The AJR Interview

00:00 Who are Adam, Jack, and Ryan of AJR?
01:40 Being internet kidz
04:47 Music in the TikTok era
08:41 Building community and fandom
11:08 Building fan depth
13:55 World’s Smallest Violin in the TikTok era
16:57 What’s the business of music today?
21:40 Being in a David Dobrik vlog
22:49 Their revenue pie chart
24:25 Playing dodgeball with fans on tour
25:36 Live storytelling in their concerts
29:54 Do you write songs for TikTok popularity?
31:40 Honest lyrics building parasocial relationships
33:39 Loss of the monoculture
39:09 Do you handle criticism differently?
41:48 Strategy of focusing on their biggest fans
50:07 Finding validation after achieving success
55:39 The goal of longevity
1:01:56 Playing MSG and The Forum
1:05:16 Songwriting for other artists
1:08:43 AI in songwriting
1:16:04 How they document everything on video
1:18:45 Is KZread a revenue driver?
1:19:28 Their upcoming tour
1:21:12 What it feels like to be a rockstar
COLIN AND SAMIR’S NEWSLETTER
📫 100,000+ read our free newsletter that breaks down the business of creators. Sign up: bit.ly/publish-press
ASK US A QUESTION
❔ We answer questions from creators every Sunday in our newsletter. Submit yours here: bit.ly/publish-creator-support
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
iTunes: apple.co/2K1pYhu
Spotify: spoti.fi/2OnTmBC
GET IN TOUCH
🌍 Our website: www.colinandsamir.com
🌍 Work with us: ColinandSamirTeam@unitedtalent.com
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
📡 Discord: / discord
📸 Instagram: / colinandsamir
🐦 Twitter: / colinandsamir
🎵 TikTok: / colinandsamir
ABOUT US
We’re Colin and Samir, creators based out of Los Angeles California. We make videos about the creator economy, and the lessons we’ve learned over 10 years of being on KZread. We also interview creators and try to get to the bottom of what’s working on KZread and where the creator economy is headed.

Пікірлер: 360

  • @stephenpep.mp4
    @stephenpep.mp45 ай бұрын

    It’s really cool to hear Adam talk a lot in this interview! He’s normally pretty quiet and it’s really cool to hear his perspectives and ideas in this interview.

  • @TheGreatShortdini

    @TheGreatShortdini

    5 ай бұрын

    Right! I was thinking the same thing :)

  • @hudy.t.

    @hudy.t.

    5 ай бұрын

    Yep

  • @tumblingartist

    @tumblingartist

    5 ай бұрын

    For sure!!

  • @MaxxDraws823

    @MaxxDraws823

    2 ай бұрын

    Same!

  • @oKazma
    @oKazma5 ай бұрын

    Now this is something I didn’t expect, what a great collab!

  • @swampmonsta87

    @swampmonsta87

    5 ай бұрын

    Right this is crazy !!!

  • @schnitzeldog2000

    @schnitzeldog2000

    5 ай бұрын

    Lax bro and huge AJR fan here. Know these guys from their time on The Lacrosse Network. Never expected these two worlds to collide🤌

  • @KidGkman

    @KidGkman

    5 ай бұрын

    This is crazy two of my favorites

  • @best.content.advice

    @best.content.advice

    5 ай бұрын

    more music collabs !!

  • @burger7614

    @burger7614

    5 ай бұрын

    @@swampmonsta87 Yeah but nothing was more crazy than the AJR Mark Rober collab

  • @allisonfreed
    @allisonfreed5 ай бұрын

    Cannot say enough how AJR has nailed the live experience and cultivating true, lasting fandom. Creators in other mediums should take note. It’s was seeing them live that cemented them as my favorite band, and the quality of that experience is why tour after tour I have the sense that I can’t miss it, no matter how many times I’ve already seen them live. It will be unique. It is ephemeral. It creates urgency. That only works because it makes you feel something. True community is rare but that’s what it really boils down to. The Maybe Man was fantastic and made me feel all the feel. Cannot wait to see it on tour.

