London-based singer/songwriter AJ Wander practices cautious realism in the midst of heartbreak in his newest single, “Take It All.” AJ Wander (as in “wander down the street” and not “I wonder if that’s his real name”) is a Gen Y artist who puts his first world problems into songs and welcomes anyone along for the ride.
The song of a pianist father, AJ had music in his genes from an early age. Varying instruments were scattered around his childhood home in the suburbs of southeast London – a musical landscape that inspired a young AJ to sing, play, and eventually write. He has recorded several tracks in London and Barcelona with producer Brad Mair (Dean Lewis, Jamie Cullum, Kygo) which will culminate in his first EP release due in early 2022. AJ shares his hopes for these tracks,
The songs I write mean the world to me. There would be nothing more amazing than to see them mean something to others too.
“Take It All” is a track that AJ wrote with his friend Geth in a caravan in rural Wales last November, while AJ was experiencing a toxic relationship. In the lyrics, listeners hear a reminder that AJ has set for himself as he learns to let go – to not get distracted by glimpses of light amongst the darkness. It’s a reminder that can resonate with anyone who’s dealing with an ended relationship, particularly in moments when we may want to find what feels comfortable, even if we know it wasn’t healthy for us. Delicate piano melodies blend with skip-beats to create the backdrop for AJ’s emotive vocals. There’s obvious hurt behind the lyrics, but there’s also a strength that shines through as the track approaches an explosive chorus filled with cathartic energy and reminders of what used to be. As the track progresses, listeners witness the progression of emotions and thoughts, and the realization of just how much AJ could have lost had he chosen to stay in the relationship. The track closes with an intensity that leaves an impression with powerful vocals.
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