Podcast Summary: "AJ | Musician & Quinn Creator"

Episode Title: AJ | Musician & Quinn Creator
Host: John York
Release Date: August 30, 2024
Podcast: The Audiobook Club with John York

1. Welcome and Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Audiobook Club with John York, host John York welcomes AJ, a talented musician and Quinn creator. AJ shares his excitement about his first podcast appearance, highlighting the unique and exclusive nature of the Quinn creator community.

AJ (00:13): "It's my first podcast outing as a Quinn audio creator. So you've got your world exclusive there. Congratulations."

2. Musical Journey and Early Beginnings

AJ delves into his lifelong passion for music, recounting how he began playing the piano at the tender age of three. He reminisces about his supportive music teachers and how music became his sanctuary during his teenage years, serving as an outlet for his emotions.

AJ (03:24): "Music for me was the same. I started playing piano when I was like, three or four years old. I was very lucky to be encouraged to do that when I was really, really young."

3. Navigating the Challenges of Self-Promotion

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on AJ's struggles with self-promotion, especially in the evolving landscape of social media. He reflects on his initial reluctance to engage with platforms like TikTok, adhering to an old-school belief in traditional methods of promotion. However, he acknowledges his missteps and the subsequent positive impact of embracing social media.

AJ (06:10): "I kind of fell between the two chairs, you know, those two worlds. And I was really late to starting on TikTok."

AJ (08:19): "People were saying, this is Booktok approved. And I'm like, I don't know what that means."

4. Transition to Quinn and Voice Acting

AJ narrates his unexpected journey into the Quinn platform, triggered by curious comments on his TikTok videos. This led to his introduction to Quinn, where he faced initial doubts about meeting the high standards of existing content creators. With encouragement from the Quinn team, AJ overcame his imposter syndrome and began producing content that resonated deeply with his audience.

AJ (09:57): "Caroline, CEO of Quinn, said, 'Hey, you up for having a shot at doing some stuff for us for Quinn.'"

AJ (16:11): "I felt like Happy Gilmore, which may need some explaining, but I walked into this space with no specific skills."

5. Embracing Authenticity in Creativity

Both AJ and John discuss the importance of authenticity in creative endeavors. AJ shares his daily struggles with self-doubt and the pressure to match the quality of seasoned creators. However, he emphasizes the liberation found in allowing his genuine self to shine through his work, leading to deeper connections with his audience.

AJ (23:29): "I always think everybody else is so much cooler than me. I wish I could do that."

John York (21:55): "We do what we do better than anybody else."

6. Life in France: Balancing Personal and Professional

AJ opens up about his relocation to France in 2018, driven by a desire for a fresh start after a job offer in Los Angeles fell through. He discusses the challenges of renovating an old house, adapting to French cultural norms, and maintaining a work-life balance amidst multiple projects. AJ candidly shares his experiences with the French approach to work and leisure, contrasting it with his previous high-stress roles.

AJ (48:23): "I'm perpetually renovating this house that I bought in France. It's doing its best to fall down faster than I can prop it back up again."

AJ (55:26): "The Netflix LA production work culture is sleep when you're dead."

7. Mental Health and Finding Balance

The conversation touches on the mental health challenges faced by creatives. AJ admits to struggling with overcommitting and the difficulty of "switching off" his active mind. He highlights the therapeutic aspects of sports and hobbies like go-karting, which help him manage stress and maintain his sanity amidst the demands of his creative pursuits.

AJ (58:57): "I've really struggled with this in my whole life. That feeling of being able to actually switch my brain off."

John York (61:11): "What's the alternative? Because I think that we need to feel sort of numb every now and again in order to feel sane."

8. Upcoming Projects and Future Endeavors

Looking ahead, AJ reveals his ambitious plans to produce a documentary that will explore the music cultures of 22 European countries. Riding a motorbike across diverse landscapes, he aims to understand the inspirations behind the music from regions like Norway, Iceland, Denmark, and Sweden. This project not only showcases his passion for music but also his commitment to immersive storytelling.

AJ (75:15): "I'm producing a documentary which begins shooting next year... traveling through 22 countries of Europe on a motorbike to try and get a flavor of what makes the music they make so incredible for TV and film."

AJ (77:45): "I'm terrified."

9. Personal Anecdotes and Light-Hearted Moments

Throughout the episode, AJ and John share personal stories that add depth to their conversation. From AJ's challenging experiences as a touring musician to humorous exchanges about social interactions during travel, these moments humanize the speakers and provide relatable content for listeners.

John York (74:36): "What is a challenge that you're facing currently?"

AJ (47:41): "I'm perpetually renovating this house that I bought in France..."

10. Closing Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, AJ and John reflect on the importance of authenticity, perseverance, and maintaining mental well-being in the creative industries. AJ expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share his journey and looks forward to future collaborations.

AJ (80:22): "I've loved every minute. Thank you so much for having me on and let's do it again sometime."

John York (80:22): "Thank you so much for joining me."

Notable Quotes:

• AJ (01:09): "I think we all feel that we are participating in some sort of strange, cutting edge of this world."

• John York (19:41): "Every single creator you look up to who's also pushed through that cringe barrier themselves. They did it. They were posting to five people when no one cares at some point."

• AJ (26:18): "The audience has given me permission to not worry about embarrassing myself, which has been really nice."

This episode offers a profound exploration of AJ's multifaceted journey as a musician, creator, and individual navigating personal and professional landscapes. Listeners gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of maintaining authenticity, embracing vulnerability, and pursuing ambitious creative projects.