“I was born to play music. I grew up to
live for music. I have learned to breathe music. I already feel successful in a
sense that I have touched someone else's heart with my music. I only hope to
inspire more people to have music in their lives: that's all it's about.
Popularity, money, attention, I mean all of that's nice (not that I get much of
it), but that's all temporary... music is FOREVER.” –AJ Rafael.
American-Filipino Youtube Sensation AJ Rafael, invites his
fellow Filipinos and fans all over the world as he will take the center stage
in ASAP 2012 this Sunday January 8, 2012. This will be a dream come true for
all AJ Rafael’s fans (including me) to see him perform live. This appearance is
part of his South East Asian tour with his band. On January 1, Aj posted in his
official facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/ajrafaelmusic?sk=wall
about his dream come true performance with Philippine pride Mr. Pure Energy,
Gary Valenciano.
Aj, for all
you know, is from California who dreamt to conquer the world with his passion
for music. Slowly but surely, he misses no high notes and sing his heart to the
world. His journey started when he is 4 years old when he learned how to play
piano. He began his singing career in the summer of 2004 when he wrote his
first song, “How’s San Diego Pauli”. The following year in 2005, he had his
first show where he gained the respect of local bands in Moreno Valley, his
hometown. He began to play in local cities in which he had the opportunity to
discover and learn more about the music industry. Later that year, AJ produced
and recorded his first own album in his garage and was released by the end of
2005.
(my supermega favorite AJ Raf song )
With the help of MySpace.com, AJ
showcased his new songs to his friends and fans. In 2006, AJ was proud to start
the MoVal Concert Chorale (MVCC), a choir which he founded and is currently
directing. Through MVCC, AJ created the movement: Music Speaks. Music Speaks is
a benefit show that supports families with Autism and contributes to the world
renowned organization Autism Speaks. AJ began to perform in places out of
Southern California starting in 2008, nationally and internationally.
Within the past four years, AJ has
performed throughout the United States at school venues and major theatre
venues. AJ has had the opportunity to perform in other countries such as
Australia, Canada, Austria and the Philippines. Wherever he goes AJ thoroughly
enjoys indulging and expressing the art of music to people all throughout the
world.
AJ Rafael has become one of the top
musicians with the largest social networks online. AJ became a partner with
YouTube.com with over 360,000 subscribers, has reached 40 million views on
YouTube, over 200,000 Facebook fans, 11 million plays on MySpace, and 79,000
followers on Twitter. AJ is recognized consistently in the Top 20 on Billboard’s
“Uncharted” Chart, since January 2011. His fans have shown their true influence
when AJ’s “Red Roses” album was released in June 2011 in US stores nationwide
and digitally on iTunes, charting in the Top 10 Pop albums and #13 on
Billboard’s “Heatseeker” chart.
This only leaves one thing in my mind, never give up for your dreams. It can come true. With positive attitude, perseverance, and prayers - it can and it WILL come true .. its a matter of WILLINGNESS !
