AY MusiK

Follow the Cinderella carriage east up Nichols Road and you can’t miss a large, happy crowd that grows bigger by the minute. In some places, it is 10 bodies deep and completely fills the courtyard next to Apple Country Club Plaza.

This is an average Saturday night for AY Musik’s Battery Tour, a social music movement that is many things at once: dance party, open mic night, concert in the streets. The performers have fan mail suggesting they might even be The Future of Music.

Car batteries power speakers blaring Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” though the voice belting out the lyrics is something new, fresh.

“Welcome! That is not Michael Jackson, that is Christian Robinson from the Battery Tour,” says the man behind the keyboard, an urban hipster in red and black, his fedora tipped casually to one side. He shoots a megawatt smile to a group of starry-eyed teenagers who scream their approval. “My name is AY, and this is my tour.”

AY, as in Aaron Young, the 25-year-old driving force behind AY Musik, is a Kansas City-born performer, songwriter, social media master and aspiring pop star.

Robinson, 26, spins and slides across the concrete sidewalk, smooth moves inspired by the King of Pop himself. He lowers himself into backbends and splits, while Young drums and sings backup, a high-energy performance that attracts people walking past.

The crowd is hooked, from the youngest among them, babies, truly, to the boomers in the back who have stopped for a better look. This strategy is key: catch people with songs they know, then captivate them with originals.

“To have this many people coming to this show all day long is a beautiful thing. You all fuel this tour,” Young says to more applause, then breaks into a funny, upbeat song, “I Might Steal Yo Girl,” with easy lyrics and a catchy melody. Members from the audience — Young calls them Outlets, a reference to the power of connection and also the logo on his concert shirts — break free from the crowd and join Robinson and Young, all dancing together as if they do this often. Which AY Musik does, six to eight hours a day, six days a week.

This show is clearly interactive, and the audience seems grateful. Young weaves through with a silver bucket perched on top of his head. Some people throw in dollar bills, others capture selfies or video to show off on Snapchat and Facebook Live.

One could argue this is what power looks like in a new age of entertainment: talent that attracts interested people like magnets, every moment caught on glowing screens to blast across a host of social media platforms.

No record deal or music industry support required.

On a quieter summer evening, Young and Robinson sit on the couch in Young’s childhood home, a modest house near 38th Street and Highland Avenue in Kansas City that, during his youth, he recalls, had four crack houses nearby.

The second-youngest in a family of four children, Young was home-schooled, kept busy with basketball, Boy Scouts and strong parenting. By the time he was 16, Young was questioning unfair social structures based on race and income and writing about them.

“I would tell my mom I wanted to change the world because I didn’t understand how things are so different if we are all human,” he says. “Why do people look at me differently because of my skin color?”

Robinson listens patiently as Young recounts how those questions inspired his first line of music, a spoken poem, set to rhythm.

“I was raised on gospel and church music, so I didn’t really know what rap was,” Young says. He remembers his brother, AJ — whom he calls his introduction to music — playing the guitar the first time a line came to him. Lost in the memory, he starts to rap.

“Ain’t it funny how you can be in the ‘hood one minute, drive a couple blocks, it like chameleon hit it. Colors stay the same but the races changes.”

The line turned into a song, “Stick This Thing in Your Pocket featuring AJ Young,” produced in his parents’ basement with a free version of FL Studio, the music production program Young works to its fullest potential, even today.

To give music priority, Young turned down opportunities to play college basketball. Instead, he worked construction and performed at night. He has opened for Shaggy, T-Pain and Aaron Carter and has been featured on MTV’s “Made” and Fox’s “X-Factor.”

Still, the artist, whose biggest inspiration is not at all the current rap genre, but bands such as Twenty One Pilots and The Lumineers, has yet to land a record deal. He blames what he calls the Establishment, gatekeepers who decide whether an artist is relevant, worthy of the financial investment required to pursue new creative projects.

Which is why Young and Robinson are sidestepping those gatekeepers, taking their music directly to the streets with the Battery Tour.

“We have talked for hours about this,” Robinson says, on why the pair perform full time and capture nearly everything on Snapchat, a DIY approach to building a following. “Look where the music industry is headed. We don’t have a chance. Even the algorithm in Facebook is so complex, you have to boost it just to get seen and even that is just getting seen by people who liked your page.”

