Daily Inspiration: Meet Aja Marie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aja Marie

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
First, thank you for having me. You’ve spotlighted some of the coldest artists in the game and I’m glad to be in the number, huh?! Lol I have been singing and musically inclined my whole life. My mom said when I was 3 years old, she found me in the living room watching Disney’s Fantasia while conducting my dolls, and toys like they were my orchestra. She put me piano and I took lessons from 5-16 years of old. Fast forward to 2011, I recorded vocals for Patti LaBelle, and eventually I was asked to join her band on tour in 2021. I started professionally singing in the music industry as a background vocalist professionally in 2012. And in 2016, I enrolled in Azusa Pacific University where I graduated with my Bachelors degree in Music and Worship in 2018.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been the smoothest, but the favor of God made it much easier! It’s a struggle working your way IN this industry and UP in this industry. Unforeseen issues such as the pandemic was definitely a HUGE challenge for all of us. Making connections can be difficult, but once you’re in and you do your job well, you are good. But your success in this business depends GREATLY on your own work ethic! So don’t get comfortable!!! Work to become legendary.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an artists, singer/songwriter and a professional background vocalist. I am just a creative being! I currently tour with the Godmother of Soul, Ms. Patti LaBelle, and Andra Day. I would say I am proud of my ability to communicate with unfamiliar audiences and with instrumentalists. Being able to speak the language of the pianist, or bassist, or the drummer is a skill that is so necessary for what I do. And I hope more singers learn this same language because we are ALL musicians and instrumentalists! The singer’s instrument is just a part of our biological makeup. I think I am most known to be Josiah’s mama!! That’s my baby. My whole heart and soul. Be on the lookout for his clothing line too! It’s hard to answer that last question about the thing that sets me apart. But I feel like if I could name one thing, it’s the experience I bring on that stage. I’m not a singer that has all the runs, or dance moves, but you leave my shows FULL and musically INFORMED! Inclusion on and OFF the stage is what sets me apart. Because I believe there’s really more than enough room for ALL of us creatives to do our thing to our fullest capacity and capability.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I ride horses and used to compete in barrel racing when I was a teenager! My horse’s name was Rocky. He was a 17-hand Quarter Horse and I loved him dearly! My freshmen year of college I attended Colorado State University and I majored in Animal Science! All things ani al related quickly changed when I had my son at 20 lol but I hope to pick it back up soon! 🎩

Pricing:

• Vocal Lessons – $75/hr and $50/hr for children under 17

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vocal_fiend/profilecard/?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aja.grant?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ajamarie428?si=yM1SRqfBCSmUxRAq

Image Credits
Tabs Photography