Andrew Jackson Jihad
Andrew Jackson Jihad is an American folk-punk band from Phoenix, Arizona, originally formed in 2004 under the name Andrew Jackson Jihad. The band is known for its introspective and often darkly humorous lyrics, which address themes such as shyness, poverty, humanity, religion, addiction, existentialism, and politics. The band was co-founded by Sean Bonnette (vocals, guitar) and Ben Gallaty (bass, vocals), who have remained the only constant members throughout the band’s history. AJJ has released eight studio albums, with their most recent, Disposable Everything, released on May 26, 2023.
History
AJJ was formed by Sean Bonnette, Ben Gallaty, and drummer Justin James White, who left the band shortly after its formation. They recorded their first LP, Candy Cigarettes & Cap Guns, which was released through the Audioconfusion Manifesto label in 2005. The band quickly gained a reputation for their energetic live shows and unique blend of folk and punk music.
In 2007, AJJ released a split LP with Ghost Mice on Plan-It-X-Records, followed by their second full-length album, People Who Can Eat People Are the Luckiest People in the World, on September 11, 2007, through Asian Man Records. The album solidified their place in the folk-punk scene.
The band’s third album, Can’t Maintain, was released in 2009, featuring a fuller sound with the addition of new members Deacon Batchelor (drums) and Preston Bryant (guitar, keyboards). Over the next few years, AJJ continued to tour extensively and released several more albums, including Knife Man (2011) and Christmas Island (2014).
In 2016, the band officially shortened their name from “Andrew Jackson Jihad” to “AJJ” to avoid associations with negative connotations of the term “jihad” and to distance themselves from the controversial figure of Andrew Jackson. That same year, they released their sixth studio album, The Bible 2, followed by an EP titled Back in the Jazz Coffin in 2017.
The band released Good Luck Everybody in 2020, a self-published album under their newly formed label “AJJ unlimited LTD.” In 2023, AJJ released their eighth studio album, Disposable Everything, marking the debut of drummer Kevin Higuchi as a full-time member of the band.
Members
Current Members
- Sean Bonnette – lead vocals, acoustic guitar (2004–present)
- Ben Gallaty – bass guitar, double bass, backing vocals (2004–present)
- Preston Bryant – electric guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (2009–present)
- Mark Glick – cello, baritone guitar (2011–present)
- Kevin Higuchi – drums, percussion (2022–present; touring 2021–2022)
Former Members
- Justin James White – drums, percussion (2004)
- John de la Cruz – drums, percussion (2004–2007)
- Stephen Steinbrink – electric guitar, backing vocals (2006–2008)
- Deacon Batchelor – drums, percussion (2007–2016)
- Dylan Cook – mandolin (2007–2013)
- Matt Keegan – trombone (2009)
- Chase Kamp – drums, percussion (2016; touring)
- Owen Evans – drums, percussion (2016–2021; touring)
Discography
Studio Albums
- Candy Cigarettes & Cap Guns (2005)
- People Who Can Eat People Are the Luckiest People in the World (2007)
- Can’t Maintain (2009)
- Knife Man (2011)
- Christmas Island (2014)
- The Bible 2 (2016)
- Good Luck Everybody (2020)
- Disposable Everything (2023)
Live Albums
- Live at Trunk Space 08/25/05 (2006)
- Live at the Bottom of the Hill (2011)
- Live at The Crescent Ballroom (2013)
- Live at Knitting Factory (2015)
- Decade of Regression (2017)
- AJJ on Audiotree Live (2018)
- Live at Third Man Records (2019)
Extended Plays (EPs)
- Issue Problems (2006)
- Art of the Underground Volume 19 (2007)
- Plant Your Roots (2007)
- Only God Can Judge Me (2008)
- Operation Stackola (2009)
- Holiday In(n) Gainesville (2009)
- Back in the Jazz Coffin (2017)
Split Releases
- Andrew Jackson Jihad / Flaspar / Golden Boots (2006)
- Andrew Jackson Jihad / Ghost Mice (2007)
- Andrew Jackson Jihad / French Quarter (2007)
- Andrew Jackson Jihad / Partners in 818 (2007)
- Andrew Jackson Jihad / Mischief Brew (2009)
- Andrew Jackson Jihad / Cobra Skulls – Under The Influence Vol. 6 (2009)
- Andrew Jackson Jihad / Apocalypse Meow – Pug Life (2009)
- Andrew Jackson Jihad / The Gunshy (2010)
- Andrew Jackson Jihad / Father’s Day / Porches / Treasure Mammel – The Chronicles of Sheriff Joe Arpaio (2010)
- Andrew Jackson Jihad / O Pioneers!!! (2011)
- Andrew Jackson Jihad / Roar – Recorded At a Record Store 2 (2015)
Compilations
- Only God Can Judge Me and More (2008)
- Candy Cigarettes, Capguns, Issue Problems! and Such (2011)
- I Think We Should Stay Away From Each Other (Lauren Records 2011)
- An Asian Man Christmas (2011)
- Rompilation (2012)
- Rompilation 2.0: The Digitizing (2014)
- Ugly Spiral: Lost Works 2012–2016 (2018)
Demos
- Holey Man, Holy War (2004)
- Demo II (2004)
- Demo III (2004)
- Home Style (Recordings) (2010)
