AJ Wander started his journey in the suburbs of south-east London.
The son of a pianist, he began honing his unique musical sensibility at an early age. After living in Australia for several years in his youth, he returned to the UK to pursue a formal education at the prestigious Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford.
While enrolled, he joined indie band Tors, but left after after two years to pursue a solo career - building upon his fledgling career by performing covers at piano bars and hotels across the UK. His debut single 'Time Out' earned comparisons to the likes of Lewis Capaldi, while his latest track ‘Blue Lights’ has just been released.
We caught up with AJ to learn more about him.
1. What’s the music that you listened to growing up, that you still listen to today?
Oof, a fair bit...The Eagles, Bill Withers, Kings Of Leon, Fleetwood Mac, David Bowie, Paolo Nutini, The Beatles.
2. In three words, describe the minute before you walk on stage.
Beer, adrenaline, humming.
3. How do you wind down after a gig?
Beer followed by The Office (US), followed by endlessly staring at my bedroom ceiling, thinking about how much I loved being on that stage.
4. What’s the one song (by another artist) you wish you’d written or recorded first?
Tough one, I want to give you 4963836 answers but also don’t want to be a knob and break the rules, so I’ll have to go with ‘Blackbird’ by The Beatles.
5. What is your pet peeve?
Loud eating. Eating crisps on a train should be illegal.
6. Name one record, one book and one film that everyone should hear / read / see.
Record - 22, A million - Bon Iver
Film - Life Is Beautiful
Book - I’ve been rumbled... the last book I read was ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ 15 years ago. (I need to read more... has anyone got any book recs for me??)
7. Pick the director and lead actor(s) for a biopic about your life.
Director - Wes Anderson
Actor - Nicolas Cage
8. You’re ordering take-away, what do you get?
Well, that would depend on the day of the week wouldn’t it…
Monday: Nando’s - Fino Pitta - medium with peri chips, corn and some olives
Tuesday: Massaman Curry
Wednesday: Burrito
Thursday: Chicken Tikka Masala
Friday: Honest Burger
Saturday: Dominos' pepperoni pizza
Sunday: If I make it, a shish kebab from my local Turkish restaurant
9. Describe your perfect day off.
Long walk in some sunny countryside with friends/fam...spot of paddle boarding never goes amiss either.
10. Tell us, in one sentence, why we should come to your next gig.
Because my nan will probably be there, and she always has food on her. Free food and new music, what’s not to love?
BONUS QUESTION: Recommend a podcast and tell us why we should subscribe to it.
S-TOWN! The most unexpected and heartbreaking story.
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'Blue Lights' is out now.
