AJA Reveals the True Meaning of ‘Better Off Without You’ and Moving Past Toxic Relationships
17-year-old singer-songwriter AJA is an incredible artist with talents far beyond her years, and you have to look no further than her new song "Better Off Without You" to see why.
The new track, out today, is the perfect showcase of her raw vocal abilities and the edge with which she crafts her original songs. It's a song about getting back toxic relationships to become your best self, and we were hooked at first listen. We simply had to learn more, and we got the chance to ask AJA all about how the song came to be and whether or not it's based on a true story. Keep reading to find out more.
Sweety High: What was the creative and recording process behind "Better Off Without You"?
AJA: I have been working with Jimmy McGorman for about a year now. Jimmy is with the Goo Goo Dolls and has been musical director for Avril Lavigne, Gwen Stefani, Ariana Grande and many others. He is an amazing talent. We had already written a bunch of songs before writing "Better Off Without You." We wrote "Better Off Without You" with Robb Vallier. The three of us work really well together and the process is really fun. They know my voice and which direction to go. We are past the experimenting stage, which makes things run really efficiently. The energy in the room is always great and we have all become great friends.
SH: What does the song mean to you? Was it inspired by a real relationship?
AJA: At the time I wrote "Better Off Without You" I had recently broken up with my boyfriend of almost a year. He was a great guy but it was time to end. But what was interesting about this song is that after I initially wrote it, I found myself thinking it is about different people in my life that I have realized I'm better off without. I think many people will be able to relate to it. Everyone has someone they'd be better off without!
(Image courtesy of AJA)
SH: Do you have any top advice for moving on from a toxic relationship?
AJA: If you feel like something isn't working for you, find the strength to move on and don't go back. Trying to stay with someone out of guilt never works.
SH: How do you know when you're better off without someone?
AJA: When you just don't feel good about it anymore. I think if you surround yourself with good people that genuinely care about you, you are lucky and life is good. People can be mean. You just need to have the strength and confidence in yourself to walk away.
SH: Was this an empowering song for you to perform?
AJA: Absolutely! Most of my songs come from an empowering place. Any opportunity I have to learn and grow I am thankful for.
SH: Do you have a favorite lyric from the track?
AJA: "It took 300 stupid fights."
SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
AJA: It is Thanksgiving in Canada and I am so thankful that people are listening to my music and messaging me about how my songs have helped them. Having the ability to speak to people through my music is so amazing and I am so grateful.
Can't get enough of AJA's music? Click HERE to read AJA discuss the messy breakup behind her song "The Mess You Made"