AJ Mitchell | Interview | Stingray Rising Stars
AJ Mitchell is a singer-songwriter and musician who is currently signed to Epic Records. He gained an impressive following in 2017 after posting clips of himself singing and performing covers on YouTube and Instagram. His first independent single, "Used To Be," was written by Mitchell at age 13 and has over 60 million streams.
AJ Mitchell already has two songs which have reached the top 40 on the US radio charts: his July 2018 release "Girls," and his March 2019 release "All My Friends." We are excited to have AJ Mitchell as our next Stingray Rising Star for September. Check out his interview below and be sure to listen to his music on these channels:
What is your earliest artistic memory?
My earliest artistic memory was when I was about six years old. It was the first day of summer, and later in the day I knew I was going to Six Flags, but before I left, I wanted to write a song. That day was the first time I completed a whole song (my mom has a video of it of course).
What is your favorite cover that you have done?
My favorite cover I’ve ever done or put out would be “Issues,” by Julia Michaels. I still put it in some of my sets when I play shows.
What does pop music convey like no other music genre?
To me, pop music doesn’t just have one specific lane. I can have a powerful ballad with just piano and strings and a consistent beat, and on the other hand, I could have more of an RnB trap song where I rap and sing in the chorus. Still, both songs would be considered pop. I think that’s really cool because it doesn’t limit you to one thing and you can really connect with a much wider audience, I believe.
What is your best and/or funniest memory on stage?
My funniest moment on stage would be when I was in Nashville on my first tour ever and when the show ended, I said “thank you, New York.” It was actually a pretty embarrassing moment for me, but now it’s so hilarious. And I definitely learned from it and won’t ever let that happen again.
What is your favorite song of all time?
My favorite song of all time is “All of Me,” by John Legend. I sang it every day when I was around 12 and still to this day. It doesn’t get old.
What is your favorite album of all time?
My favorite album is “I Am Not a Human Being II” (IANAHB) by Lil Wayne because it had such a huge influence on me as a kid and opened my eyes to a whole other genre of music.
What song do you love performing the most on stage, and why?
My favorite song to perform on stage is “Slow Dance,” because in the verse it has this swag that makes it fun to dance and move around while on stage but then when the chorus hits I honestly just enjoy singing it.
If you didn’t become a musician, what would you be doing right now?
If I wasn’t a musician, I’d probably be building you a house or putting in your wood floors.
Which musician(s) would you like to collaborate with next?
I would love to collaborate with Tyler, the Creator, Russ, Camilla Cabello, and Lil Wayne.
What is one thing that your fans don’t know about you (a fun fact)?
I played the saxophone when I was in the sixth grade.
What’s your motto advice you live by?
There is no room for negativity. Positivity is contagious and productive. Your identity comes from where your mind is.
What is the best advice that you have ever been given?
Surround yourself with people you want to learn from.
What’s coming up for you in the next weeks and months?
I’m showcasing at the VMAs, doing the red carpet event, doing Vevo’s DSCVR artist, and I have an album releasing soon!
Stay on the pulse of the most recent news in music. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