As they discuss the intricacies of taking a street show on the road, independently powered by batteries, it is clear that the pair is deeply connected by a common dream, despite only recently meeting.

Robinson, a talented dancer and vocalist who grew up in Overland Park frustrated with the slim opportunities available to him, met Young at a street show a year ago. The original members of AY Musik had just split up; the timing was perfect for the two to join forces and perform together.

Now, though buoyed by Robinson’s support, Young is solemn, the high energy of his performance persona set aside for a moment of seriousness. “Let the people decide whether we are relevant, whether they want to hear more. That is the future of music.”

A few days later, on a quiet Thursday morning, Young and Robinson are in full-out publicity mode to promote AY Musik’s new album, “Above and Beyond,” released Sept. 1, and to invite key players to the album’s launch party.

Their first stop of the day: KCPT and 90.9 the Bridge, just a few blocks from the tiny apartment they share on the Paseo.

They are dressed in Battery Tour shirts, Vlado high-top sneakers, suspenders. Robinson’s Afro is perfect; their energy sky-high. As they open the front door, one of them says something funny, and they exchange identical honking laughs that sound like duck calls, contagious and endearing.

“We’ve been waiting for this our whole lives,” Young says as they snap and dance their way into the building. When they enter the front reception area, an airy, open-space atrium that could accommodate dozens of waiting guests, it is possible they are too large for the room.

The receptionist greets them like an old friend.

“Boom! Guess what: a card!” Young presents her with a full-color invitation to the album release at the AC Hotel in Westport. “We are official artists, real music, real stories, grassroots!”

It just so happens that Nick Haines, executive producer for KCPT, is standing at the reception desk as this happens.

“Have you got matching shoes?” he asks.

“Why yes, we do!” they say and look down at their feet.

This gives Young and Robinson an opening to talk about how they saved for months to buy the shoes, quite the rage on the West Coast. A Snapchat video of their audience hollering “Vlado!” led to an endorsement deal from the California-based shoe company, along with free pairs of new shoes in metallic red and silver.

It’s a single instance of how well they understand and use social media.

“We can connect with this generation of people, and the marketing implications of that are endless,” Young explains, and then the conversation leads back to the music.

“It was so hard to get deals, and labels don’t want to give you anything unless you have a platform and your numbers add up.” Young is earnest in his explanation. Robinson is nodding big time now. “But my talent adds up. My music is good, but that’s irrelevant. So I said, ‘Fine, I will take my music straight to the people.’”

The next thing you know, Robinson is singing to Haines, his voice rising up to the rafters, hitting the ceiling and then settling down around them like stardust.

Haines is duly impressed.

“I will go to your website and take a look at this. You are both extremely talented, you have a joyful presence. You guys do a great job, and I think there are ways of positioning you,” Haines says.

Young and Robinson are beyond excited and thank him over and over again.

“But you’re not really brothers?” Haines asks.

“Nope, just two dudes who’ve come a long way,” Young says.

This exchange has powered them up with hopeful enthusiasm, and they run out the doors and back to Robinson’s car, a 2007 Buick Lucerne CXL, packed to capacity with all the equipment required to power the Battery Tour.

“This is gonna be a fun day. Are you ready?” Robinson has his phone out, catching the moment for Snapchat.

“We wanted to show you that we are a big deal, America,” Young says to the camera.

“No, we’re not really a big deal, we’re just two guys … and we’re excited,” Robinson says.

In seconds, nearly 1,000 followers on Snapchat will open the video, along for the ride as always.

Every exchange is posted to Snapchat except for this one:

As they pull up to the stop sign in the KCPT parking lot, Robinson puts the car into park and gets out, climbs up on the trunk, all 6 feet, 3 inches of him, and begins to dance and spin. With the sky behind him, a backdrop of rolling clouds makes it appear as if his stage is set in the stratosphere. When he’s done, he laughs his big laugh, squeals with excitement and gets back into his car.