  • @transmaniandevil

    @transmaniandevil

    5 ай бұрын

    yes!!! their tours are literally the best part of being a fan

  • @katrinafox6786

    @katrinafox6786

    5 ай бұрын

    It is also why I want to see the tour multiple times, and watch it on KZread, and watch the tour doc- you pick up different things each time. I loved hearing Adam talk about doing a tour without it being tied to an album release- so looking forward to that someday!

  • @Nadya5

    @Nadya5

    28 күн бұрын

    I saw them on 4/3 in Philly and became a big fan

  • @Robo-gmg
    @Robo-gmg5 ай бұрын

    Thank you guys for getting this interview together! On behalf of the AJR fan base, I’m sure we all appreciate more content!

  • @denisalvarez7354

    @denisalvarez7354

    5 ай бұрын

    YES! XD Thank you!

  • @heyguysitsme.5560
    @heyguysitsme.55605 ай бұрын

    I wasn't expecting this interview! I've loved AJR for 3-4 years now, I love how they all let their strengths and weaknesses shine through... I also love their knowledge of music and the industry - but also how playful they are through their art. Thank you so much for this interview! It's really interesting to listen to. Also, I love how much they included Adam in this interview! It's awesome to hear him talk and have a spot in the band (if that makes sense... Not saying he doesn't do anything, but in the interview he feels an equal part in the band because he speaks equally as much as the others).

  • @songsbyleo
    @songsbyleo5 ай бұрын

    Finally! I’m so thrilled you guys got AJR and really hope this means more music creators on your show.

  • @jugglinjosh
    @jugglinjosh5 ай бұрын

    Legendary Shots is how I found AJR too!

  • @YegsTv
    @YegsTv5 ай бұрын

    probably the bands best interview to date. i loved the business and industry angle. thank u colin and samir for asking such important and interesting questions!!

  • @transmaniandevil
    @transmaniandevil5 ай бұрын

    I remember hearing AJR on the radio when "I'm not Famous", "Weak" and "Sober up" first came out. I fell in love with the band on the day I listened to "Turning Out" for the first time (and ended up ugly sobbing in my car the day my dad died to the song). Now I've seen them 3 times live and have tickets again for next year! They really helped me through the grief of losing my dad, graduating college and transitioning into a real adult. I'm so proud of them for how big they're becoming. They deserve all the credit

  • @Oymego
    @Oymego5 ай бұрын

    The death of creativity is comparing yourself to others. Def one of my favorite quotes now. AJR is so good

  • @yaboibigslime6789
    @yaboibigslime67895 ай бұрын

    The irony of Kurtis being DIRECTLY before this is sooo funny to me. I love ajr so much tho they literally are what i aspire to be

  • @megjournals
    @megjournals5 ай бұрын

    Had no idea who AJR were but love the pod so still clicked to watch - then had that moment of 'Oh, they did *that* song!'. Really enjoyed this discussion, great job!

  • @Sikkant

    @Sikkant

    5 ай бұрын

    Exactly the same for me 😅

  • @lexiloudyt

    @lexiloudyt

    4 ай бұрын

    I found a comment on one of their music videos that said AJR is the definition of "Hey i know that song!"

  • @stevemorrrismusic
    @stevemorrrismusic5 ай бұрын

    I’ve never seen Adam talk so much! So great to see & hear his perspective

  • @hello-you-are-awesome
    @hello-you-are-awesome5 ай бұрын

    no way!! this is awesome, best interview yet. Colin and Samir somehow always put out interviews of my favorite creators and bands!

  • @LegendaryShots
    @LegendaryShots5 ай бұрын

    So glad we could help facilitate this collaboration 🥹

  • @SlayNetwork

    @SlayNetwork

    5 ай бұрын

    Good marketing strategy

  • @dickchuck77
    @dickchuck775 ай бұрын

    This rules. I would LOVE to hear more conversations like this with different artists! Maybe a person that runs social for a band/artist would be awesome!

