feat. Ajo
Introducing Ajo.
Ajo is a talented guitarist, singer, and rapper from Brooklyn, NY. Gifted with a captivating voice and style, Ajo has been steadily putting out music for introspection and turning up since 2017. Her 2021 releases perfectly showcase how adept Ajo is at both styles. On “Cruising Music (Adorama Version)”, Ajo pairs her laid back acoustic guitar with impressive vocal runs and commanding bars, while on the more recent “I Know You Lyin’”, she sounds off on anti-vaxxers over a beat that’s made for clubs.
Coming off a fantastic performance opening for Mr. Eazi at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn, one of NYC’s longest running outdoor concert series, Ajo is poised to make big waves in her native New York and the music industry as a whole. The Busker team had the pleasure of speaking with Ajo about her singular style and work.
Q: Who is Ajo?
‘90s r&b enthusiast, bubble tea drinker, dollar store prowler 🥤😎
Q: Who are your biggest musical influences?
All the dope storytellers (Kendrick), folks with the crazy melodies (Ester Dean), and artist who know how to capture an iconic mood in their music (Drake). And some of my OG favs are N.E.R.D., TLC, Missy Elliott, Spice Girls, Santigold, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Guru!
Q: Your music oozes with confidence, have you always been so self assured in your music?
Wow, I love that that’s what u pick up from me. It’s hard to answer that objectively but I dont always feel self-assured. But at the end of the day, my main goal is to make sure my personality is showcased in my music whatever that energy may be at the moment.
Q: How important is guitar to your songwriting process?
On some songs, it was really the foundation for writing, like the songs that started as just voice & guitar. I would say guitar has been really important to my performance process too. Because it’s a form of independence to me. Back in the day™️ when I didn’t really know where to start with music, if nothing else, I was able to pick up my guitar and hit open mics. That’s how I started meeting people and getting my skills up, and being able to just get out there on my own terms felt good, felt right.
Q: What is it like being an independent artist in NYC?
The biggest opportunity in the world if you make it that. Or a hamster wheel if you make it that. 🤭
Q: Any new projects in the works?
Yeah, my biggest project right now is building a tribe. To have more creatives and visionaries around me and we’re really down for each other’s work. So a lil iron sharpens iron, everything-in-house vibe 💪🏿 That’s kinda a lifelong project lol but I’m wittit! For current projects, head to my Spotify.