Manchester-born AJ Christou has carved out a unique space in house music, driven by a relentless passion for beats that move crowds. He’s bringing that energy to XOYO London on 22nd March, joined by friends Daniel Orpi and Charlie Iapicone for a night he’s personally curated. Tickets are available here: https://ra.co/events/2087176.
AJ reflects, “I love playing in the capital, and headlining XOYO makes it unique. It’s my first time there, and I’m excited to get in and do my thing. I love reading and working the crowd—that’s the plan for Saturday night.”
Known for groove-heavy, percussive house, AJ’s meticulous approach shines through: “I always start with drums. Once the groove’s right, the bassline and other elements come easy. For me, drums are everything.” This philosophy has earned him loyal support from industry giants like The Martinez Brothers, Jamie Jones, and Damian Lazarus.
“Honestly, it’s still as exciting now as when it first started happening,” AJ explains. “These guys inspired me to do music full-time. Their support and bookings keep me motivated and hungry.”
His new label, V-House Sound, embodies his open-minded approach: “V-House has no boundaries—I just want to sign good music. We encourage artists to experiment and provide alternative versions of their tracks, even across different genres.”
This creative freedom also defines AJ’s current production style: “I’m no longer chasing labels or main room plays. I’m following the music, embellishing grooves with proper chords, conveying emotion through the machines.” Upcoming collaborations with talents like LiTek and legends like Robert Owens underline this evolution.
Reflecting on his Manchester roots, AJ highlights influences like Sankeys and Warehouse Project: “I got to see the best, week in, week out. Those days still inspire me.” His global gigs, from intimate clubs to massive festivals, have provided surreal moments, including handing over to his hero Luciano at Hi Ibiza: “It was a full-circle moment—very special.”
Outside music, AJ finds inspiration in everyday life: “Keeping healthy, spending time with family and friends, movies, nature—anything that feeds the soul.”
Looking ahead, AJ hints at an exciting 2025, notably his first solo EP on Damian Lazarus’s Crosstown Rebels: “Getting a solo release there was a major goal. This led to me playing for Damian this summer in Ibiza—another full-circle experience.”
As AJ Christou’s journey continues, each new chapter feels essential. His XOYO night promises nothing less than pure house energy, keeping dancers locked in until the last beat.
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