AJJ

AJJ is an American folk punk band from Phoenix, Arizona, active since 2004. The group first records under the name Andrew Jackson Jihad, before changing to AJJ in 2016. Its current lineup includes John De La Cruz, Sean Bonnette, Ben Gallaty, Stephen Steinbrink, Dylan Cook, Preston Bryant, Mark Glick, Deacon Bachelor, Owen Evans and Kevin Higuchi.

History and formation

The band forms after original drummer Justin James White approaches Sean Bonnette and Ben Gallaty, who have recently left Rodan and The Sub-Standards. Over time, the project expands beyond the original duo as a number of Arizona musicians play with the group, including John De La Cruz and Owen Evans. Dylan Cook also becomes a regular mandolin player with the band.

AJJ builds a reputation in the Arizona DIY scene through local shows and touring across the western United States, playing clubs and basements as well as venues such as the Knitting Factory in Los Angeles. The band also performs a cover version of Neutral Milk Hotel’s In the Aeroplane Over the Sea in full at CounterCulture Cafe on Halloween 2005.

Music and themes

The band’s lyrics are mainly written by Sean Bonnette. Ben Gallaty handles much of the production and contributes some vocals. Bonnette’s writing is shaped in part by his work volunteering at a teen suicide prevention hotline for eight years and by his work with homeless men and women in Phoenix. That background gives the songs a mix of bleakness and hope. The group’s style is generally described as folk punk, with associations to anti-folk, folk, indie folk, indie rock and punk.

Performances and recognition

AJJ’s larger hometown show takes place on St Patrick’s Day 2006 with Flogging Molly and Authority Zero. The band appears in the 2006 New Times Music Showcase, where it is nominated for Best Americana Band, and later wins a Best of Phoenix award that year. In 2010 it performs at the Harvest of Hope Festival in St Augustine, Florida, and shares a dual set with Bomb the Music Industry!.

Name change

In 2016 the band drops the name Andrew Jackson Jihad and adopts AJJ. The change reflects concerns about the use of the word “jihad” and a wish to move away from reference to Andrew Jackson.

AJJ releases music through AJJ Unlimited Ltd.