After weeks of two-hour-a-night sleeps, promotional visits and back-to-back shows, Young and Robinson are clearly tired. The launch party at the AC Hotel opened to a full house of more than 100 happy Outlets amid a flurry of social media activity, thanks to a bevy of teenagers and well-placed friends who caught it all on their phones.

They sit at a sunny table at Café Gratitude, the Crossroads restaurant where they go to treat themselves on special days, a true pleasure when many of their meals consist solely of peanut butter. Today, they find something to celebrate in order to justify the expense of the meal: the release of a new single, a sultry frolic called “Snap Queen.”

The celebration is in name only. Gone is the enthusiastic laughter that has become their trademark, replaced instead by a stark and honest view of how hard it is to truly “make it.” In Young’s case, the struggle is compounded by a fierce desire to provide for a young son, of whom he is trying to get full custody.

“I’ve been doing this a long time, I just need to get there,” Young says, his voice low and strained. He talks about the launch party, how key industry people were missing, about the financial realities of bringing art into the world. “I feel like there wasn’t enough people in the building to make the party matter. I feel like people don’t know we’re driving this little crappy two-seater that doesn’t have any insurance. I feel like I gotta get out of here while the weather is warm, and to keep this story going, I needed sponsorship, finances to operate. That’s what I need.”

Young and Robinson have given up material comfort, relationships, ideas, all to focus on making music. In a month, they will load up the Buick and head back to California for the second time this year, performing at stops along the way. They hope their farewell show at the Buffalo Room at the Westport Flea Market on Oct. 28 will help boost their meager savings so they don’t have to sleep in the car every night while on tour.

At the end of lunch, the conversation perks up again, as the two look through Snap replies and discuss how excited they will be to return to creating music instead of trying to sell it, all with a focus on connecting and encouraging Outlets everywhere with a simple yet universal message.

“I just want to say to people, ‘Be you,’ ” Young says. “Say hey. No matter how old you are, no matter what your shoe size is, it doesn’t matter. We’re all human.”

“I’m with him on that. That’s it,” Robinson adds. Duck honk laugh.

It’s the kind of rags-to-hopefully-riches, Cinderella story about a two-man party that includes everybody, fueled by Yerba Mate tea and determination to spread their message of love and acceptance to a world that may be just starting to listen. - The Kansas City Star Magazine

AY Musik is the most passionate, inspiring, and motivated group that I’ve ever seen. Their interaction with the audience makes everyone WANT to be a part of the AY Experience!”

Adam Long
National Advisor of the Year
Iowa Western Community College - APCA National Advisor of the Year - Adam Long

August Artist of the Month: Ay MusIK

(Photo by Malachi Lee)

Congrats to Ay MusiK, our August artist of the month! This four-piece group, led by AY himself, is making waves in Kansas City and around the country. Often performing on street corners and venues across the country, Ay MusiK has made a name for itself, now opening up for national acts like T-Pain and Aaron Carter. AY tells us more about the band in this Q&A.

The Deli: Down and dirty: 1 sentence to describe your music. What is it?

AY: Music that keeps dreaming alive.

The Deli: Give us some background on the band.

AY: I've been doing music for over 4 years now. I was on The X-Factor back in 2012 and got 4 yeses from celebrity judges LA Reid, Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, and Louis Walsh. Although my audition never aired, I learned a lot from the experience and publicity.

We are a four-piece band. Our lineup is Daniel Cole (D Cole), Hailey Canalas, Ralph Jackson, and myself!

D Cole has been doing professional music for awhile and drums for national recording artist XV. He has also toured behind B.O.B, T.I., Big Sean and more. Hailey Canalas, our lead vocalist, has been singing for over 10 years, and Ralph has over 10 years of experience as well.

We've been together as a group for over a year now. The story of how we starting doing music together isn't that exciting. I never got booked much around Kansas City and I felt my music didn't reach enough people. I wanted to really get out there and #SayHey to the world with my music. Hailey was already singing with me at the time so I messaged D Cole about an idea I had for a self-made tour called #BatteryTour. I wanted to set up on street corners all over America (starting in KC) and perform my music right to the people. That’s how we started. Ralph came shortly after seeing us performing on the Country Club Plaza!

The Deli: So, you do shows on the Plaza?

