Roo AOTD #102 Aly & AJ

By Daniel Karasek | May 15, 2025

All aboard the hype train for Bonnaroo 2025! Only 28 days until we are all on the Farm again, can you believe it? It’s coming up fast and we can’t wait to be dancing with all of you at Bonnaroo! Today’s Artist of the Day is the one and only Aly and AJ. Learn more about the artist below. Don’t forget to check out all of our artist spotlights! Thank you for reading these posts!

Artist Biography

Sisters Aly and AJ Michalka, collectively known as Aly & AJ, have spent the better part of two decades refining a sound that defies easy categorization. Hailing from Torrance, California, the duo first entered the public eye in the mid-2000s with a bright, pop-rock sheen that captured the energy of youth. Their debut album, Into the Rush (2005), served as an early showcase of their knack for melodic hooks and relatable lyrics, earning Gold certification and introducing tracks like “Rush” and “Chemicals React” to an eager audience.

As teenagers, Aly & AJ weren’t content to stick to one note. A holiday album (Acoustic Hearts of Winter, 2006) and a dive into electro-pop with Insomniatic (2007) proved their ability to evolve, with the latter spawning the viral hit “Potential Breakup Song.” After a brief hiatus and a stint performing under the name 78violet, the sisters made their triumphant return to their original moniker in 2015, crafting music that felt both deeply personal and undeniably modern.

Their 2017 EP, Ten Years, marked a sonic shift toward shimmering synth-pop, and with their 2021 album, A Touch of the Beat Gets You Up on Your Feet Gets You Out and Then Into the Sun, Aly & AJ fully embraced their indie sensibilities. The record exudes warmth and introspection, a reflection of their journey as artists who have grown up under the public eye without losing their authenticity.

While music remains their centerpiece, both sisters have maintained successful acting careers, further cementing their status as multi-hyphenate talents. Whether experimenting with soundscapes or finding new ways to connect with their audience, Aly & AJ are a testament to what happens when artists remain unafraid to follow their instincts.