Albums

A.J. Atiee, a singer-songwriter from New Braunfels, Texas, brings a distinct voice and lyrical depth to the world of Texas Country music. His journey began humbly with a $50 guitar from a garage sale at the age of twelve. It wasn't long before his talent caught the attention of local venues across the Texas Hill Country. By fifteen, he was performing at notable spots like Billy’s Ice, Koozie’s, and Gruene Cottages, setting the stage for a promising career in music.

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Atiee’s voice carries a timeless, baritone quality—rich with raw emotion and a lived-in grit that speaks to struggles beyond his years. His lyrics tell stories of heartbreak, addiction, and resilience, offering listeners an unfiltered view of life’s hard-won lessons. Drawing inspiration from his roots, A.J. has spent years performing throughout Texas, finding his place in the state’s storied tradition of troubadours.

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His debut album, Halfway to Heartache, scheduled for release in Spring 2025, is a powerful introduction to his artistry. Recorded at Coastal Bend Music in Rockport, Texas, the album is a collaboration between A.J. and seasoned producers John Macy (pedal steel) and Jules Taylor (dobro). With eight original songs, the album showcases A.J.’s songwriting prowess, where the personal becomes universal, and heartache finds a voice.

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Songs like "Homebound" and "Poet’s Final Stand" encapsulate the central themes of A.J.'s music—longing, redemption, and self-reflection. In "Homebound," Atiee sings of his restless search for meaning and solace, juxtaposed with the feeling of temporary comfort found in returning home:

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“I’ve been wasting time with pills / And I can’t even pay my bills / I’ve been running for so long / Now the water’s getting rough / And my life’s been getting tough / Now I’ve lost my touch.”

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On the darker side, "Poet’s Final Stand" delves into addiction and inner turmoil with haunting lyrics:

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“When the drink stops flowing / And empty hearts are in hand / Well I'm trying to stay sober / In the Poet’s Final Stand.”

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A.J.’s connection to his songs is evident. Each track reflects his personal journey through pain, perseverance, and growth. “Songbird,” one of the standout tracks, features Jules Taylor’s dobro, lending a mournful and lonesome quality to a song about saying goodbye and the inevitability of change:

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“You were good to me when the going got tough / But now it’s just too damn much / So goodbye, goodbye, little songbird.”

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Halfway to Heartache is not just an album; it’s a reflection of A.J.’s journey through the highs and lows of life. From the anthemic heartbreak in the title track to the somber acceptance in “Never Coming Back,” Atiee’s storytelling invites listeners to reflect on their own struggles and victories.

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A lover of Texas Country and deeply influenced by his songwriting heroes, A.J. combines his appreciation for tradition with his unique perspective. His voice and words carry the weight of someone who has seen both the dark and light sides of life. With every performance, he continues to solidify his place among the next generation of Texas troubadours, bringing his personal tales of loss, love, and redemption to a wider audience.

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Now in his twenties, A.J. Atiee's journey is only just beginning. As he prepares for the release of Halfway to Heartache, he looks forward to sharing his stories with the world, knowing that his music—like his life—is a testament to enduring through the hard times and finding meaning in the journey home.