AY: Everyone is welcome to see our FREE #BatteryTour shows we do WEEKLY at the Country Club Plaza or in Lawrence on Massachusetts Street. If we’re not performing at a venue, we’re on the street performing for the people!

The Deli: What have been your biggest accomplishments as a band?

AY: I think our greatest accomplishment so far would be this #BatteryTour. Without any backing, label or outside investors we've toured and performed in Atlanta, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Iowa and more! It's been amazing to accomplish national touring so early in our careers. Landing on the upcoming MTV show Made once they spotted us on the corner last year was pretty awesome as well. We can't wait to see the episode when it's finally released to the public.

The Deli: Tell us about your latest EP, Above and Beyond.

AY: After 3 years of hard work our first EP just released a few months ago. It's called the Above and Beyond, and includes our singles "Say Hey" (over 20,000 Youtube views) and "Creep Creep (The Anthem).”

The Deli: What does supporting local music mean to you?

AY: Supporting local music means the world to me because I’m a local artist. Honestly I would be nothing without LOCAL support. The only reason I’m able to travel the country is because of tips/donations when we street perform. I understand that support can help boost you through to your dreams and goals. Therefore I try my best to support others.

The Deli: Who are your favorite local musicians right now?

AY: I love Captiva! One of the best local bands in Kansas City, hands down!

The Deli: Who are your favorite not-so-local musicians right now?

AY: Twenty One Pilots. High-energy, heartfelt performances and perfection in every lyric.

The Deli: What is your ultimate fantasy concert bill to play on?

AY: This will change day by day. But right NOW...I'd say AY MusiK would open, Ed Sheeran would take the stage after, Twenty One Pilots would rock out after Ed, Justin Timberlake with a legendary performance after, and Coldplay would close out the night! My #DREAMSHOW.

The Deli: A music-themed Mount Rushmore. What four faces are you putting up there and why?

AY: Michael Jackson has to be my first face. Michael plainly WAS the essence of music itself. It wouldn't be a Rushmore without Michael.

Honestly, one of the faces would be the many faces of past and present backup singers. I watched a movie called 20 Feet From Stardom recently. Millions of people know their voices, but no one knows their names. Many of these backup singers are behind some of the greatest musical legends of the 21st century.

The third face for me would be Prince because, well, Prince is freaking amazing.

The last face wouldn't be a face at all! It would be a computer screen! And on the screen would be chiseled images of hundreds of musicians and artists. I'd do this to symbolize how the Internet has changed music and has made it possible for anyone to have a successful musical career. The global shift in labels, music and the independent artist must be documented as a huge notch in time.

The Deli: What other goals does Ay MusiK have for 2014?

AY: I want to ink a national booking deal with a major booking agency. That would be awesome. I dream of the possibility to #SayHey to the world while opening up for a major artist on a major tour. We work very hard to position ourselves for this to be a possibility; it’d be amazing if it happened. Lastly, I plan on working on my album and developing more of my own ideas. I also work with friend and partner Thomas Jackson (Tomajack), one of the best producers in the world, and he’ll assist on the album.

The Deli: Where can we find you on the web?

AY: We try to be everywhere! You can hear or buy our music anywhere digital music is sold. (iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Soundcloud, etc). You can also visit us at AYmusiK.com, Twitter/Instagram @AYmusiK, and facebook.com/AYmusiK.

The Deli: Always go out on a high note. Any last words of wisdom for the Deli audience?

AY: You can do anything you set your mind to. Never let anybody or anything stop you from whatever your dreams or goals may be. I started street performing because I felt like I had to go #AboveandBeyond to #SayHey to the world with my music. Now I’m being interviewed by a magazine I've always looked up to and discussing a self-made national tour. Music was my dream. Find yours and do whatever it takes grab hold of yours.

