A few songs to demonstrate my range of music.
Created by Erik Paul Pictures, (ErikPaulPictures.com) "Encore", is short documentary series centered around up and coming Texas artists. I am honored to have been chosen as a participant. Check out this video for a few live performances and a little about me. Thanks for watching, and joining me on this journey. -AJ Santana
I do a lot of looping at my live shows. This is one of my newest favorite additions. I hope you enjoy!
A creative take on a classic with a little looping.
Filmed at Casa De Guerrero by Thomas Guerrero. Bathtub Sessions HTX is an ongoing Houston Texas series featuring local artists. Sweep the Song Aside was originally written in Oct 2012 by AJ Santana. Revisited and revised in 2019 by The Eventuals with co-writers Justin Pena, Elliot Thirsk, and Chris Goodwin.
This is a piece of the short documentary series, "Encore", created by Erik Paul Pictures. This is, also, an unreleased song. Interesting fact, This song has 3 different versions, because why not? There's this version, a dubstep version by Elliot Thirsk, and a version produced by One Fifty Music. I have so much new music in the works right now!!! Justin Peña on guitar, Elliot Thirsk on drums, and Chris Goodwin on bass. Thanks so much for putting this together for us Erik Paul!!!
My newest single, The End. Available everywhere! Thanks for listening.
"In My Head", is my favorite song I've written and released, to date (2/28/18). It features Justin Pena on lead guitar, Heather Rayleen on BGV's and violin, Elliot Thirsk on drums, and Josh Walker on bass, piano, and production. I feel the more I write and record the closer I get to finding MY sound. I spent 30 hrs. putting together the lyric video for this song, it is, also, one of my most favored creations. I wrote this song in the wake of a short lived romance.
Live, raw, performance of "In My Head" at One Fifty Music. One Fifty Media House/Music has been the most influential force in my career as an original composer. Whether video or audio, they are the best in Houston. Check out: Onefiftymediahouse.com
for info.
"Sympathy for the Devil", was my first step into the singer songwriter world. I wrote it with a looper in my room. I set the loop on repeat and just started writing. I was going through a hardcore break up at the time and after reflecting for a little while I realized I couldn't stay down anymore. There was no sympathy for me playing in the mud. I had to pick myself up, accept the wrong I had done, and move forward.
I sing for a Houston high energy cover band called Fal Skye. This was a little stripped down session we shot at Third Coast Red. This features Chris Goodwin (Left) and Tim Del Toro (Right).
Here's another take from the couch sessions @ Third Coast Red.
"Too Close", by Alex Claire.
"Freedom", is from the "Dear Darla", EP. I was frustrated with the way the world carves out a "succesful", person. We are encouraged to take orders, go with the flow, don't stand out, don't talk back, be grateful for your obligations. You want to make your family proud, you want nice things, security, admiration, appreciation. At what cost?
Will you sell your freedom for an illusion?
This song was a step in a new direction for me. I, often, write in metaphors to describe things. I do this, because I have a deep appreciation for imagery and relativity. This was one of the first songs I wrote where I described events from my life without concealing them in generalities. This song would be the mother that gave birth to the album Dear Darla.