  • @PianoDoctor
    @PianoDoctor5 ай бұрын

    I’m so glad you guys decided to reach out to different niches and do interesting collabs like this!

  • @cadmunn
    @cadmunn5 ай бұрын

    Wow I was literally just listening to one of their new songs. Their songs got me through some tough times through my breakup many many years ago. So happy to see this pop up on my feed.

  • @GhostFacedrummer
    @GhostFacedrummer5 ай бұрын

    As a musician online, I really appreciated this discussion and insights! Thanks for sharing guys

  • @anthonybrautigam6154
    @anthonybrautigam61545 ай бұрын

    I can see why Adam usually stays quiet. There's definitely a bit of a disconnect between him and Jack and Ryan. That may just be age, but he's obviously the business and logics side of this band

  • @floralcapacity7319

    @floralcapacity7319

    Ай бұрын

    what do you mean by bit of a disconnect?

  • @dragern8421

    @dragern8421

    Ай бұрын

    @@floralcapacity7319 he'd rather be home probably xD

  • @notclever
    @notclever5 ай бұрын

    This is a collab that I wanted to happen but never thought it would, amazing, also in interviews, Adam speaks more than expected, if you know, you know 😂

  • @youngblack253
    @youngblack2535 ай бұрын

    Yes. Simple answer. Going viral fast is all that seems to matter. Most popular “hits” on TikTok are faceless and in most cases don’t even have a full song. Usually only half a verse and a couple hooks if that. It has completely cheapened the music so now the only way to make money off music is you have to do 1000% all the foot works in order to make it work in the eyes of the complete artist. A record label realizes how easy it is to make music now in order to get signed (not that, that should be the goal) but they won’t even sign an act unless they have already done it he heavy lifting of acquiring notoriety which IS the hardest part.

  • @summergutierrex5535
    @summergutierrex55355 ай бұрын

    I was so excited to see this interview! AJR is literally my favorite band, the way they express their feelings and thoughts through the music they create in such an engaging, theatrical way makes me see so much more meaning to life and the way I handle things. Just listening to their music is just truly an experience on its own. And I genuinely hope that they never cave in to what the industry or what media wants from them, because the rawness and intensity of their music is what separates them from other singers. Differentiating the what art and music can be.

  • @OnlyDudeAround
    @OnlyDudeAround5 ай бұрын

    An amazing collab! I've been listening to AJR for about 7 years now and to hear them talk more of the business side of their work was amazing. I loved especially hearing Adam talk more in this interview than any other one I have seen. Great interview!!

  • @aaronjohnsonmedia
    @aaronjohnsonmedia5 ай бұрын

    Loved this. Really appreciate you, Colin and Samir, and now I have a new appreciation for AJR.

  • @diddyjohn6872
    @diddyjohn68725 ай бұрын

    I really love this interview, incredible insights and I don't think I've heard Adam open up so much in an interview.

  • @ArynLipnicki
    @ArynLipnicki5 ай бұрын

    This is a truly phenomenal interview. Thanks to all of you for sharing your thoughtful and open conversation.

  • @tanvikashyap9930
    @tanvikashyap99305 ай бұрын

    I was just listening to one of their songs, and now this pops up! What wonderful timing!

  • @Beautyfreax1
    @Beautyfreax15 ай бұрын

    Yes! Ajr has grown as I have started listening in the 7th grade and now I’m a college senior! Love the guys, the message they bring, and will be sticking around for a lot longer

  • @paullopez2021
    @paullopez20215 ай бұрын

    Adam, Jack, and Ryan are some of the smartest people in the music business. I don't stan them and probably will never go to their concerts, but the songs I do fw are some of the best songs I've ever heard. You can tell that they love music and find inspiration from anything that comes to mind. Ryan would make an amazing music/music theory professor.

  • @mrdansings
    @mrdansings5 ай бұрын

    OK BUT HOW DID YOU PULL THIS OFF, this collab is insane!!!