Ay MusiK is:
Hailey Canalas: lead vocals
Daniel Cole: drums
Ralph Jackson: keys
AY: vocals, keys

Ay MusiK’s next show will be next Thursday, August 21, at recordBar, with special guests Grooms & Katie. They have big things coming up; they’ll be opening up for T-Pain the next night at CrossroadsKC, also playing Crossroads Music Festival on September 6 at The Brick, and opening up for Aaron Carter at The Granada on October 10. Ticket link. - Michelle Bacon

After Hearing AJ & AY perform at this years season of the X factor L.A. remarked, “Do you really need a third yes…”. After AY made a joke about the legendary “Swag Face” L.A. said “YES” - L.A. Reid

After hearing AJ & AY perform "Waiting On The World To Change" and putting AY's own hip hop spin on it she had a few things to say. After commenting on how AY had such a "Strong Performance", and her belief that he could be "A Very Successful Solo Artist" at the end she said YES! - Demi Lovato

Aaron Young and his crew are becoming a hot topic on the weekends on the Plaza.

Known as AY-Musik, Young and his crew of drummers, singers and DJ’s are taking their talent to the streets this summer. Their love of music and growing up in Kansas City has given them the tools to “Say Hey” to the world.

“Growing up in Kansas City you can be kind of in a very hood environment and then you can drive and there’s the Plaza. Stuff like that sparked my writing,” says Young.

Young speaks of inspiring Kansas City and rallying the city behind him and his love of positive music. AY-Musik performed Saturday, July 6th at the Red Rock KC event to raise money for the American Red Cross. Along with his crew, Young heads out to the Plaza each Friday and Saturday at 6pm to entertain anyone and everyone that passes through.

“If you can imagine a consistent 200 people in a span of five hours the whole time. We’ll live DJ, live drums, instruments and I’m doing hip-hop mixed with pop and country,” says the aspiring musician

Heavily influenced by his brother A.J. Young and songwriter Ryan Tedder, Young strives to be true to himself. His original style and “feel good” mentality shows through in his single “Say Hey” available on I-Tunes. Check him and his crew out on the Plaza this summer to see what he’s all about.

You can buy “Say Hey” and his newest single “Do What We Do” on I-Tunes. We can’t wait to see what AY does in the future.

“I’m not going to stop until basically I make it and this is going to happen,” said Young. - KMXV Mix 93.3 Radio Station

Hesston freshman AY-MusiK (Aaron Young) of Kansas City, Mo., Simon Foote of Doylestown, Ohio, and Robert Howell of Newton, Kan., added their encouragement as they performed “Get Ready, It’s a New Day,” an original song by Young, to wrap up the day.
- The Newton Kansan Newspaper

After AJ & AY performed their rendention of “Waiting On The World To Change” on the X Factor TV show Britney remarked "I like you guys. I’m gonna say YES! - Britney Spears

After AJ & AY performed their rendention of “Waiting On The World To Change” on the X Factor TV show Britney remarked "I like you guys. I’m gonna say YES! - Britney Spears

Louis Walsh was quick to give a "YES" after hearing AJ & AY audition on the X factor USA audition 1 in Kansas City - Louis Walsh

Louis Walsh was quick to give a "YES" after hearing AJ & AY audition on the X factor USA audition 1 in Kansas City - Louis Walsh

To help kick off the middle school’s first Spirit Day on Friday, Sept. 7, two contestants from the TV series “The X Factor” performed during the assembly. AJ Young and AY-Musik, both brothers of Pembroke Hill alumna Alana Young ’07, sang and played the guitar for the cheering crowd. They will appear on the show Sept. 12.

“It’s great to play at Pembroke Hill – we have so many memories having gone to performances of my sister,” said AY, who sang while his brother played guitar. “We’re nervous about the show airing, but it’s great to have support here.”

For Spirit Day on Friday, students are encouraged to wear PHS T-shirts or red, white and blue to show support for the school.

AJ & AY will also will be performing at the upper school assembly on Monday, Sept. 10. - Pembroke Hill Admissions

“I say hey, wave to the world, this is my day … this is my time, I’m going to shine.”

Budding singer/songwriter Aaron Young’s lyrics from his single, “Say Hey,” have never been more true for him than since he completed his time as a Hesston (Kan.) College student in May 2012.

Hesston College alumnus Aaron Young performs his original music at a concert on the Hesston College campus during the spring 2011 semester. Young will appear on the “X Factor” on Fox beginning in September. Photo by Lamar Roth.

As Young puts it, the song is a message about “standing up for yourself and showing the world that you’re not afraid of being who you are.” After two years of working on his music career while being a full-time student and a member of the men’s basketball team, he is seeing his efforts start to pay off.

