AJ Penta aka East Coast Cowboy is a solo artist, announcing the release of his new upcoming singles recorded with Grammy and Emmy winning producer and engineer Ken Royster out of Nashville, Music City. He is presently in negotiations for a distribution deal with Amalien records/Ingrooves Music. 

East Coast Cowboy

As a country singer and New Jersey native, the East Coast Cowboy grew up as one of the only country singers in New Jersey. AJ was heavily influenced by artists like Bruce Springsteen, the Eagles, Kid Rock, Garth Brooks, and many other classic rock artists from various decades. This earned him the nickname the East Coast Cowboy. He found his home in the country scene playing country blues and rock ‘n’ roll, where he played guitar for country star Rod Black.  

Later, AJ opened for artists like Bon Jovi and Buckcherry at the bamboozle festival. He ended up finding a home in southern rock tours and was embraced by the Nashville country scene. AJ explains, “ Later, I ended up residing in New York instead of Nashville so I could pursue acting as well as music. There I was offered the opportunity to audition to play guitar for Demi Lovato. After four auditions, I got the part and played with her and other artists such as Luis Fonsi. 

The infamous energy AJ brings to the stage comes from years of serious martial arts training. AJ is a fourth-degree black belt in karate and an AAU junior Olympic gold medalist. Those skills in martial arts and fitness have opened many doors for him including being a sag AFTRA Actor and stunt double in New York City. AJ also has two previous award-winning full-length albums. East Coast Cowboy (2012) and self-titled AJ Penta (2016). 

Years back country music was viewed as a niche genre, but now some of the top-selling artists in the world are American country musicians. The genre seems to be gaining more and more popularity. AJ has new upcoming singles recorded with Grammy and Emmy-winning producer and engineer Ken Royster out of Nashville, Music City. 

Acting and Stuntman

So, what kind of acting does AJ Penta aka East Coast Cowboy do? AJ elaborates, “ I am a Sag/Aftra actor and stuntman.” Ever seen Girl on the Train? AJ doubled for Justin Theroux in the film also starring Emily Blunt. So what made a musician want to be an actor and stuntman? 

AJ explains, “As a child and teenager, I was an international competitive martial artist.” He continues, “The first time I made it to the AAU Junior Olympics I got my ass handed to me. The second time, I took bronze in fighting and in weapons. It wasn’t until the third time that I took gold in fighting.” AJ claims that this had a huge impact on his life and his music career. AJ shares, “It taught me a huge life lesson. Every time you come close to accomplishing your goals, even if you fail, you learn something, and you get one step closer to being where you want to be.”

Inspiration and advice

AJ offers this advice, “ Even if you lose, you still learn. Therefore, you are better than you were before, so you haven’t really lost anything” Sounds like learning how to lose is an important lesson in becoming successful. AJ shares his last piece of advice, “Write your own music. There is always going to be somebody who has a better voice, but if you write your own music, you will always have something unique to offer ” He continues, “ Never sell out. Remain in control. Take the time and put in the hard work – don’t sell your soul.”