  • @karim6651
    @karim66515 ай бұрын

    Love the coverage on music creators! missed the uploads from y'all

  • @melissaq8854
    @melissaq88545 ай бұрын

    I love how all their songs sound different, I feel like with AJR their creative juices flow the best when they dont limit themselves to one genre

  • @mattxew
    @mattxew5 ай бұрын

    Been to an AJR concert before, it's so fun and they are very down to earth people which is why i listen to them + their music is great

  • @stephenpep.mp4
    @stephenpep.mp45 ай бұрын

    Ok I was definitely not expecting this!!! Super excited for the interview

  • @davidcaleb9424
    @davidcaleb94245 ай бұрын

    They have been my constant top artist for the last 4 years, it's amazing to see them talking about the industry like this

  • @brandontong2340
    @brandontong23405 ай бұрын

    People really need to hear more of AJR's music it's actually fire 🔥

  • @madadog
    @madadog5 ай бұрын

    Finally, I was waiting for this! My favorite band.. great vid btw :)

  • @iOSatWork
    @iOSatWork5 ай бұрын

    THE COLLAB I DIDNT KNOW I NEEDED

  • @Mama_Chi
    @Mama_Chi5 ай бұрын

    What an amazing interview! Colin and Samir, you have a new fan in me! And i will def be watching this three times!

  • @dddangerdick
    @dddangerdick2 ай бұрын

    I find it kind of interesting how Colin said, "I heard your guys' songs... again, and again, and again but I didn't know your name." right after mentioning AJR's song 'I'm Ready' which also has the line, "I won't forget you but I may forget your name." That's honestly how a lot of people build a relationship with certain artists; they'll be exposed to their art and let it leave a significant impact on them but yet they won't know or remember who they were.

  • @Sikkant
    @Sikkant5 ай бұрын

    Maddest respect to Colin for being so humble that he literally never feels the need to chime in.

  • @unapologetically_
    @unapologetically_5 ай бұрын

    listening to the boys opinion on different topis related to the music industry was really interesting!!! keep it up

  • @JoJoEdits
    @JoJoEdits5 ай бұрын

    My favorite podcast meets my favorite band! Worlds collide! Great video guys! Love all you guys! ❤

  • @jessjess4576
    @jessjess45765 ай бұрын

    Became a AJR fan 10 years ago . Being able to grow with you has been a privilege. I so exited to see in concert again ❤

  • @mlizhereandnow
    @mlizhereandnow5 ай бұрын

    here for this collab and interview!

  • @RavenclawNimbus
    @RavenclawNimbus5 ай бұрын

    Learned about AJR recently. Absolutely love them! I’m not a huge fan of most modern music but the music they make is so good, and I have a lot of respect for Ryan

  • @ChristineArdigo
    @ChristineArdigo5 ай бұрын

    Everything they do is so interesting. I hope they keep doing what they love, because it is truly working! Love hearing Adam talking a lot, too!

  • @markhawkins9674
    @markhawkins96745 ай бұрын

    This is awesome! So Happy to see another AJR interview!!!

  • @claytonweichbrodt6343
    @claytonweichbrodt63435 ай бұрын

    I’ve always loved their music because I’ve found it so relatable, glad to see they’re the same guys they portray in their music. This just made me a bigger fan of theirs than I already was.

  • @CobraJayOfficial
    @CobraJayOfficial5 ай бұрын

    Hands down one of the best AJR interviews and I'm only halfway finished

  • @mcmaschio
    @mcmaschio5 ай бұрын

    I remember finding im ready again when i just started my KZread channel and this time besides being an awesome song the video hit home as a nobody trying to get more views 😂.. im so glad you guys brought AJR on the show ❤

  • @JacobStreams
    @JacobStreams5 ай бұрын

    Never in a million years saw this coming!! Super hyped to watch this!! :D

  • @lefton4ya
    @lefton4ya5 ай бұрын

    OMG. My second favorite interviewers and my favorite band! FYI Narduar is my favorite interviewer

  • @forallthemarbles
    @forallthemarbles5 ай бұрын

    My journey as a content creator is completely different from AJR, but I found this conversation so fascinating. thanks Colin &Samir

  • @beeslytherin3946
    @beeslytherin39465 ай бұрын

    The fact that your music doesn't all sound the same is what I love of your music

  • @austingregory4565
    @austingregory45655 ай бұрын

    I love AJR!! Their interviews are always interesting because of how much they share behind the scenes! This is so cool! Also, I’d be interested in y’all interviewing Connor Price! His story of building a career through social media is interesting!

