Meet AJ Causey | Songwriter/Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with AJ Causey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi AJ, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from Alexandria, Louisiana and my upbringing pushed me to be independent. With my parents/step-parents always off to their day jobs; going to school, going to practice, working, etc., was always my decision. No one was necessarily on me about getting done whatever needed to be done in my life, I would always take it upon myself to do so. As I have grown into my adult years I’ve learned that many of my peers did not experience the same upbringing, resulting in them now figuring out what it’s like to lead their lives and fully think for themselves. So though my upbringing seemed lonely and not as fun with me placing so much pressure on myself to do all things right, I am still thankful that it benefited me in the long run to be prepared for what the world would throw my way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe what sets me apart from others is my work ethic. I double down on the creative work that I put out by delivering great art, frequently.  Check the keyword, frequently, cause most usually do one or the other. I am proud of the progress that I have made thus far since starting my journey out in Los Angeles. I’ve never believed in the perfectionist syndrome. I like to create and put it out into the world. Just like other artists’ work, my music is not going to be for everyone, and I can’t strive to impress or seek the approval of all people that exist. I got to where I am today by remaining consistent. Nothing kills a dream more than unsteadiness. A dream cannot be accomplished by easy roads, therefore we must be ready to slow down, speed up, hold on and let go when it is time. A lot of the challenges that I have faced were not so bad looking back on them, but when going through it, it feels like hell.  Later on, I then find out the reasoning behind experiencing such things. It has nothing to do with luck, it has everything to do with opportunity. I’ve learned through the years that doors close so that we can walk through the right one. Imagine if no door ever closed and you had to find out it was the wrong one by putting an ample amount of time experiencing everything that lied behind each door, we would give up sooner than later.  I want the world to know that AJ Causey is not someone who will fold and that I, 100 percent believe in the long run. I have extreme foresight, which means I am always thinking and planning ahead. This dream is much bigger than me existing in the present time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a friend come to LA, the first night we would definitely go to Harold’s Chicken. I am a big supporter of my black owned businesses. Due to my professional music path, it only makes sense for us to visit the Grammy museum.  DTLA Fashion District is the spot, we’re getting everything knock offs. The rest of the world won’t notice. I’d take them on a hike at Runyon Canyon so they can see the city from its overview. I hike there weekly, one of my favorite places. It’s only right to sight see in Hollywood and Beverly Hills near Rodeo Drive, the palm trees are dope. Beach day will definitely be spent at Santa Monica Pier with a little more sightseeing at the Promenade on 3rd St. To fulfill a full beach day, we must go to Hermosa beach for the night life, it is definitely one to experience. I enjoy laughter, so the Improv or the Laugh Factory is the spot for some outstanding comedy followed by a good time at Sunset Rooftop for drinks, hookah and mingling. As I said earlier about supporting black owned businesses, I love to show off the Crenshaw district. I enjoy shopping for gear at Rosstein LA and eating at District by G/S, Taco Mail and/or Orleans and York. This trip would be topped off with a cinematic view of the ocean at the shoreline down in San Pedro, considering it a bit of a peaceful ending to the trip. These are all things that I’ve enjoyed throughout the years that I’ve lived here so far.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to dedicate this shoutout to my grandmother. Since I was a little boy, above all, I wanted to be a man. My grandmother would express to me what her idea of a man was, coming from her sole example, her father. She instilled discipline and responsibility in me while growing up so that way I could lead myself to greatness and hold myself responsible for any and all of my actions. Without her support and guidance, I couldn’t imagine becoming the man I am today, fearless of chasing my dreams and all that comes with it. One who doesn’t run from the consequences of any decisions I make. She gave me the strength and hope I needed to stand tall in this lifetime.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cau5ey/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cau5ey

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4QeaRcP3G5dlQWScIw8H4A

Image Credits
Track Martians Group – Hidef Cypher Allura Jackson – Dark Performance shot Stedi Productions-New Designer Video Ashton Taylor – KAN5AS Collective Cover Ashton Taylor – GHB Logo Untapped Hip Hop – Photoshoot Jamaal Murray – Headshot