Ajaye is an artist with a unique story– growing up in sports card & collectables store in a small town located in British Columbia, she quickly learnt that everyone and everything has something valuable to share. Taking inspiration from that around her, she shares vivid stories through her songs about the beauty of imperfection & everything in-between.
In July, the British Columbia Country Music Female Artist of the Year released her latest single, “Growing Up” via Reluctant Cowboy Records. Co-written with hit songwriter and one 1/2 of married country duo Scarlett Butler, Joni Delaurier (Pickup Truck), the song speaks of Ajaye’s own story of growing up and becoming who she is today.
Recently, I spoke with Ajaye about her path to pursuing music and her latest single.
Kyla Pearson: For those who are unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us a bit about your path to pursuing music? What made you want to become an artist & songwriter?
Ajaye: Music has always been a part of my life. I grew up with a musical mother, and my father had a sports card/collectables shop where I spent a lot of my free time as a kid. Being around all kinds of music and history, I learned from a young age that everyone, and everything, has a story worth hearing. Performing and songwriting has always been a safe place for me, but it was my senior year of high school when my music teacher (Jan Berman) encouraged me to go explore a career path in music. I played in a family band for a few years, and then eventually made the jump on my own to Nashville to pursue songwriting and performing.
Kyla Pearson: Recently, you released your single, “Growing Up”, which you co-wrote with Joni Delaurier. The song speaks to your own story of growing up and becoming who you are today. What inclined you to share this story through a song?
Ajaye: First, if you haven’t checked out Joni Delaurier, please do – she is incredibly talented both as a songwriter and an artist. Getting back to Growing Up, the song itself speaks to my own experiences with growing up, however, it’s much more than that. We all go through growing pains as we learn who we are (and who we are not). Although our individual stories differ, we all experience the same emotions: love, joy, disappointment, heartache, growth, etc. and I love how Joni and I were able to express this in Growing Up. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what season of life you’re in, because there is always something new to learn about the world and ourselves; we never stop growing up.
Kyla Pearson: The song is a bit slower in tempo, with folk undertones. What inspired you to go this stylistic route?
Ajaye: I’ve always been a singer-songwriter at heart, and when it comes to production, it’s important to listen to the song itself and allow it to tell you where it wants to go.
Kyla Pearson: In relation to the song’s theme, what is one of your favourite memories from growing up?
Ajaye: I have a lot of fond memories from growing up, however the ones that are the most memorable to me are whenever I was outside of my comfort zone. As difficult as they can be at the time, I try my best to be grateful for them, because they help me grow into who I am today.
Kyla Pearson: What message do you hope fans take away from the song? What is one piece of advice you would give someone who is entering a new phase in their life?
Ajaye: Be kinder to yourself. No one gets it right all the time, and everyone is doing their best to “make sense of what a mess life can be”.
Kyla Pearson: What is one venue or show you’re looking to perform at and share “Growing Up” with your fans? What live shows do you have coming up that fans can catch?
Ajaye: Now that live music is returning, it is a lot of fun to perform Growing Up, along with my other upcoming releases, to a live audience. The best way to know when and where I’m playing is to check out: https://ajayemusic.com/shows.
Kyla Pearson: What is one goal you hope to achieve with your music this year? Do you plan on releasing new music other than “Growing Up”?
Ajaye: I love storytelling, and my main intention with this new music, including “Growing Up” , is to connect with listeners who resonate with the music I’m writing, releasing, and performing.
You also have a Patreon for your music. Can you tell us a bit more about that and the exclusive perks your patrons can receive?
Ajaye: I have a Patreon (a subscription based platform for creatives), where the patrons and I meet, online, once a month for a patron-only livestream performance, along with sharing exclusive recordings, videos, and more. For certain tiers, patrons receive a personalized song written and recorded when they join ! To learn more, check out: www.patreon.com/ajayeismyname
Kyla Pearson: Lastly, what is one thing fans may not know about you?
Ajaye: Growing up, I played competitive softball, and I have the sport to thank for shaping me into the person and artist I am today.
Listen to “Growing Up” now:
Stay up to Date With Ajaye:
IG: @ajayeismyname
FB: @ajayeismyname
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ajayeismyname
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ajaye
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ajayeismyname
Apple Music: Ajaye
Spotify: Ajaye
Amazon Music: Ajaye
Website: www.ajayemusic.com
Works Cited
Ajaye. Interview. Conducted by Kyla Pearson, Oct. 16 2021.
Unknown. “Featured: Artist & songwriter, Ajaye. Photo by Emma Lee”. Photo courtesy of Ajaye. Accessed Oct.16 2021.
Unknown. “Featured: Artist & songwriter, Ajaye. Photo by Emma Lee”. Photo courtesy of Ajaye. Accessed Oct.16 2021.
