AJ Schinco is a singer-songwriter based in Omaha, Nebraska. I first heard about Schinco's music from their song titled 'Renaissance Baby (Florence)' and loved the production on the track as well as Schinco's moody vocals that blends with the layers of synths. In this conversation, I caught up with AJ Schinco to discuss their latest album 'Venice' and the artists who have influenced their sound.
Hi AJ, could you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hello! My name is AJ Schinco! I am fifteen years old, 16 in october! I’m from Omaha, Nebraska, and I make music!
What made you decide to pursue music?
The biggest thing that inspired me to make music was really how people express themselves through music. I have had a very rough and gruesome past so far, so it was very therapeutic to be able to make something of my past trauma
Were there any artists/musicians who inspired you to start creating your own music?
The artists that inspired me the most at the beginning were Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish for my first record, “Left Me”, but shortly after, I discovered the ground-breaking artists known as Lana Del Rey, Lorde, Taylor Swift, and Phoebe Bridgers. I take inspiration from Lana and Taylor’s lyricism, Lorde’s multiple production styles, and Phoebe’s chilling harmonies, and lyrics as well!
You entered the music scene at the age of 13 when you released ‘Left Me’, and now at the age of 15 you have recorded, written and produced two albums. How would you say that your music has evolved over the past few years, would you say that your new music is significantly different from your previous work?
I’d say over the short year from Left Me to Venice, I not only matured in my music, but I also matured in real life as well. And that has major impact in my music. I am a very emotionally-aware person, like I can read the room and feel what other people are feeling. Discovering this, I realized how much I wanted others to feel my emotions, and relate to them. Back on track, Venice is a major step up from “Left Me”. The production is more broad, more exciting, and overall- just unique!
You recently released your second album ‘Venice’ a collection of nostalgic, intimate songs that reflects youth and relationships. Could you tell us a bit about the recording process behind the album and the reason why you decided to title the album ‘Venice’?
So, after my release of Left Me, I was dissatisfied with the outcome of the album. I rushed the vocal production, the lyricism, and in reality, half of the songs aren’t even done. I released it two months early in quarantine (bad mistake.) Immediately after the Left Me release, I made a few demo songs (I still remember the titles, actually. They were Over You, Sweeter, Green Light, EXS, and Needy). Those songs were going to be on an album titled “A Sweeter Place”. I was planning it to be my happy era, but I don’t have fun writing happy songs. Anyways, I remember the day I came up with “Venice” very vividly. My sister and I were driving to my grandparents house, and to get there you pass through a little town called Venice. I know everyone probably thought I was referencing Venice, Italy, since I’m very Italian, but that’s why I loved the name, because it was unique to me. I originally wanted the album to be two EP’s: “Venice” which would’ve had a more electronic sound, and “Venice: Chapter II”, which was going to have majorly stripped back production. When I write music, I never have production set in stone, I just make what feels right! I ADORE the outcome of this record and it’s storytelling!
How would you describe the album?
Venice is melancholy, sombre, and distracting. The few upbeat tracks placed throughout the album shows how you can push down feelings and seem like you’re having fun, but in reality, you are is hurting inside.
My favourite song from the album is ‘SUNKIST’, I love the instrumentation and lyrics! Do you have a personal favourite song from ‘Venice’?
I am glad you like sunkist! I wrote that song two weeks before the initial release date, July 9th! My favorite is either The Way We Were, Lilacs & limousines, or Florence. I love the way the production turned out on those tracks!
Are there any plans to release music videos for the tracks featured on ‘Venice’?
As an independent artist, it’s hard to film music videos, but I have a vision in my head for a type of film (more just like an extremely long music video of every song- at least snippets of songs). The songs I want to make a film for are Moonlight, Sunkist/Venice, Green Light, James, and Florence! Which is mostly likely to happen? A Green Light / James music video!
Where did you learn to record and produce music?
The story is quite sad actually. In July of 2018, my father kicked me, my mom, and my sister out of our house. We had to live in a basement for three months, and during those three months, I started to mess around on garage band and throw loops together. My mother bought me the software for logic Pro X, and I have been teaching myself every since!
Did you face any challenges when recording the album?
The major challenge while recording Venice was figuring out what I wanted the album to be to me, and it turned out to be my love letter to emotions. I struggle with expressing anger and grief, and this album was a perfect outlet to get out my anger and hatred towards a few people… HAHA
Has lockdown affected your creative process in any way? If so, how?
Lockdown allowed myself to truly discover who AJ Schinco is!
If you could change one thing about the current music industry, what would it be?
The one thing I would change about the music industry is artist should own their work, not the record label.
Do you have any song/artist recommendations for our readers?
Listen to Lana Del Rey! they’re awesome!
What is the best advice you have received?
The best advice I’ve received is there could be 100 people in a room, and only 1 believes in you, and that is enough.
What advice would you give to a musician who may be struggling with writer’s block?
Honestly, I just wait out writers block! that’s what usually helps me out!
You can check out AJ Schinco's music in the links above or hear their album 'Venice' on my Spotify Featured Artists Playlist (link in bio)
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