The Wait is Over: AJ Rafael returns to the stage with 'The Take Me Back Tour'

If you’ve heard of a *little* platform called YouTube, then chances are you’ve heard of the name AJ Rafael. Southern California native and considered one of the OG’s of the YouTube community, amassing over 1 million followers, AJ is a household name in the Filipino community and has worked with a lot of the best musicians today including Kina Grannis, Yeng Constantino, Jessica Sanchez, and many more. His original songs have become the heart and soul of countless promposals, weddings, and anniversaries, igniting cherished core memories. But that's not all—his social media presence has been a relentless force, steadily growing, and now, he embarks on exciting new ventures alongside his newlywed wife, Alyssa Rafael.

And so in this era of ever-evolving music, as we find ourselves yearning for the golden years, a beacon of nostalgia emerges—none other than AJ Rafael. Brace yourself for the journey down memory lane you’ve been waiting for as he takes the stage once again with his long-awaited North American tour, 'The Take Me Back Tour,' breaking a 9-year hiatus. We sit down with AJ Rafael for an exclusive sneak peek into this once-in-a-lifetime throwback tour.

Photo Courtesy of AJ Rafael

1. AJ, I’m truly so proud of all the success you’ve had from representing the Filipino musician community, impacting multiple charities, and inspiring future up and coming musicians. What inspired you to bring on the Take Me Back Tour?

Thank you! I’m really grateful to have touched so many lives throughout the last decade plus. Meeting people lately who recognize me and say “I’ve been listening to you since middle school!” or “Your music helped me in really formative years” is really what inspired me to go on tour again. It’s been a long time since I’ve done a route like this for a tour. I’m excited to play in front of my most loyal supporters again.

Courtesy of AJ Rafael

2. You’ll be touring so many cities, you have lots of friends all around the world, will there be any surprise guests that you could hint at? 

I will have some guests for some of these cities, some old to the scene and some new. I don’t want to hint at too much right now. I want each city to feel super unique for what we bring to each show.

3. Nieman is one of my good friends, I am beyond excited to see him paired up with you, such a treat for your newer and older listeners. What made you decide that Nieman would be the perfect fit? 

Nieman, since we became friends, has always told me about how he was inspired by me, Jesse Barrera, Jeremy Passion, and some of my fellow YouTube OG’s growing up. His music is an ode to that era, but also even further back with inspirations from old school R&B, soul… I really love his voice and music and how he pays tribute to the throwbacks, so I thought he’d be a perfect fit for the show.

4. Aside from your major hit songs is there anything specific to your tour we should know in terms of music? Maybe new merch or special meet and greets to keep an eye out for? 

Expect at least two new songs, and be ready for some fun covers, too. I really love playing a full set of originals, but I have to honor some of the songs that helped shape me as a storyteller as well. Tour merch is of course going to be there. Most of the shows are sold out, with San Diego on 9/29 and Hawaii being open still. The 2nd LA date has only meet and greet VIP tickets left, so I hope to meet some of you there!!!

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Written By Niko Del Rey

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