  • @estellevisser8188
    @estellevisser81885 ай бұрын

    This was ligit, one of my favorite interviews you guys have done. Super thumbs up from South Africa!

  • @BangtanAmi225
    @BangtanAmi2252 ай бұрын

    46:41 YES!!!! And you guys literally did nail what I went through at 25, I’m sooooo grateful for your music.

  • @chazzy4490
    @chazzy44905 ай бұрын

    Been waiting for something focused on music creators! More more more!!

  • @RockerGirl
    @RockerGirl5 ай бұрын

    Thank you for the inspiration guys!!

  • @AV.Creative
    @AV.Creative5 ай бұрын

    the short i saw of the weak build up was on of the most insane things I've ever seen yall had me sitting on the couch headbanging with chills down my back 🔥🤙

  • @RocketRiley
    @RocketRiley5 ай бұрын

    My favorite podcasters interviewed my favorite band. Great video guys, thanks.

  • @elizabethball2963
    @elizabethball2963Ай бұрын

    AJR live shows are AMAZING! Whether there's a new album to go along with a tour or not, I'll buy a ticket! Love love love seeing these guys get the success they deserve ❤

  • @NataliePaigeisAwesome
    @NataliePaigeisAwesome5 ай бұрын

    I was at the neotheater tour in 2019 when they sold out Radio City and now I’m so excited to see them 2024 at MSG!!!!! I feel so proud of them!

  • @user-ly7vr2mu2c
    @user-ly7vr2mu2c5 ай бұрын

    i love this band so frickin much , im one of those hardcore ones who consume any content even remotely related to them . Just absolutely have loved to see them grow all the way from neotheater to now . Was so happy you got them on your show . always great to listen to their views

  • @loganmarcum4495
    @loganmarcum44954 ай бұрын

    I remember discovering World’s Smallest Violin last year and finally discovering my new favorite band! Can’t wait to see them on tour this summer!

  • @zFake
    @zFake5 ай бұрын

    Oh my- Unexpected collab :)

  • @RockGYT
    @RockGYT5 ай бұрын

    Loved the interview, really nailed it !

  • @warpwise
    @warpwise5 ай бұрын

    Ok this is making me even more excited about the tour!

  • @vilmur4694
    @vilmur46945 ай бұрын

    I actually found ajr through Davids Vlogs. Specificaly the songs Come Hang Out and Burn The house down. I loved the songs. That was in 2019, something like that. I did not really take notice to them tho. It was then in 2022 I heard The good Part om TikTok. I liked it and then a started looking into more of their music and now they are my favorite band. I litteraly know every lyric of every song of theirs. So i can definetly say they changed my life for the better! Great Pod!

  • @eitacffuc
    @eitacffuc5 ай бұрын

    I love how well spoken AJR is. They're really something special. ❤

  • @Conrad.Merkel
    @Conrad.Merkel5 ай бұрын

    This is great. You should keep doing interviews with other musicians.

  • @sanyuktasuma00
    @sanyuktasuma005 ай бұрын

    Amazing interview! I didn't know anything about AJR, and now I do! Also, it would be fantastic if you could interview some creators in the food domain.

  • @benjaminj.tambunan2453
    @benjaminj.tambunan24535 ай бұрын

    The Maybe Man IS really amazing, I literally love the 'Mass' song, and Steve going to Londong? I HEARD it repeatly. LOVE YOU GUYS

  • @drewdreynolds
    @drewdreynolds5 ай бұрын

    I have never been so excited for an interview

  • @matanassulin
    @matanassulin5 ай бұрын

    Omg!! No way you brought on my favorite artist!!! I can’t wait to see AJR live!