Just weeks after leaving Hesston and returning to his hometown of Kansas City, Mo., Young saw his dreams of performing his music for all of America come to fruition when he was selected for a live audition on the Fox network’s hit singing competition, “The X Factor.” With new opportunities ahead, he credits his years at Hesston as the most important in his musical growth.

“Hesston was probably the single most significant move in my career to date,” said Young. “It’s there that I grew as a writer and musician. My Hesston experience gave me material that shaped my music.”

As the end of the school year came to a close, Young wasn’t sure what life after Hesston College would look like—should he transfer to a new college to continue his education and play basketball, or should he pursue his dreams of a music career full time?

Then doors started to open.

An online video audition landed Young, who at Hesston was more commonly known as AY, and his brother AJ Young a spot on the “The X Factor.” The Young brothers will make their television debut with a pre-recorded performance when the new season airs at 7 p.m., Sept. 12.

“This is a huge step in my music career,” said Young. “I love watching ‘The X Factor,’ so I am excited to be on the show and let America see what I can do.”

For their television debut performance, which was filmed at Kansas City’s Sprint Center in mid-June in front of celebrity judges and a live audience, the brothers covered the song “Waiting on the World to Change” by John Mayer with some additional lyrics written by Young.

As they advance through the competition, they hope to perform more original songs. With Young’s roots in hip hop, and his brother’s in a blues rock style, they hope their unique combination will carry them far.

“I want to do stuff that has never been done before—our own original lyrics and beat— just be us,” said Young.

The brothers will have to earn their way through the competition, performing each week and being pushed through to the next round with the approval of the judges and the support of viewers as they compete for a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music.

Young had only just begun exploring his musical talents when he transferred to Hesston from the University of Missouri – Kansas City in the fall of 2010. He was recruited as a student athlete and a member of the men’s basketball team, but with a new interest in growing a music career, he also found time to be a part of the Hesston College Chorale, take private voice lessons and create new music.

“Aaron is, in many ways, one of the most eclectic guys I have met,” said Hesston men’s basketball coach Dustin Galyon. “He had friends in all different groups and so many interests and things that he enjoyed and experienced. His story, his narrative, helped me and a lot of other people on campus be more aware of life outside of Hesston, and think critically about where people come from and the experiences they have in their lives.”

Set with a library of his own poetry and musical inspiration from his brother AJ, Young began setting his poetry to music, and the first compositions from AY-MusiK were born.

“My poetry and lyrics come from things I see in the world that I like and don’t like,” said Young. “I feel like I make music that is different than anybody else out there.”

Young spent countless hours in Hesston’s music practice rooms working on lyrics and melodies for his songs. Performances at chapel, special events and on-campus concerts gave him a place to test his music with an audience, preparing him for the nation-wide audience he will face on “The X Factor.”

Young’s new-found success hasn’t come by chance, but due to taking hold of opportunities, taking chances and careful networking, he says.

Even before “The X Factor” came along, “Say Hey” was a contender to be a warm-up for the artist Drake’s summer tour in an online competition. Although he finished in third place, to his brother’s first place finish, Young saw it as a success and a step in the right direction. AY-MusiK had taken the first steps into the competitive music busine - Rachel Schlegel of Hesston College

“I say hey, wave to the world, this is my day … this is my time, I’m going to shine.”

Budding singer/songwriter Aaron Young’s lyrics from his single, “Say Hey,” have never been more true for him than since he completed his time as a Hesston (Kan.) College student in May 2012.

Hesston College alumnus Aaron Young performs his original music at a concert on the Hesston College campus during the spring 2011 semester. Young will appear on the “X Factor” on Fox beginning in September. Photo by Lamar Roth.

As Young puts it, the song is a message about “standing up for yourself and showing the world that you’re not afraid of being who you are.” After two years of working on his music career while being a full-time student and a member of the men’s basketball team, he is seeing his efforts start to pay off.

Just weeks after leaving Hesston and returning to his hometown of Kansas City, Mo., Young saw his dreams of performing his music for all of America come to fruition when he was selected for a live audition on the Fox network’s hit singing competition, “The X Factor.” With new opportunities ahead, he credits his years at Hesston as the most important in his musical growth.

