How I Write AJR: The Writing Secrets Behind TikTok's Viral Sounds | How I Write
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Sep 10, 2025 Join Ryan and Jack from AJR as they unveil the secrets behind their viral hits. They dive into the power of humor and vulnerability in songwriting, revealing how embarrassment fuels creativity. With insights on the magic of Broadway influences and the challenges of navigating TikTok, they share their journey from dorm-room tunes to arena stardom. The conversation touches on embracing imperfection in art, the impact of AI on music, and the authentic emotional connections essential to their sound. Get ready for an enlightening look at modern music creation!
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Write What Moves You First
- If a joke or a song makes you laugh or cry while writing, it will likely hit the audience the same way.
- AJR use their own emotional reactions as a primary filter for what to keep.
Dog's POV Became The Emotional Hook
- AJR wrote "A Dog Song" from a dog's naive perspective to combine humor with tenderness.
- The dog believing it's protecting humans became the emotional pivot for the track.
Turn Embarrassment Into Material
- Use embarrassment as a creative compass: write the thing that would embarrass you to say out loud.
- That honesty often becomes the next strong song concept for AJR.