  • @ErebusCreations
    @ErebusCreations5 ай бұрын

    Two of my favorite content teams let's goo!!!

  • @MaxxDraws823
    @MaxxDraws8232 ай бұрын

    I just love seeing my FAVORITE band being on a place other than a stage or a video!!!! :D

  • @home.peless
    @home.peless5 ай бұрын

    AJR, just letting you know that I don't usually go to concerts, it's scary for me, but if you guys do come to Brazil one day, I would be in the front line. I LOVE YOUR MUSIC and I admire you so much. I hope I get to see you guys live one day that I'm in the US. You and NF are the ones I want to definitely go out of my comfort zone and go to your concerts 💙Also, thank you Colin and Samir, I just found your channel through AJR!

  • @benin2506
    @benin25065 ай бұрын

    This interview just increased my love for AJR 1000% . The way they talk about the process just makes me love the music even more . The way AJR puts on shows is something I can’t wait to see! They’re coming to Cincinnati and that will be the most expensive ticket I’ve ever bought . I’ll see you guys there 😏

  • @SummerCombs-hz9wh
    @SummerCombs-hz9wh5 ай бұрын

    These guys mean so much to me. Great interview!

  • @siel.castillo
    @siel.castillo5 ай бұрын

    OHHH! You have no idea how happy I was when I saw this video!!!!

  • @jackell27TV
    @jackell27TV5 ай бұрын

    Ajr has been with me and helped me through so many hard times

  • @juhesihcaaa
    @juhesihcaaa5 ай бұрын

    Oh my gosh, I'm so excited for this!

  • @willgranbery3594
    @willgranbery35945 ай бұрын

    Why did the recording of the live show where they made a song from the crowd make me want to cry?!? Such a beautiful expression of creativity!

  • @osherkalech2808
    @osherkalech28085 ай бұрын

    I never thought you would interview my favorite band this is amazing

  • @ericb547
    @ericb5474 ай бұрын

    One of my absolute favorite things about AJR is that they are honest with their lyrics and themselves. So many things in our life make you think you have to be perfect and happy all the time. I feel connected to them; like we have a bond. I have literally cried at a couple of their songs.

  • @aryankathawale9269
    @aryankathawale92695 ай бұрын

    yoooo AJR , such a goated collab , nice one

  • @milehighhokie269
    @milehighhokie2695 ай бұрын

    "invincible to hate". Love that!! So glad to follow this band. ❤

  • @blakeallender1
    @blakeallender15 ай бұрын

    The most unexpected, but best, crossover ever!

  • @stoshhatch8988
    @stoshhatch89885 ай бұрын

    AJR + Colin & Samir?? YES PLEASE 😍

  • @LoganAlexandraMusic
    @LoganAlexandraMusic5 ай бұрын

    This was AMAZING!!!!! As a musician trying to navigate content creation, this was super inspiring to me

  • @NickErdman
    @NickErdman5 ай бұрын

    i love this collab!!

  • @cassie72793
    @cassie727935 ай бұрын

    Ahhh I cannot wait to see them in concert! July cannot come soon enough!

  • @jamesglenos3174
    @jamesglenos31747 күн бұрын

    What a great convo

  • @AnnabelleLeeTx
    @AnnabelleLeeTx5 ай бұрын

    One of the best interviews ive seen here 👌

  • @Trippy.Stuff333
    @Trippy.Stuff3335 ай бұрын

    AJR interviews are always the best ❤

  • @juliahoward7336
    @juliahoward73365 ай бұрын

    OMG MORE AJR I love you guys music so much. And recently I told my friend about you guys and now she’s into you guys so I was SO shocked when Adam talked about that. but don’t worry, it’s my other friends turn😊❤

  • @Ekaterinallina
    @Ekaterinallina5 ай бұрын

    Wow ! Amazing conversation! Have not heard about this wonderful group! Such a deep thinkers !!!!!