AJ Ongenae

Profile

Instruments

Genres

What is your music dream?

To be able to tour and play in really awesome cities/towns and unique venues around the world

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

Education. So often students are taught lessons that dont relate to everyday situations. A little common sense would go a long way into making this world a better place.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

Although there are many, Callin' Baton Rouge - Garth Brooks was the first song I ever liked, and tp this day is my favorite song of all time

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Dustin Kensrue

What inspires you to make music?

There's nothing like hearing a great song to get pumped up!

What is the message you want to send with your music?

Actually, Im not sure if there is a cohesive message i'd like to send. I write songs based on different subjects and although love the idea of concept albums that focus on a particular subject (I have a few in mind), lyrics are not my forté, like not even a little bit.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

Simply at home. I love being able to share something Ive created with people, and watching their reactions

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

There are two areas that come to mind: 1) Over saturation. Meaning there are soooo many musical options. How do you even get new audience members when something you work so hard on can be skipped over in mere milli-seconds and never be heard from again. 2) Money. Money is the root of all evil, but so are drugs, sex, and rock n roll. Sometimes there are necessary evils, and with music being so accessible these days, free is the easiest way to compete. But you cant make a living out of free, Artists need to cash cheques sometimes.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

While it's understandable that bringing music to the masses is a business and there are necessary evils; but businesses who prey on musicians are the worst. Pay-to-play models, and agents who require upfront costs are taking advantage of unknowing musicians.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

I wish I knew the answer to this. I believe that its one of those "right place at the right time" kind of things. I feel like there are people out there who can single handedly help you achieve all your professional desires but meeting them and then having them enjoy your music and then actually want to help you is like finding a unicorn.