Artist Information Biography AJ to perform during SXSW 2008! Check my calendar for details. Thanks to Tinderbox Music in Minneapolis. New album "Ultramarine" went to college radio in the summer of 2007 and recieved lots of rotation! To view radio results go here: http://www.ajrosales.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000071 Ultramarine is the new 13 song studio release by AJ that has been in the making for almost a year. In his evolution as a musician and songwriter, he wanted to try to make an album that would highlight his creative skill as a guitar player but branch out and move away stylistically from his previous acoustic-based release, Resistor. After much success with that intimate album, he decided to try to gather up a couple of pro musicians and make this album more visceral and more of an experience. Featuring Shawn Sommer (once again) on bass, with Lucas Farran (drums) and a guest slot for Alison Chesley (cello) this album rocks a little harder - but stays true to the spirit of his previous releases, with a mix of upbeat numbers and a few intimate acoustic tracks. AJ meticulously produced and arranged the entire record in an effort to ensure that that his overall vision was not lost in translation. It was recorded at Chicago indie boutique Gravity Studios by engineering wizard Mark Berlin, and then mixed and mastered by studio head Doug McBride - who not only called this record "a really strong album" but also says that it's representative of some of his best work as a mixer. Although this album is dynamic and experimental, and there are a number of different sonic environments on this album, it still manages to retain a consistent vibe. Songs like Alone Again and Nominate capture a vibrant rock sound while songs such as White Sunshine and What's with all the Heartache? utilize an artistic folk-rock sound that captures his subtly emotive lyrics and vocals perfectly. The album also features two instrumentals - 3:15 (which delves into math rock) and Telekinetic (which is somewhat of an extension of the song Transistor from Resistor) All in all, this is easily AJ's most well rounded and well thought-out record yet. It's a must if you've enjoyed any of his past musical forays! Buy the new album at: http://www.cdbaby.com/rosales3 and http://www.awarestore.com/item16535 ****************************** A.J. Rosales is not trying to prove anything. His appealingly layered guitar playing and honest lyrics are just the pure expression of a unique musical vision, not some calculated product. Rosales is already an acknowledged force in the rock/folk scene.  His intelligent songwriting, which draws as much from pop as from jazz, classical, rock, jam, and folk, has been the basis for three well-received albums in his eight-year solo career. Fatigue, in 1997, introduced his intricate guitar lines, interwoven with intimate lyrics.  His Earth and Shoal EP in 2001 added a maturity and depth of experience. With 2004's Resistor, Rosales' songwriting gained even greater resonance. Fueled by critical praise and airplay on hundreds of radio stations, Rosales reached out to fans nationwide.  As an artist, he is poised for a major breakthrough, and it all builds from experience. Rosales has been playing guitar since his mid-teens. By his own admission, he was "somewhat of a nerd who gravitated toward the more abstract and technically challenging pieces." His early affinity for complex musical structure is evident in his playing style, which blends catchy pop hooks with some unexpected musical flourishes. Rosales describes his style as "rock music run through an avant garde folk filter," but it's easy to hear a vast array of other, subtler influences underscoring his take on folk and rock. His extensive background in classical music and jazz can be heard in his intricate, contrapuntal arrangements.  His guitar work conjures ghosts of the blues and invokes modern masters of high technical ability. Listening to Rosales alternately calls to mind Trey Anastasio, Ellis Paul, Collective Soul and Adam Duritz with all of their varied and inherent skills. But a virtuosic delivery is not Rosales' only musical accomplishment . . . His music has garnered broad attention.  The single Sweetest Thing from Earth and Shoal was included on CMJ's "Certain Damage" CD and was featured on National Public Radio in Chicago. Initially, this release edged out Smashing Pumpkins for the top spot in Ohio's WMRU radio play rotation. Fervent fan support has landed three singles from Resistor in the Top 10 on Garageband.com's survey of the "best guitars of all time" in the folk/rock genre. But being a "guitar pyrotechnician" is not what he's about, and being the next pop idol is also not at the top of his list.  He's all about recording his lush, rootsy music, brilliant and humble. And there is no doubt he has all the talent to back it up. - Trevor Plum PREVIOUS ACCOMPLISHMENTS: INCLUDED: on mvyradio.com's "Fresh Produce Vol. 2", a yearly compilation that they put out featuring upcoming artists being played on their FM station in Martha's Vineyard. Finalist: emergenza's "acoustic hero contest.. performed with 7 ther finalists from around the nation on july 6th, 2006. Winner: garageband.com's #3 all-time best guitars FOR ALL GENRES for the song "Resistor." Spun: 500+ Commercial FM Radio Campaign Ended in April, 2006 - culminating in 180+ weekly spins on commercial FM radio! Performed: during SXSW XX (2006) and was a featured performer during 2005 and 2006's Midwest Music Summit in Indianapolis! Featured: The song "Disturbance Around Me" was included on Shut Eye Records' "Buzzlighter #13" compilation CD - released in 2006. Spun: on 325+ college radio stations in 2005, reaching #6 on KOUG (Hanalei, HI) and #7 on KKCR (Vancouver, WA) - Resistor LP (2004) Winner: garageband.com's #1 all-time best guitars in the pop/folk rock genres for the song "Union." Winner: garageband.com's #1 all-time best bass in the acoustic genre for the song "Down to the Wire" (bass arranged by AJ) Featured Artist: 'Pocket Tunes' (most popular palm OS MP3 software company) featured musician/download. Featured: Travel Channel's "Amazing Vacation Homes" -- "Whimsical Retreats" episode. Included: on the Songsalive! 7 compilation disk at songsalive.org. Featured: CMJ's certain damage compilation. Played: in Abercrombie and Fitch Stores. Charted: #1 at ohio college radio station WRMU. (Earth and Shoal EP - 2001) Instrumentation a.j. rosales: guitars, vocals, lyrics Discography 2007 - Ultramarine LP 2004 - Resistor LP 2001 - Earth and Shoal EP 1997 - Fatigue LP (Fronting the band 'Daughter Product') Links http://www.ajrosales.com