Interview With Country Rock Artist AJ Penta

Hi Aj Penta, How are you?

I’m doing good, thanks.

Tell us about your background getting to where you are today.

I began playing music at a fairly young age. My grandfather owned a recording studio, and I would sit behind the drums as a 4 or five-year-old playing around. When I was about 8, I started taking drum lessons in an after-school program, it wasn’t until I was about 19 that I picked up a guitar. It came extremely natural to me. The first day I ever picked up a guitar I wrote the song A Devil’s Deal, which still is one of my most requested songs. Within a couple of years, I was recording full-length records, and landing spots on major tours like the bamboozle festival.

More recently – after years of ups and downs in the industry I went to Nashville in Summer 2021 to record with Grammy-winning producer Kenny Royster (best known for producing platinum selling country artist Luke Combs). After recording 4 new tracks, I was offered deals by several record labels including InGrooves/UMG and Sony/Orchard Labels. I would up signing with Sony / Orchard label Curtain Call Records. The first single ‘Livin Free’ has been picked up by over 100 radio stations worldwide, including reaching number 3 on Country Thunder Australia. 

Where are you from?

I grew up in North Jersey. At 17 I moved to the Jersey Shore town and Springsteen’s hometown and landmark, Asbury Park, NJ. I presently reside in queens NY. 

When did you start music / How did you get into music?

I began playing drums as a child. Never seriously though. At 19 I met an army veteran who played guitar. Seeing my interest in music he offered to show me some basics, And I pretty much hit the ground running.

Are you currently signed or independent?

Signed to a distribution deal with Sony/Orchard label Curtain Call Records. 

Who inspires you the most musically?

I have a wide array of musical inspirations including everything from rock artists like the Eagles, Guns N’ Roses, Kid Rock, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, to country artists like Garth Brooks, Jason Aldean, and Brantley Gilbert, to contemporary acts like Whiskey Myers, Blackbear, and MGK. 

What do you want people to take away after listening to your music?

That my songs are honest and authentic to who I am as an artist. 

Is any new music coming out soon?

I have several new singles coming out. I recently co-wrote a song with Mason Musso, singer/guitar player of Metro Station (Miley Cyrus’ brother’s band), best known for their hit song Shake It. Should be released within a couple of months. My new solo single called Mama will be released worldwide in late July/ early august. Mama is a dedication to the families of fallen armed forces and police. It tells the story of a first person account of a soldier saying goodbye to his mother as he is going off to war, not knowing whether or not he is coming home. And third, I recently co wrote a song with twice Grammy nominated guitar player and songwriter Stephen Walsh called High & Low, which discusses the ups and downs of life and the music industry.  

Keep up with AJ Penta’s journey by following his Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/eastcoastcowboy/

Listen to his music below: