Diandra Interviews AJ Mitchell: Keeping Hopeful Through Music

I will always love and be inspired by new artists. In the beginning of any career, especially the arts, you have to be motivated by hope. It is the fuel that keeps you building and believing that you can do what you love. At 17, AJ Mitchell is doing exactly that. Setting up a path that will live in music, the rising star just released his debut, Hopeful, and explains the importance of hope throughout his art.

Diandra: What inspired your album title of Hopeful, and what are you most hopeful about?

AJ: The reason I titled my EP Hopeful was because my entire journey so far has been inspired by hope. From posting my first cover and releasing my first original music, I was hopeful people would enjoy it and take the time to check me out. With the growth of my fan base and in making more music, I remain hopeful that it will connect with my fans, both old and new.
AJ Mitchell – Girls

Diandra: Your dad inspired you as a musician. What of your songs is his favorite and why? How about your mom?

AJ: My dad’s favorite song on my EP is “Don’t Want You Back” because he likes the songs that show off my voice. My mom’s favorite song is every new song I show her.

You: (AWWW!)

Diandra: How has performing your debut live and touring made your love of music grow?

AJ:  Playing my new music live definitely made my love for music stronger because, when I get on the stage, I get this energy from my fans. The love they have for music and the passion they have when they sing my songs makes me never wanna stop. My fans made my love for music stronger.

Diandra: You have written over 60 songs. What is your favorite lyric that you have written, and what inspired it?

AJ:  My favorite lyric out of all my songs is “Something inside of my mind saying be hopeful.” The reason for that and the reason I added it is because, sometimes, I have thought about giving up. but there was always a little voice in my head that told me not to, keep trying, and stay HOPEFUL. I want others to know as long as you stay hopeful, and believe in yourself, there’s nothing in your way to stop you.
AJ Mitchell – Used To Be [Official Video]

Diandra: You want to be known as a songwriter. What songwriters, or writers, in general, have inspired you on how you write? 

AJ: Some songwriters I admire are the Beatles, Bruno Mars, Jon Bellion, Toby Gad, Sam Rømans, Chris Martin, Lil Wayne, and, especially, my dad.

Diandra: Growing up with music, what is your favorite and/or one of your first memories with music?

AJ: One of my first memories of music was my piano teacher Gary McClain teaching me how to play a Beatles song “Let It Be” on the piano.

Diandra: Going from Bellville to LA, what has the City of Angels taught you about being an artist?

AJ: Living in LA taught me to be more outgoing and to become independent really quickly because I moved there without my parents.

Diandra: What are the most touching reactions your friends have had to your rising career? 

AJ: My friends are pretty chill about the things I’ve been doing in my career to be honest. They’re just like “Great music dude. Proud of ya! Love ya and keep it up.” Most of my friends are like that haha and see me as their friend and don’t act any different towards me. I like that they’re like that and give me my space but also hit me up every once and a while and check in on me.
AJ Mitchell – MIND [Official Video]

Diandra: What do you hope your music says about you as a person?

AJ: I hope my music says that I’m just a normal kid who writes about what’s going on in my life and just wants people to enjoy and relate to my music.

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