I recently stumbled upon a tune called ‘C’est La Vie’ courtesy of the New York-based alternative folk-pop project Brother Valiant. Spearheaded by singer/songwriter AJ Amsterdam, I couldn’t quite believe what a beautiful little gem I had just uncovered. Digging a little deeper into Brother Valiant’s work, I discovered an entire catalogue brimming with the same raw authenticity and musical brilliance.
Eager to dive into the mind behind the music, I was thrilled when AJ agreed to sit down and chat with us! Going through the early days of finding his mom’s guitar in a closet, his admiration for Jerry Jones of Trophy Scars, and his somewhat unorthodox approach to songwriting, please give a warm welcome to AJ Amsterdam of Brother Valiant!
Hi AJ, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us! Let’s kick things off with an easy one…Who is AJ Amsterdam and when did your love affair with music begin?
I’m just another person on a long list of others just doing their thing musically and hoping people find it. At the end of the day though, I still write because I love doing it more than anything, even if I’m the only one to hear the final product.
I started playing music when I was 11 or 12. I found my mom’s guitar in a closet – an old Yamaha from the 80s, and I just sort of stumbled my way into learning how to play, mostly on my own. I’m still stumbling along.
Your latest single ‘C’est La Vie’ is honestly one of the most beautiful tunes I’ve heard all year. I’m in love! And, it appears I’m not the only one…With over 16,000 plays on Spotify in a short period, how does it feel to know that so many people are listening to and resonating with your music?
Thanks, I’m glad that you like the song that much! I guess it’s pretty cool. I hope that people resonate with it. I try not to look at the numbers on these things – I’m definitely more grateful when people write to me or send me messages saying how much they enjoy the songs. Or when I meet people who actually know the lyrics. One of the best days of my life was the first time years ago playing a show and seeing a couple of people mouthing back the words. Not even close friends or family. Just people who came to listen because of what they heard online. That said, I think the direct engagement from even a couple of people makes me way happier than seeing the numbers go up.
Now, I’m sorry to pose such a tough question so early on, but what song of yours are you most proud of and why?
I honestly don’t know. I know I like some more than others but I don’t have a top #1 favorite. My top three favorites I will say though are on the new record for sure.
I’m a sucker for having to know the origins of a band or artist’s name. I just can’t help myself! How exactly did Brother Valiant come about?
An old friend and bandmate had a Brother Valiant typewriter in his room where we used to practice. The name sort of stuck with me for a while, and when I checked no one had it, that was that. A lot of people asked me if it was a play off the old 70s wrestling duo, “The Valiant Brothers” or a reference to the detective in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”. I just say “sure” to either.
You’ve cited heavyweights like Paul Simon and Connor Oberst as being inspirational to your sound. Are there any other bands or artists you’d give a shoutout to for having helped shape your music?
Ben Gibbard, Anthony Green, James Taylor, Tallest Man on Earth, Josiah and The Bonnevilles. I could probably name quite a few more but I think those are the first that come to mind.
As far as lyricists, I have always been a fan of Jerry Jones – he’s the lead singer of a post-hardcore band called Trophy Scars that I was a huge fan of from high school on. Super underrated band. Still a fan and can appreciate his writing style even more now as I get older. He has a way to craft stories that I feel is very unique.
Outside of my father’s record collection that spanned everything from Alan Parsons to Zappa, I was a product of the 2000s and grew up listening to a lot of Emo, Hardcore, Screamo, Post, and everything in between. I like to try and incorporate some of the lyrical stylings into my own music, even if it’s more folk at heart.
Could you tell us a bit about your songwriting process? Not specifically for any song but just in general. How do you take an idea and turn it into a piece of music?
It’s kind of a mess. I have a lot of journals I use to cement final drafts. I usually use my notes app for tinkering around with ideas. Writing down final or near complete lyrics by hand sort of mentally helps it sink in better, or at least that’s what I choose to convince myself is happening.
I have songs I’ve spent years working out. Some I wrote in a day or two. I usually will work on two or three at a time and slowly chip away at each. Maybe it’s my ADHD that makes me work this way. I don’t recommend it. Once a few are carved out, I’ll take a day with one and really hone in.
As far as ideas, taking notes when just living life and being perceptive to your surroundings helps a ton. You never know where inspiration may strike, and having a notes app at the ready can at least help you remember what you have seen or felt.
Which of your lyrics would you like to see printed on a T-shirt?
Maybe “Hold Hope Closer”… it’s from a song I wrote called ‘Urban Everglades’. It’s not out yet but I’m hoping to have it on the next record.
Thanks again for taking the time to catch up with us AJ! It’s been awesome getting to know you a little better. Before we say farewell, what comes next for you musically?
Thanks for taking the time to talk! Now that the new record is out I am looking to get some more media and shows done. Also with some new songs being finished, I’m hoping to have another record out sooner than later. Early next year is the plan.
