hall & Oates."