“Hesston was probably the single most significant move in my career to date,” said Young. “It’s there that I grew as a writer and musician. My Hesston experience gave me material that shaped my music.”

As the end of the school year came to a close, Young wasn’t sure what life after Hesston College would look like—should he transfer to a new college to continue his education and play basketball, or should he pursue his dreams of a music career full time?

Then doors started to open.

An online video audition landed Young, who at Hesston was more commonly known as AY, and his brother AJ Young a spot on the “The X Factor.” The Young brothers will make their television debut with a pre-recorded performance when the new season airs at 7 p.m., Sept. 12.

“This is a huge step in my music career,” said Young. “I love watching ‘The X Factor,’ so I am excited to be on the show and let America see what I can do.”

For their television debut performance, which was filmed at Kansas City’s Sprint Center in mid-June in front of celebrity judges and a live audience, the brothers covered the song “Waiting on the World to Change” by John Mayer with some additional lyrics written by Young.

As they advance through the competition, they hope to perform more original songs. With Young’s roots in hip hop, and his brother’s in a blues rock style, they hope their unique combination will carry them far.

“I want to do stuff that has never been done before—our own original lyrics and beat— just be us,” said Young.

The brothers will have to earn their way through the competition, performing each week and being pushed through to the next round with the approval of the judges and the support of viewers as they compete for a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music.

Young had only just begun exploring his musical talents when he transferred to Hesston from the University of Missouri – Kansas City in the fall of 2010. He was recruited as a student athlete and a member of the men’s basketball team, but with a new interest in growing a music career, he also found time to be a part of the Hesston College Chorale, take private voice lessons and create new music.

“Aaron is, in many ways, one of the most eclectic guys I have met,” said Hesston men’s basketball coach Dustin Galyon. “He had friends in all different groups and so many interests and things that he enjoyed and experienced. His story, his narrative, helped me and a lot of other people on campus be more aware of life outside of Hesston, and think critically about where people come from and the experiences they have in their lives.”

Set with a library of his own poetry and musical inspiration from his brother AJ, Young began setting his poetry to music, and the first compositions from AY-MusiK were born.

“My poetry and lyrics come from things I see in the world that I like and don’t like,” said Young. “I feel like I make music that is different than anybody else out there.”

Young spent countless hours in Hesston’s music practice rooms working on lyrics and melodies for his songs. Performances at chapel, special events and on-campus concerts gave him a place to test his music with an audience, preparing him for the nation-wide audience he will face on “The X Factor.”

Young’s new-found success hasn’t come by chance, but due to taking hold of opportunities, taking chances and careful networking, he says.

Even before “The X Factor” came along, “Say Hey” was a contender to be a warm-up for the artist Drake’s summer tour in an online competition. Although he finished in third place, to his brother’s first place finish, Young saw it as a success and a step in the right direction. AY-MusiK had taken the first steps into the competitive music busine - Rachel Schlegel of Hesston College

Hot 103.3 preimeired AJ Young & AY-MusiK Next Generation rap. The Brother Duo answered questions on being the next generation in rap, hip-hop, pop, and soft-rock music. The multi-genre producing brothers also provided 103.3 jamz and its listeners a live acousitc performance of the original song "Stick This In Your Pocket" - Hot 103.3 Jamz KPRS Radio

Hot 103.3 preimeired AJ Young & AY-MusiK Next Generation rap. The Brother Duo answered questions on being the next generation in rap, hip-hop, pop, and soft-rock music. The multi-genre producing brothers also provided 103.3 jamz and its listeners a live acousitc performance of the original song "Stick This In Your Pocket" - Hot 103.3 Jamz KPRS Radio

Alright KANSAS CITY. It's the time you have all been waiting for. Each category had over 100 nominations. Some even had over 400 nominations. After a lot of counting, and a lot of deciding from the KCMA judges, here is your list of the FINAL NOMINEES that are moving on to the VOTING ROUNDS. Voting will happen September 8th-18th.

