AJA has some Real 'NERVE': The Pop Singer is Back and We Are Here for It!
AJA
I met AJA over a year ago before Rival Magazine was born and was blown away with this girl…she has been working her tail off with a new rebrand and we are here for it!!
Flaunting an edgy, no nonsense style the former AJA9 and sweet pop singer is showing us how much she has matured since her ‘It’s Complicated’ album that came out last year. Along with this new found personal style is a huge wave of growth in her musical sound and songwriting abilities. Rival Magazine is thrilled to talk with AJA once again; read on to learn more about her newest single and how you can preorder '“NERVE”
RIVAL: How was the songwriting process different from this song vs your last, “It’s Complicated” album?
AJA: Nerve (my new single) feels authentic to who I am now based on my age and experiences in life. I've become a little less naive and more certain in my likes and dislikes. Nerve is really an empowerment song. It's for anyone who has ever felt pissed off and really wanted to tell someone off! My last Ep was written when I was 13-15 years old. I've obviously grown as a person and as an artist since then. My sound has evolved and matured.
RIVAL: How has the transition been from starting out as a young pop star who was discovered online to a maturing artist navigating their way through a crazy industry?
AJA: I have found the transition challenging at times. Learning to trust my gut and instincts has taught me a lot. I know that authenticity for me is the most important thing. I am not trying to sound or copy anyone else's style or sound. When you hear my voice, you know it's me. I'm not trying to be the next Billie Eilish or Ariana Grande, although i am big fans.
RIVAL: Has it been easy rebranding from AJA9 to AJA? What kind of things can your fans expect to see differently from your past brand and what can they expect to stay the same?
AJA: Going from Aja9 to AJA has been an easy transition. AJA is my first name. The transition comes naturally as i have just turned 16 and my style and vibe has adjusted to that due to me growing up and experiencing things that other 16 year old experience. At 12 I thought the 9 was cool (9 was short for my last name).
RIVAL: Maturing in this industry has been a controversial subject; take Miley for example. Have you received any backlash from this edgier version of yourself? If so, how are you handling it and what would you say to other women your age who are trying to find themselves in a world full of critics.
AJA: Thankfully I am resilient and strong. I think if you are scared of controversy this is the wrong business for you. I love pushing boundaries and have no problem with negative comments or feedback. As an artist it helps you grow. My new image is just a part of me growing up and showing independence. I'm excited about this.
RIVAL: Nerve is your latest single, any more to follow? Any talks on EP or possibly an album?
AJA: Nerve is my new single release and I have several to follow. Not sure yet if I will release singles or put together an EP. Still working those details out.
INTERVIEW BY: Heather Koepp