By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
It is a pleasure to welcome singer-songwriter AJ Mitchell to Jake’s Take.
AJ was born in Belleville, Illinois before traveling to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of being a full-time musician. He gained a massive social media following when he covered a plethora of Top 40 hits such as Jon Bellion’s “All Time Low,” Julia Michaels’ “Issues,” and Martin Garrix and Bebe Rexha’s “In the Name of Love.”
Epic Records took notice in AJ’s musicianship and signed him to a recording contract. AJ released his first Epic Records-backed EP, Hopeful. Over 15 million Spotify listeners have streamed AJ’s music. AJ Mitchell also caught the attention of various media organizations including Billboard, Just Jared Jr., and Tigerbeat.
In this edition of A Conversation, AJ opened up about his songwriting process, his new single: “All My Friends,” and revealed why both Bruno Mars and Jon Bellion are on his dream collaborators list.
Jacob Elyachar: When did you get interested in music? How did your passion evolve into the desire to work in the recording industry?
AJ Mitchell: I started writing songs when I was 6-years-old. By the time, I turned 13, music had become a huge passion of mine and I knew it was something I wanted to pursue professionally.
Jacob Elyachar: Could you share your songwriting process with my readers?
AJ Mitchell: My songwriting process is different each time. Sometimes it starts with an idea or a word, other times I find my inspiration from chords and melodies.
Jacob Elyachar: What are some of the challenges that you have faced throughout your career? How did you overcome those obstacles?
AJ Mitchell: Keeping up with social media has been one of my biggest challenges. It is a big part of the culture and my generation. However, I think it is important to find a balance which is something I am continuing to work on.
Jacob Elyachar: Let’s talk about your Hopeful EP and your new single: “All My Friends.” How does this song standout against your fellow Top 40 colleagues?
AJ Mitchell: I love every song that I have released but my newest single “All My Friends” is a track that highlights a more mature side of me. Something I am excited for the world to see.
Jacob Elyachar: Who are your dream collaborators (producers, singers, and songwriters) that you would like to work with in the future?
AJ Mitchell: I would love to collaborate with either Jon Bellion or Bruno Mars. They are both wonderful singers and songwriters.
Jacob Elyachar: What advice would you give aspiring singer-songwriters who want to advance their careers in the music industry?
AJ Mitchell: I would tell them to never be afraid to make mistakes. I believe that you are able to grow and learn from every obstacle you experience.
For more information about AJ Mitchell, visit his website.
You can also connect with AJ on social media. Visit his Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, & YouTube channels.
[…] AJ Mitchell is taking the world by storm. His superb covers of Jon Bellion’s “All Time Low,” Julia […]