Music isn’t just something AJ STARS33D does, it’s something he is. Hailing from Illinois, AJ has been hearing melodies in his head since childhood, long before he ever considered stepping into the music industry. It wasn’t about fame or fortune; it was about the sound, the expression, and the way music made him feel.
“I wasn’t drawn to the industry as much as I was drawn to music itself,” he reflects. As a kid, he would make up melodies without words, creating soundscapes that only existed in his mind. By 13, he was recording his first tracks on Audacity, using nothing but an Xbox headset. It wasn’t polished, but it was a start—and that’s all that mattered.
An Artist Without Boundaries
AJ’s musical taste is as diverse as his experiences. His inspirations aren’t confined to a single genre or era; instead, he grew up absorbing the sounds of James Taylor, Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Prince, and hip-hop pioneers like Kool Moe Dee and LL Cool J. As he got older, his playlist expanded—country, jazz, metal, drill rap—if it sounds good, it’s in rotation.
This open-minded approach seeps into his own music. Whether he’s freestyling over a beat that stirs something in his soul or crafting lyrics on paper with nothing but the rhythm in his head, AJ’s creative process is fluid and ever-evolving. “When I was in jail, I’d just write lyrics on a piece of paper and have the beat in my head,” he says. Now, with access to a full studio, his process has transformed, but the raw emotion remains the same.
A Day in the Life of AJ STARS33D
Routine is key for AJ. Every day starts with prayer, a shower, and breakfast before diving into his work. Whether it’s spending six hours in the studio or focusing on other personal and professional goals, his time is spent with purpose. Music isn’t just a passion—it’s a commitment.
Collaboration plays a significant role in his artistry. Whether through social media connections or spontaneous real-life encounters, AJ keeps an open door for working with others. “If I see someone is a good fit after a conversation, I approach them with an idea and go from there,” he explains. The organic nature of his networking is a testament to his belief in authenticity.
The Meaning Behind the Music
There’s always more to AJ’s music than meets the ear. Hidden messages, layered emotions, and personal stories weave through his lyrics. But rather than spell it out, he encourages listeners to find their own meaning. “What does it make you feel? Does it relate to your experiences?” he asks. Music, to him, is deeply personal—but it’s also universal.
Engaging with fans is a priority for AJ. Whether through email or open DMs, he welcomes conversations with those who connect with his work. “It may take some time to get back to you,” he admits, “but I love hearing people’s stories and how I have influenced others with my art.”
The Passion That Keeps Him Going
For some, music is a business. For AJ, it’s salvation. “Music saved my life,” he says. It brings him balance, grounding him through life’s highs and lows. He can’t pinpoint a “least favorite” part of the job—because to him, every moment spent creating is worth it.
That doesn’t mean the journey is without challenges. Releasing music always comes with a bit of anxiety. “It leaves you vulnerable,” he says. “There’s always a little voice that asks, ‘What if?’” But he refuses to let doubt dictate his path. “If you let that voice win, you won’t get anywhere. It’s important to not only embrace it but work through it. It only makes you stronger.”
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Artists
For those just stepping into the music world, AJ has one key piece of advice: Keep going. “Take the action, put in the work, and keep the momentum,” he emphasizes. “Someone once told me that daily mediocrity is what produces greatness. So don’t be afraid to make mediocre music—because the next song you make might be a hit.”
It’s a mindset that has carried him through every stage of his life, from recording on an Xbox headset to refining his craft in the studio. AJ STARS33D is more than an artist—he’s a testament to perseverance, passion, and the belief that music, above all else, has the power to change lives.
And for him, it already has.
Check out AJ StarS33D on the socials below and listen now!
