AJR

AJR, an American indie pop band, was founded by the Met brothers: Adam, Jack, and Ryan. Their journey in music began in New York City, where they grew up and initially gained attention through street performances and YouTube covers. Since their inception in 2005, AJR has been a self-contained musical unit, writing, producing, and mixing their own material, which has led them to significant success in the music industry.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

The Met brothers started their musical journey by busking in the parks of New York City on July 9, 2005. Before releasing original music, they posted covers of popular songs on YouTube under the username AJRbrothers. Their cover of "Ho Hey" by the Lumineers notably inspired pop singer Shawn Mendes. AJR self-released several music projects mainly in CD format before 2013, including "Born & Bred," "Venture," and an eponymous EP.

Breakthrough with "I'm Ready"

Their breakthrough came with the release of "I'm Ready" in 2013, a debut single that featured a catchy sample from SpongeBob SquarePants. The song caught the attention of Australian singer Sia, which eventually led to their management deal with Steve Greenberg, the CEO and founder of S-Curve Records. "I'm Ready" was certified Platinum in America and three times Platinum in Australia, marking the beginning of their ascent in the music world.

Subsequent Success and Albums

Following their initial success, AJR released several albums that further established their presence in the music industry:

• Living Room (2015): Their debut album, featuring the hit single "I'm Ready."
• The Click (2017): Included hits like "Weak" and "Sober Up," with the latter reaching number one on Billboard's Alternative Airplay chart. The album achieved Platinum status in America.
• Neotheater (2019): Marked their first top-ten entry on the Billboard 200 and continued their trend of introspective and innovative pop music.
• OK Orchestra (2021): Featured the Hot 100 top-ten single "Bang!" which also received a Billboard Music Award. The album showcased AJR's growth in musical complexity and thematic depth.
• The Maybe Man (2023): Their latest release as of 2024, further expanding their discography and artistic exploration.

Personal Life and Education

The Met brothers are Jewish and grew up in Bayside, Queens, before moving to Chelsea, Manhattan. Their educational backgrounds are as diverse as their music, with Adam receiving a BA from Columbia University, an MA from New York University, and a PhD in International Human Rights Law from the University of Birmingham. Ryan and Jack also pursued film studies at Columbia University, highlighting their broad interests and talents beyond music.

Philanthropy and Impact

Beyond their musical achievements, AJR is known for their philanthropic efforts, including the release of the charity single "It's On Us" to support sexual violence survivors. Adam Met co-founded Planet Reimagined, a non-profit organization focused on training climate leaders for impactful environmental advocacy.