The Ajjancy’s "To Be Arranged" melds Classic Rock with Modern Mashup Magic - Interview
The art of the cover song has always been a creative playground for musicians, allowing them to put their personal spin on iconic tracks. But New Jersey-native The Ajjancy takes this concept to the next level with his debut album, To Be Arranged. What could have been a collection of familiar remakes instead transforms into a genre-bending, era-spanning exploration that reimagines classic rock and pop tracks with a unique twist. This seven-track mashup album is nothing short of a chamber-rock masterpiece, drawing listeners in with surprising combinations and inventive arrangements that make these songs feel both fresh and familiar at once.
The Ajjancy—led by George Ajjan—has long been recognized for his ability to tackle deep, recurring themes of love, parenthood, and the political climate, but To Be Arranged takes his artistry in an exciting new direction. Ajjan isn’t just paying homage to the greats of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s; he’s throwing the rulebook out the window, splicing together tunes that might seem incongruous on paper but blend seamlessly in practice. What emerges is a sonic collage of old and new, with tracks that span the breadth of decades while adding an entirely new narrative.
Ajjan’s cast of talented session musicians is integral to this sonic journey. Guitarist Fernando Perdomo, bassist Dan Feiszli, keyboardist Matt Lebofsky, and drummer Terry Branam all bring their own flavors to the mix, creating a vibrant, lush sound that complements the Ajjancy’s forward-thinking arrangements. Together, they craft a chamber-rock stew that balances complex melodies with unexpected chord changes and unconventional time signatures, while still staying true to the heart of the original songs.
One of the album’s standout mashups is a thrilling combination of Michael Jackson’s "Billie Jean" with Yes’s "Roundabout." The result is a tension-filled, genre-defying track that merges the punchy bassline of Jackson’s hit with the intricate, progressive rock of Yes. It’s an audacious choice, but it works—demonstrating The Ajjancy’s keen ear for harmony and contrast. By weaving these two seemingly incompatible songs together, he breathes new life into both.
Similarly, To Be Arranged includes a fascinating blend of Taylor Swift and King Crimson, with Swift’s "Style" layered over the angular, dissonant sounds of "Frame by Frame." The contrast between Swift’s pop sensibility and King Crimson’s experimental rock creates a track that feels both playful and profound. The Ajjancy’s ability to traverse these musical landscapes is nothing short of impressive.
During our conversation, Ajjan offered insight into his creative process. His philosophy underpins To Be Arranged, which is far more than a collection of covers—it’s an exploration of how music can evolve through unexpected pairings and juxtapositions.
Beyond the mashups, Ajjan is already looking toward the future with original material on the horizon. To Be Arranged is a remarkable debut from The Ajjancy, offering a fresh take on classic tracks that will surprise even the most diehard fans of the originals. It’s a thrilling, unpredictable listen that blends rock, pop, and classical elements into something that feels entirely new. With this album, The Ajjancy not only proves his prowess as a musician and arranger but also makes a compelling case for the power of music to transcend time, genre, and convention. We can’t wait to hear what he does next.
We’re not far away from new music, but in the meantime, we urge everyone out there to take moment to check out our conversation, listen to the record, and of course to follow along to stay tuned for more!
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