In this series, we’ll be meeting local artists in the Scottish music scene, and asking them some
quick-fire questions.
Our first artist is Glasgow-based singer-songwriter AJ Davis, who started his journey into live
music just last year.
Since then, he has performed a whole host of gigs in Glasgow, ventured out to Manchester to
support London band Darling. and has been involved in local podcast Glasgow Sessions.
Describe your music in 5 words?
Hard Grafters Nightmare Sung Beautifully
What inspired you to get into music?
I was raised on music. Being from a big extended family, music is something that has always
been part of my life. Though there weren’t many singers or musicians in my family, I was raised
on a variety of genres which has, and continues to, shape me into the artist and musician I am
today.
Can you run us through your songwriting process?
As a newly developing songwriter, my process is varied as I am still figuring out my way. The
first song I fully wrote came through the vision of the person I was writing about and the history
between us, along with the chords on the guitar. However, since then it has been a mix of
writing the words first and putting the chords together first.
What song do you wish you’d written?
Dashboard by Noah Kahan. Firstly, I have an appreciation for Noah and his music. Secondly,
the song itself touched me in a way that no other song has managed to do before. I felt the
intention and the lyrics had a way of conveying the message perfectly.
Favourite gig so far?
Nice N Sleazy, Glasgow, August 2026 – this was the first time that I felt properly engaged with my
confidence and the audience on an acoustic set.
Last song you were listening to?
I’m Alive by Celine Dion.
What’s next?
I have been busy developing a play that centres a famous singer who takes his audience on a
trip down memory lane through a live performance. The play touches on a variety of different
memories in his life, from his childhood, teen age, and early adulthood.
I have also been working on new songs that I’m hoping to record this year and release on
Spotify and other streaming platforms.
For more on AJ Davis, and to follow his journey, find him on Instagram.
Writer: Gillian Thomson
Photography credit: @jonrobertphotographymusic