Bio
AJ Elkins is an American multi-instrumentalist solo artist, and was a co-founder of rock groups Darkin and Troubled Sons. He has performed from coast to coast, received nationwide airplay on college and non-commercial radio, and has been featured on Delaware Public Media’s Hometown Heroes show hosted by Mark Rogers. AJ’s debut album, Full Circle, was released on September 9, 2022 and is available on all major streaming and download platforms.
Darkin
AJ was the co-founder, drummer, co-songwriter of Delaware-based rock band Darkin. Formed in 2007, the band was featured on 93.7 FM WSTW’s Hometown Heroes segment (now on Delaware Public Media), as well as 93.5 FM The Beach’s Local Produce show. Darkin was also a featured artist at the inaugural Indie Entertainment Summit in Los Angeles in 2012. The band performed from coast to coast, including notable performances at the Young Muse Festival, the Jersey Shore Festival, and opening for Blue Man Group side project Kinky Rhino.
Solo
AJ’s solo career began in 2018 with the release of the tongue-in-cheek punk rock tune Egonomics. Released under the name Kindergarten Dropouts, AJ recorded almost every instrument himself. In partnership with Planetary Group, Egonomics received airplay on over two dozen college and non-commercial radio stations across North America. Driven by the success of Egonomics, and requests for new music from friends and family, AJ decided to officially pursue a solo career later that year.
In the summer of 2019, AJ was asked to write and perform an original song at his aunt and uncle’s wedding. Teaming up with long-time collaborator and brother Frank Darwicki V, AJ wrote The Long Haul. Released as a single in February 2020, The Long Haul received high praise and steady airplay on 88.1 FM WRFL in Lexington, Kentucky. A strings version of The Long Haul is featured on AJ’s debut album Full Circle.
Just added your single to our rotation yesterday. I was impressed, great song!
-88.1 FM WRFL
Lexington, KY
AJ’s follow-up single Hidden Blessings also gained the attention of Mark Rogers, and was featured on Delaware Public Media’s Hometown Heroes show. Darkin had been featured on the show numerous times, and the return to the local airwaves was a major inspiration and motivation for the forthcoming full-length album.
Full Circle is an album about the cyclical nature of life itself, a timeless journey that oscillates between times of abundance and lack, joy and sadness. Mirroring AJ’s own story, from growth to destruction and finally to rebirth, the album attempts to describe the human experience as best as words will allow. Full Circle was released to all major streaming and download platforms on September 9, 2022!
Download Full Circle
Full Circle Google Drive Download Link
Download Press Release
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