Multi-platinum trio AJR announced they’re coming out with a new EP, set to release next month, AND debuted their newest single, “Betty” on “Jimmy Kimmel Live! AJR is one of those bands who are truly amazing in everything they do — from production, to their unique sound, to the show they give their audience. This band consists of three brothers by the names of Adam, Jack, and Ryan; together they make AJR. I’ve watched them perform live twice, and both times just blew my mind. Every song played is paired with cool theatrics on stage that make it so much more than any ordinary performance. 

This new song rings of all that makes AJR who they are — with different layers of vocals and instruments piled into one complete track. The band has explained that this song is about grappling with the idea of forever with one person, portraying both the pressure one feels and the confusion of emotions. At the same time, the layers of harmonies and the sentiment in the song’s overall message build to a cinematic intensity. I really enjoy the lyrics, “I tried to get my shit together, Now you want a break ‘cause I’m not ready for forever,” because they really drive the whole purpose of the song home. No one really knows what they want and forever is a long time — it’s forever. This highlights how relationships can be difficult to navigate and may eventually fall apart when they aren’t meant to stick. Similarly, the band has noted how this is a personal testament to their songwriting — how it’s changed and grown over the past years — “clever, emotionally resonant, and unafraid to explore the gray areas of complicated relationships.”

Even with new music on the horizon, you can catch them this summer on the road for their “Somewhere In The Sky Tour,” which will be amazing. Each date has a different lineup for openers, so each show is sure to be memorable and different. The poster lists the different artists you might get to see, but you’ll have to check their website for more complete information and to buy a ticket. Maybe you’ll get to hear “Betty” premiered live at one of these dates — guess you’ll just have to go to one to find out if you’re that lucky.

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