Ajii Celebrates the Togetherness of Collective Heartache With New Anthem, ‘SADCHELLA’
Today, April 11, marks the first day of 2025's Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, but singer-songwriter Ajii is kicking off a different kind of celebration with his new single, "SADCHELLA."
You may know the Brooklyn-based artist from making it to the top 20 on Season 22 American Idol, and for his songs including "Rich Man" and "Forget About You" with Wé Ani via BMG Nashville and 19 Recordings. "SADCHELLA" continues Ajii's story as he manages to embrace the magic of melancholy, with a playful twist.
"SADCHELLA" takes the traditional "sad song" and turns it on its head, propelled by his soulful and resonant vocals as he contemplates whether he could throw a party with a soundtrack of nothing but songs about heartbreak. After listening to the track, we're thoroughly convinced he's onto something.
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The moody and soulful pop/hip-hop anthem comes to life with the laidback strums of an acoustic guitar and a snapped beat, feeling like an equally perfect addition to both angsty playlists and chill get-togethers. It's moody, without being a downer, highlighting the unique sense of connection that shared sorrow can bring, and featuring a chorus you'll want to sing right along with.
(Photo credit: Shervin Lainez)
And if there's one thing that makes "SADCHELLA" truly unforgettable, it's the fact that it's laden with references to some of the greatest sad pop classics of all time, spanning the last five decades. Pay close attention and you'll notice nods to 15 beloved songs as Ajii channels lyrics from Elton John, Sinéad O'Connor, Neil Young, Bill Withers, Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, Adele, Great Big World, Avril Lavigne, Bon Iver, Kings of Leon, Whitney Houston and Jelly Roll.
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"'SADCHELLA' is all about celebrating the emotions tied to sad songs, creating a sense of connection through shared heartache," Ajii shared in a press release. "It reflects on the power of music to evoke memories of love and loss, inspired by an experience on American Idol where contestants bonded over their favorite sad tunes they wrote. It's like hosting a party that embraces vulnerability and nostalgia through heartfelt lyrics. Like Coachella but sad."
(Photo credit: Shervin Lainez)
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