toronto native aja Neinstein is this month's one to watch artist

Toronto-based singer-songwriter and viral star AJA is May’s ‘One to Watch’ artist.

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Raised on the sounds of classic rock and jazz, 16-year old AJA Neinstein (pronounced Asia) started singing from the age of 6 and by the age of 8, began writing her own songs. By 12, she signed a publishing deal and in May of 2020, released her debut track NERVE. Talking about her debut single, AJA says, ““Nerve” is an empowerment song to inspire people to stand up for what they believe in. I want it to serve as an anthem to defy the norms and words we are often called as women.”

Following the release of NERVE, AJA releases her sophomore single Who’s Gonna Love You? a collaboration with Pressa, “I love the vibe that Pressa has brought to Who’s Gonna Love You? I’ve been a big fan of his music for a while now and it’s been great to collaborate with another artist from Toronto,” she explains.

Opening up about writing music at a young age, AJA shares, “There are definitely different experiences that I’d be writing about if I were 20 or older. But, I think the only difference, really, is that I wouldn’t be using some of the words that I’d be using when I was older – talking about sexual stuff with certain swear words. I mean, I’ve expanded recently a little bit, if you’ve heard my song “Nerve”, for example. Besides that, I wouldn’t push it more, because I am only 16.”

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How’s this for a sweet throwback – 10-year old AJA wins ‘Perez Hilton Singing Competition’ back in 2014.

When asked ‘what’s next for AJA?’ the singer explains, “We have a lot of music that’s coming out and a bunch of feature songs and more lined up after that. My goal for next year, beyond music, is to continue the work I’ve been doing on my social media, making sure I keep reaching out, and that I keep writing. Hopefully, I can start touring and travelling again. Until then, I just want to keep going and seeing and doing as much as I possibly can.”