Over Spring Break, I went up to Los Angeles with my family to see AJR live at the Belasco Theatre. Now, I don’t know about you, but going out of state for a concert is crazy. I was unsure about it at first and was afraid it wouldn’t be worth the trip, but it was more than worth it. I was introduced to two new groups, Ocean Park Standoff and Hundred Handed, and one of my favorite groups gave an unforgettable experience. AJR didn’t just play their music live, they put on a show; Jack put on a light show with a pyramid behind them onstage, they played an audio recording of their dad named Gary talking about how proud he is of his boys, and Ryan and Adam helped him show the rowdy L.A. crowd how they created one of their songs, Drama. Many other things happened that differed this show from any I have ever experienced in my life.

When my friend introduced me to this band, my life flipped around. I had finally found the happy-go-lucky and strange music that I have been searching for. Like most other bands I listen to, I knew all the lyrics to all the songs; but, this band was different. AJR always leaves me feeling pumped up and, in a way, kick-started my dream to start a band again (I play the drum set and I have always wanted to start a band). Any song on any album leaves me inspired to go and make music. Their upbeat rhythms and innovative song lyrics have restored my faith in humanity. By that, I mean that all the new music is all the same; all songs are based on the same topics and don’t have any sentimental or true meaning that a person can say, “Wow, I thought I was the only one that felt that way.” AJR, however, has definitely given me that vibe and their performance set the bar for any other concert I have and will ever attend. 

AJR is a band with 3 members: Adam, Jack, and Ryan, who are all brothers and have been making music together for 16 to 17 years. They began as most artists and bands do, by singing covers. For example, they have sung covers by Avicii, Fun, Emeli Sande, One Direction, The Lumineers, and a few other groups or artists. Also, they started off as street performers then gradually worked their way up to an almost sold out tour. Their lyrics and music began as things that anyone can relate to, like breakups for example. First, they were labeled as “cute”, Then, people told them that “this is just a hobby”. After that, when their single “I’m Ready” came out, they became “one-hit wonders”. Their most recent album, “The Click”, is the album that they decided to write songs about things that few people relate to, such as needing to call your dad after a rough night. When it came out, many people said “this is too weird”. Now, they are renown, ripping across the country, and successful beyond belief. It’s amazing how one night can change your life and how much hope it can spark in you.