Artist Spotlight: AYJAY
The Lakeshore Drive-In has been a staple for music lovers in Chicago, hosting headliners such as Boogie T, Hippie Sabotage, and Vic Mensa. I’ve been to many of their shows, but this month, I was so floored by an opener who played the most hype opening set I’ve ever heard. Maybe it was the Zeds Dead remixes or RL Grime mashup: either way, I was OBSESSED. The vibes were so high in fact, almost every group was outside of their cars, raging in the rain and honking their horns. You couldn’t have felt any more amazing, and it was 45° and raining.
So who was this bombshell of a DJ who just happened to be kicking the night off with one of the strongest sets of 2020? The visuals behind him read “AYJAY” and a quick search on Instagram meant I was just a DM away from finding out. He agreed to an e-interview and this is his story.
In It to Win It
This year’s been tough for all of us, but AYJAY’s been making moves by staying involved in the industry despite COVID. First, it was live streaming and assisting his friends at Live Event Technology (LEC) & So Midwest creating “the most EPIC Livestream rig in the Midwest, and arguably, the USA.”
And then, BOOM — the conception of the Drive-In. AYJAY was “in” from the start. “My good friend NGHTMRE was the 1st headliner to host a Drive-In in Illinois where I was able to stand in as his Tour Manager for the day. Once my friends at Audisbliss created the LSDrive-In, I knew I needed to be involved. I attended opening night on July 29th and then was added as support to the Sold Out show on July 30th with Peekaboo and Dirt Monkey.”.
But even before COVID, AYJAY was making moves. He was literally a week away from opening for Slander at Aragon and playing at PRYSM Night Club when the city (and world, really) shut down. While we all were forced to take a sudden break from our “GO GO GO” festie-lifestyles, AYJAY adapted.
I miss festivals and regular shows, but adapting and overcoming is crucial to survival, and, thanks to my friends at LSDrive-In, I was able to play my first official night set at an outdoor venue! I also probably wouldn’t have gotten into the Streaming Culture as heavily as I have.”
Cheers to that, man. Cheers to that.
Influences & Inspiration
I had heard some of my favorite songs in his 60-minute set and had to know who his “faves” were. He’s straight-up homies with some of his biggest influences including NGHTMRE, Slander, Jauz, Eptic, Habstrakt, JOYRYDE & WAVEDASH, and as for his list of inspiring artists? “Zomboy, Flosstradamus, Excision, Alison Wonderland, Boombox Cartel, Adventure Club, Pretty Lights, and ZEDD.” No wonder I loved his sound.
And so did the entire venue. I think back to the image of three young children next to my car who were raging out the sunroof and the fully grown adults and headbangers around us doing the same. I wondered what advice he’d have for young aspiring artists, like the little ones looking up to him from the parking spot next to me.
My advice to any aspiring artists is to treat every single encounter and connection with respect, and to immerse yourself into this industry and “The Show”. If you can do that while showing your passion, people will notice. When it comes to making music, marketing, and creating your brand, don’t force it. When you play the long game, you are going to receive more success and respect when you stay true to yourself.”
More Human Than Human (After All)
I took a step back and realized how human that feedback was. It’s what a good friend would tell you and a good role model should tell you. AYJAY, just like me (and all the industry folks out here), is working hard to pursue his passion as a performer and has been tapping into his love for music for years. I suddenly realized while I respected the hell out of this artist, I still had no idea who he was. So I asked.
I was born and raised in Elmhurst which is about 20 min straight west of Chicago. Growing up, I was always a little bit of an outsider due to the fact that I was into theater, band, choir, sports and am Eagle Scout. I was actually scouted from my middle school musical by a group called MWAH! and was able to tour with them for about a year. I graduated from Elmhurst College. I lived in the very first “Lacrosse House” where my roommates suggested that I DJ our parties because they said I knew all of the good music. People called me DJ AJ so when I decided to pursue this, I decided to spell out AJ to AYJAY. I was doing my student teaching at Glenbard East HS and noticed a teacher passing out flyers for a “Glow Run”. I actually had previously met her at and Avicii show and again at Spring Awakening. She asked me if I knew of any DJs that she could hire and, long story short, I killed that event! I made connections which lead to me becoming the GM and producing events. I performed on our High School Tour which gave me experience and knowledge that no one my age was able to get. Selling 6-figure contracts and DJing in front of thousands progressed me exponentially, as an individual, and as an artist.
What I learned about this incredible DJ is that positivity, passion, and wonderful personality go such a long way. And while AYJAY put on one of the most magical sets of 2020 and made an entire parking lot feel festie-good, I’m honestly more stoked that I’m supporting a fantastic human being in the industry. And that’s even better than dancing in the rain.
His closing thoughts? “I just want to thank everyone at the Lakeshore Drive-In for putting together such an amazing series of shows in a time where we needed them most. Special shout out to my amazing girlfriend, Sara, for always supporting me and for following her dreams and getting the internship she has now. I love you!”
For more pictures and videos from the Lakeshore Drive-In and my other festival adventures, follow me on Facebook and Instagram @nikstagraham. To connect with AYJAY, please follow @AYJAYofficial on all social platforms.
