The solo artist, AJ Penta aka East Coast Cowboy, just announced the release of his eagerly-awaited new upcoming singles. Recorded with Grammy and Emmy-winning producer and engineer Ken Royster out of Nashville, Music City, he is presently negotiating a deal with Amalien records/Ingrooves Music. 

The story being the East Coast Cowboy

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

AJ went on to open for artists like Bon Jovi and Buckcherry at the Bamboozle festival. He embraced the Nashville country scene, finding his place in southern rock tours. AJ elaborates, “ I later ended up in New York City where I decided to stay rather than going back to Nashville.” He continues, “ I wanted to pursue acting as well as music.” There he was offered the opportunity to audition for Demi Lovato. AJ shares, “After four auditions, I got the part and played with other artists such as Luis Fonsi.”

AJ is notorious for the rockstar energy he brings to the stage. He accredits this energy to the years he spent training in martial arts. AJ is a fourth degree black belt in karate and an AAU junior Olympic gold medalist. AJ elaborates, “The skills I acquired from martial arts and fitness in general have provided me with a lot of exciting opportunities.” This includes his career as 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). 

Just a few years backcountry music was viewed as a niche genre, but now Country music has made a comeback. Some of the top selling artists in the world are American country musicians. Now the genre is just as popular as it ever was.  AJ has new upcoming singles recorded with Grammy and Emmy-winning producer and engineer Ken Royster out of Nashville, Music City. 

Singer songwriter turned actor

It’s a pretty iconic move to go from a singer-songwriter to an actor. AJ doubled for Justin Theroux in the film Girl on the Train, also starring Emily Blunt. He elaborates, “ I’m a Sag/Aftra actor and stuntman, so I choose roles based on my martial arts training.”  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 a 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.”

Creativity and advice

“Even if you lose, you still learn something. Therefore, you are better than you were before, so you haven’t really lost anything,” AJ offers. So, when life gets tough, cowboy up? Sounds like the East Coast Cowboy has definitely done that. 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.”