AJA
Photo credit: Ryan Craven
It is probably one of the biggest pop records I’ve heard this year so far. “Red Button” is an empowering anthem: upbeat, edgy and catchy. The song offers some incredible and powerful vocals with some sick melodies and a big production by Jim McGorman and Kibwe Thomas. Despite her young age, AJA knows exactly who she is an artist and that’s inspiring to see. I believe she will keep getting better and better as the years go by and I’m pretty sure she can become one of the greatest pop artists in the game.
Go stream “Red Button” now !!
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
I'm AJA, I'm 16 (17 in April) and a Canadian singer/songwriter from Toronto. Been writing, recording, and performing since I was 8 years old. I love sharing my personal stories in my music. I look up to strong female powerhouse vocalists. I am a strong confident female who knows exactly what she wants and is laser focused.
When did you realize you could sing?
Probably by the time I was 4 or 5. I would sing in front of family and friends and had no problem singing in front of an audience. I was not shy. I typically was the lead role in school and camp plays and would perform in front of large audiences for charity events. I always loved the spotlight.
Growing up, what were your favorite records to sing along to?
Michael Jackson - Who's lovin you, Sam Cooke- Change is Gonna Come, Ella Fitzgerald- At Last, Beyonce- Halo. I loved singing BIG songs. It allowed me to be myself creatively as a vocalist.
When did you start writing songs? What made you want to write in the first place?
I started writing songs when I was 11. I had been writing with a producer from Nashville named David Spencer. I liked being able to share my own feelings and not just focus on covers. I wanted to become my own artist.
When did you know you had to be an artist and release your original music?
I knew early on that I wanted to be my own artist and release my own music. I love doing covers and always find ways to make them my own but there is no better feeling than sharing your own music and seeing an audience sing your songs.
Who was the first person to ever believe in you?
Outside of my family, the first 2 professionals were Alex Moses and Zach Warner.
How would you define AJA, the artist?
I am an edgy R&B pop artist with my own distinct sound. I am not trying to be the next ..... I am AJA!
"Red Button" is your new single - what's the story/inspiration behind this song?
Feeling empowered enough to walk away from something/ someone who is not good for me. Being strong enough to walk away and hit the "Red Button" when they continuously call. It's kind of a FU moment!
Could you describe the songwriting/production process? Who helped you create "Red Button"?
I co-wrote Red Button with Jimmy McGorman. Red Button is our first of several collaborations coming up and he’s someone that I love working with, It was one of the collaborative moments where everything just happened…. I think it's a theme everyone can relate to.
What do you like the most about this single?
I love that it doesn't sound like anything out at the moment. There are a lot of raw emotions throughout the song that I think people will connect to.
What made you want to release "Red Button" as a single?
I have a great feeling about it! The timing is right and I am building a great body of work to follow.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
It feels edgy, like the song. I love it and the vibe it gives off. Shows my confidence.
As an artist, what do you want to accomplish?
The sky's the limit! I just want to create the best music out there that represents me, this is my passion and my dream, and hopefully one day a global stadium tour !
What does singing make you feel?
It is therapeutic, I guess. Singing can be like an emotional journey. I can feel anything from angry, happy, sad, pissed off, sassy, Singing tells the story of my emotions.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
Live life to your fullest. Life is not a dress rehearsal.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
Be yourself and believe in yourself.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
More love and kindness towards one another.
What message do you want to deliver to the world?
No one can ever stop you but yourself!
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