AJ Sanders Interview

1) How long have you been making music and how has it changed since you first started?
I was pursuing a career in golf and playing mini tours around the East Coast trying to earn my PGA Tour card.  I was writing songs to pass time on the road and playing gigs here and there for some extra money.  I was actually supposed to move to Florida for another tour and decided to make a career change. I remember eating breakfast with my dad and telling him I was leaving at 2am that same evening for Nashville, TN. He thought I was crazy, but we didn’t tell anyone except some family and he took the trip with me. The main thing that has changed is I have been able to do music full time for the last 2 years. The success of “Chevy and Daddy” put me in a position to continue being the artist I want to be and building my fan base around story telling.
2) What is the goal you want to achieve through your music?
I actually have already achieved my major goal and it was to change lives. Music for me is not about money or fame. It is about connecting people, inspiring people, and bringing back memories of the ones we care about. My song “Chevy and Daddy” is a great example which I wrote about my Papa and my Dad. I wrote it for myself and the memories of my first drive sitting in their laps when I could barely see over the steering wheel. The thousands of messages I have received from fans thanking me for the memories the song brought back of their loved ones has been unreal and is more than anything anyone could ever ask for.
3) What inspired your single “What I See”?
I wrote it about my Ex-Wife. We were sitting on the couch a few years ago watching College Football and she was in sweat pants, t-shirt, no make-up, hair a mess, and I remember looking at her and saying “Damn you look good."  Every woman knows her response, “Ahh Shut up." I sat down later that night and wrote the hook, sent it to my producer, and had it written the next day.
4) If you had to describe your music style in three words what would they be?
Keeping It Country
5) How has COVID-19 changed your process or making or releasing music?
It honestly has given me more time to spend with my daughter. You never know when and how long you’re going to be on the road, so I have taken this time to really enjoy her and just being a Dad. As far as music I have been writing a lot but a lot of my inspiration comes from working at mills and factories. I still go back home and help my dad on jobs at different plants because that is what I come from. I’ve also been able to really dive into scheduling out releases, staying in touch with fans and working on the next steps to continue building which is the side I enjoy.  Watching a song go from the studio, to planning a release, and building on its own is like watching your child grow.
6) Who are your biggest inspirations?
Alan Jackson, Eric Church and both of my parents.  Alan Jackson was all we listened to growing up because of the blue collar world we were raised in.  Eric Church has a great way of twisting songs and really connecting with his audience.  My parents are my everything. They have always pushed me and allowed me to push for my dreams no matter how crazy they are.
7) What is the best advice you have been given about your music career?
Accept the word NO. You’ll hear it 1 million times but all it takes is 1 yes. When I first got to Nashville I was told stories don’t sell and I am wasting my time, but I’ve kept my head down, continued telling my story, and thanks to the fans can call this a career.
8) What is your creative process like? Is it quick or does it take a while?
Both.  I have so many ideas going on all day. I like writing the hooks or melodies down and just letting them come to me. I’m always scared of rushing an idea and wasting it trying to get a song written. I like writing what I can, sitting on it for a few days, and coming back to see how I feel about it.  I can figure out if It needs changes or a different story angle at that point.
9) If you could open for any band or musician who would it be and why?
Eric Church for sure. I would love to be apart of that fan base for a night and just take in all the energy. I’d like to open for Alan Jackson also and hopefully get to sing a few with him.
10) If you weren’t making country music other genre would it be?
Rock for sure.  I try to keep a little rock within some of my songs and lyrics. I miss the days of good opening riffs like Metallica and AC/DC. From the first chord you knew the song.
11) Thank you! Anything else you’d like to add?
Keep It Country!

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