Artist Interview: Ahjahlee
Rising pop artist, songwriter, and poet Ahjahlee shares her journey, from her creative process to the inspiration behind her hit songs. The Louisiana-based artist opens up about how her music is a sanctuary, the story behind her poetry book, Lavender Breath, and the advice she'd give her younger self about navigating the music industry.
Tori: As a rising pop artist, songwriter, and poet, how do you balance your creative outlets, and which one do you find most fulfilling?
Ahjahlee: For me, all of these outlets are one! Emotion flows right into music, and music flows right into words. I don’t think one could exist without the other in my world.
Tori: Your music has been featured on BDC radio and other local Louisiana stations. What does this recognition mean to you, and how do you hope to build on this momentum?
Ahjahlee: The recognition means a lot! I remember leaving my first radio interview and realizing, "Wait…the songs I write at 3 a.m. in my room can truly carry meaning for others as well!" I hope this moment builds by extending into doing more festivals!
Tori: You've received multiple 5-star reviews for your poetry book. What inspired you to write it, and how does it relate to your music?
Ahjahlee: I started writing Lavender Breath when I was 16 and I finished it at 20! It truly became my diary through adolescence—from relationships and breakups to my deep struggle with anxiety, all the way to eventually finding ways to overcome all of it little by little. Learning to handle anxiety is not linear, but writing about it helps!
Tori: Your song "Let You Go" is described as a pop heartbreak track. Can you tell us about the story behind this song and what inspired its creation?
Ahjahlee: "Let You Go" is based around that realization when you know a relationship isn’t good for you, you know it shouldn’t be this painful, and you know it’s time to leave. The lyric, “and I know pain shouldn’t feel like home, but when I feel it, I know you’re close,” I think perfectly describes how we get stuck in bad situations because it’s comfortable, it’s familiar. But "Let You Go" is identifying that, and still leaving, because you deserve better.
Tori: You've peaked at #2 in the Next Top HitMaker competition in the Americas. How does it feel to have achieved this level of success, and what's next for you in terms of competitions or collaborations?
Ahjahlee: Peaking at number two in my group was such a beautiful experience! I got to see how many people showed up and decided to vote day after day, week after week! In the future if I join any more competitions, I will just be grateful for each person who shows up!
Tori: As someone who has moved from Arizona to Germany and is now based in Louisiana, how has your music been influenced by your diverse cultural experiences?
Ahjahlee: I think growing up in so many places, with so many different cultures, really showed me how similar each and every one of us truly are at the core. We feel things the same! I think I've been able to create from a place that does not shrink me into believing that truth and authenticity is small! Sonically, I’m excited to infuse all of my background into my music in the future!
Tori: Your art is described as blending dreamy atmospheres with meaningful lyrics. Can you walk us through your creative process when crafting a new song or poem?
Ahjahlee: Writing songs and writing poems often blend together. Usually I’ll have a feeling, I'll write a poem about it, and the poem often turns into me at the keyboard writing a song! Then l’ll send it to my producer and we work it to be a pop song!
Tori: You've mentioned that music was your only sanctuary for a long time. How do you hope your art can provide a similar sense of comfort and connection for your listeners?
Ahjahlee: When we go through hard times, we often feel isolated and alone, though I think music has a special way of breaking through that. So my hope is that listeners feel understood and less alone in whatever they may be feeling when they hear my music.
Tori: What role do you think your poetry book plays in your overall artistic vision, and how do you see it complementing your music?
Ahjahlee: Lavender Breath was the catalyst to me reconnecting with my love for making music! As I was writing the book, I realized my feelings will never feel fully expressed without challenging them through making songs! The book is paired with my debut EP, The Lavender Breath Experience, so I think it complements the music by adding a layer of depth and understanding to anyone who relates to the songs!
Tori: You've been praised for making art that moves people. What do you believe is the key to creating music that resonates with listeners on a deep level?
Ahjahlee: I believe the key to making art that moves is creating a completely unfiltered space. Write as if it’s just you and your journal, make music as if it was only you in the world. This is how I’ve been able to be completely authentic to my feelings, and tap into them in a way that feels raw.
Tori: Can you tell us about your experience working with local Louisiana stations and how they've supported your music?
Ahjahlee: Louisiana is like a big family, truly! I’ve been here a long time, and they have just completely welcomed my art with open arms and enthusiasm to share it! I’ve been invited to many local festivals that I'll be excited to explore in the future!
Tori: How do you stay true to yourself and your artistic vision, especially when faced with the pressures of the music industry?
Ahjahlee: In this industry, everyone believes they have the answers for you. It would be extremely easy to fall into the noise and begin moving through it like a robot. But I have found that there are not two artists who have the same path. And at the end of the day, you are the only one who knows what your path looks like! So, you MUST listen to that inner guidance above all!
Tori: What can fans expect from your upcoming releases, and are there any new projects in the works that you're excited about?
Ahjahlee: I am so excited to share the music I have been working on! It is the most authentic art I have ever made! Dark, moody, rhythmic pop anthems! I have to thank my producer 2aminthemorning for helping create the safe space to create such truth! We have three songs we are dropping in the next few months!
Tori: You've been open about how your art has helped you through difficult times. How do you hope your music can help others who may be going through similar struggles?
Ahjahlee: Music is there when no one else is. It’s there at 3 a.m. when you’re spiraling, it’s there at 1 p.m. when you can’t get yourself out of bed. All I can hope is that my art is the voice there with them saying, “I’ve been there too” and “you’re not alone.”
Tori: Looking back on your journey so far, what advice would you give to your younger self just starting out in the music industry?
Ahjahlee: The biggest piece of industry advice I would give her has to do with industry connections. If something feels off, it is. When you start to shrink for other people, when you start to feel inadequate in their presence, they are not people you should be working with. You make good art! You deserve people who build you up!
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