Aja Kim
Aja Kim |
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Aja Kim is an American female singer and songwriter.
Biography
Born in Fayetteville, NC, and raised in Philadelphia, PA[1], Aja Kim first came to public attention when she collaborated with rock and roll saxophonist, Clarence Clemons (who is best known as a member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band) on the 1995 Japan-only CD release Aja and the Big Man - Get It On. Three songs she co-wrote with bassist Lynn Woolever - "Rain," "You Can't Hurt Me" and the blues"based "Woman of the World" - were her solo vocal contributions to the CD, along with a duet with Clarence of the Ike & Tina Turner classic "Baby, Get It On." She was prominently featured alongside Mr. Clemons on the cover of the release. [2]. Subsequently, they performed as "Clarence Clemons and Aja" at various venues and festivals in the U.S. on both the East and West Coast, as well as at a pre-Winter Olympic celebration held in the Olympic Village in Utah in late 1996.
She continued to work as a freelance session vocalist and voice over actor throughout the late 90's and early 00's on radio and television commercials and sang on CD releases by both major label and independent artists, including the comeback CD, Straight from the Heart, of former Top Jimmy and the Rhythm Pigs member, Carlos Guitarlos, where she held the distinction of being the only woman on the recording. During this time, she also toured in both the United States and South America with a diverse collection of artists ranging from former Tower of Power guitarist, Bruce Conte, to South American rock superstars Wilma Palma before independently releasing her first solo CD, Modern Babylon (which also features Ambrosia founding member, drummer Burleigh Drummond).
In early 2004, Ms. Kim joined the all-female tribute band The Iron Maidens, who had been holding auditions for a new lead vocalist following the departure of member Jenny Warren. She made her onstage debut with the Maidens at the Galaxy Theater in Santa Ana, CA, on May 28, 2004.[3] In addition, she surprised the band, management and fans by recording all of her lead and background vocal tracks for the Maidens' self-titled debut album in a span of less than three days. [4] She received a "Rockie" that year for "Best Female Vocalist" from The Rock City News Awards .
Aja Kim is a black belt, trained in the Shotokan style of karate. Because of her martial arts skills and Asian heritage, she personalized the original stage moniker for her character, "Bruce Chickinson," (a word play on Iron Maiden lead vocalist Bruce Dickinson) to Bruce 'Lee' Chickinson, thus adding a lighthearted nod of recognition to legendary martial artist and actor, Bruce Lee. She often jokingly performed a front kick towards the audience when introducing herself onstage.
On July 1, 2008, Ms. Kim announced in her fan newsletter, Adventures in Ajaland, her departure from the Iron Maidens to resume her solo recording and writing career. This was subsequently reported, along with news of her songwriting collaboration with Motörhead guitarist, Phil Campbell, on Blabbermouth.net. [5]
Discography
Solo Releases
The Iron Maidens
- The Iron Maidens: World's Only Female Tribute to Iron Maiden (2005/2006)
- Route 666 (2007)
- The Root of All Evil (2008)
Collaborations
- Aja and The Big Man - Get It On (Clarence Clemons) (1995)
- Nacimiento (Cafe) (1999) [6]
- Soul of the New Machine (Bent Branes) (2000) [7]
- Straight from the Heart (Carlos Guitarlos) (2003) - "Ain't That Loving You" (with Mike Watt) [8]
- Shades Of Blue (Bruce Conte) (2004) [9]
Equipment Endorsements
Aja Kim was formerly endorsed by Coffin Case and Monster Energy Drink.
Media
Ms. Kim has been featured in The Los Angeles Times, Guitar World, Metal Hammer, Hammerworld (Hungary), Metal Edge, Kerrang, Tokyo Times, Gibson Lifestyle, FHM, Maxim, Music Connection Magazine, Japan's Burn Magazine, Korea's Hot Music Magazine, The OC Register, Salt Lake City Weekly, Phoenix New Times, Houston Press, Spokane 7, Fairbanks Daily News, Anchorage Daily News, as well as on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, KCAL's 9 on the Town (L.A.), KDBC 4 News (El Paso, TX) and 97.1 KLSX-FM's The Two Media Whores w/ David Adelson & Conway and Whitman (L.A.).
References
- ^ Maggie Powell Blog - Aja Kim
- ^ Japan Times Dec. 1995 'Tokyo Takes Note by Peter Serafin'
- ^ The Iron Maidens Forums - YESSSS!!! Maidens at the GALAXY!!!
- ^ The Iron Maidens Forums - Studio Time!
- ^ Blabbermouth.net - Former THE IRON MAIDENS Singer Collaborating With MOTÖRHEAD's PHIL CAMPBELL - July 3, 2008
- ^ Endless Productions: Music Production
- ^ Bent Branes - Band Info
- ^ Carlos Guitarlos.com - Straight from the Heart
- ^ Strokeland Records - Bruce Conte