-BEST FEMALE RAPPER-
Mizz Nekol
J-Mama
AG The Diva
Morawsha
Knockstud
Da Goddess
Infinity Bell
Emma Frost
Santina Vega
Dana-B

-BEST MALE RAPPER-
Bird
Zen
PTS Rico
Marley Young
K-Town
Mak ClipUpGang
Keed Tha Heather
JL of BHood
King Keys
Nesto TheOwner
Young Town

-KING OF KC-
Tech N9ne
Rich Tha Factor
Rippa Flippa
Bird
Samuel Ovadose Jones
The Popper
Donte Slusha

-QUEEN OF KC-
AG The Diva
Hollyhood Madame
J-Mama
Mizz Nekol
Morawsha
Infinity Bell
Nina Badd
Bre The First Lady

-BEST NEW MALE ARTIST-
Reddick
Zen
Yung Murda CEO
Etho ClipUpGang
Aaron AY Young
Nutty
Young Versace
J'Weezi SlapArtist
Mykell Vaughn

-MOST ACCOMPLISHED MALE-
Nutty
Izzy Lee
Kstylis
Tech N9ne
Mon EG
Marley Young
Keith LCD
RonRon
King Keys
Rich Tha Factor

-MOST ACCOMPLISHED FEMALE-
Mizz Nekol
Faymis
AG The Diva
J-Mama
Morawsha
Janelle Monae
Jasmine Coleman

-BEST PRODUCER-
Lando Kloud
PrettyBoiBeats
Mikey Angelou
DJ Dub
JSlim
Tha Emmakulates
Boy Geneyus
Meez Martin
Khaotic Beats
N9ne-0
Smart Alec

-BEST NEW FEMALE ARTIST-
Chavonna Adams
Myla
So Hollywood
Haley Calanes
Ona Hernandez
Fendi Slap Artist

-BEST FEMALE PERFORMANCE-
Mizz Nekol
J-Mama
Shauna Knapp
AG The Diva
Dana-B
Mimi Nichole

-BEST MALE PERFORMANCE-
J'Weezi SlapArtist
Nave
Klark Kent
Mad Marlon
Young Broadway
The Popper
Donte Slusha
Marley Young

-BEST PHOTOGRAPHER-
Bill Hughes
Nicole Bissey
Matt Diamond
Mack (KCWEON)
LB Graphics

-BEST VIDEOGRAPHER-
Alpha Male
Bill Hughes
Ju Rou
LB Graphics
Tat Lucci
Classic Rounds

-BEST GRAPHIC DESIGNER-
LB Graphics
Bill Hughes
Andrew Graphic Savage
Dirty Uno
Reese E. Reese
Third Infantry

-BEST MUSIC GROUP-
ClipUpGang
MidRange
Drone Boyz
TFR Stars
SlapArtists

-BEST MUSIC LABEL-
MidRange
Gritter Musik
Strange Music
YoVega Ink
ClipUpGang
GGM
LandMark
Black Lava
Higher Beings
Squad Status

-BEST MALE MODEL-
Deshawn Allen
Eddie VS Edward
Kavan M
Robb A. White
Tyrone Gods Miracle

-BEST FEMALE MODEL-
AG The Diva
Megan Cash
Latori Hicks
Hilary Holt
Cashsha Jennings

-BEST UPCOMING CLOTHING LINE-
Cool On Most
Higher Beings
KREW
Mixed Understood
Feddy
Whale Clothing

-BEST FEMALE WORK ETHIC-
Faymis
Mizz Nekol
AG The Diva
Santina Vega
So Hollywood
Niecey

-BEST MALE WORK ETHIC-
Aaron AY Young
Nsane Eems
L Boogie
Mad Marlon
J'Weezi SlapArtist
Marley Young
Mon EG
Poppa Willo
Marks My Barber

-BEST VIDEO VIXEN-
AG The Diva
Ms' Fancy
KaiKae Vanilla Vixen
Nicole Jackson
Ty Diamond
Tokyo Diamond
Nina Kush
Shanti

-BEST MALE SINGER-
Quinten Jones
Demond Jones
Zae Lyricz
KDS
Stevie Brown
Ryan Murff
Lighde
Vaughn Noir
Boy Big

-BEST DRESSED MALE-
Ju Rou
Bird
Tyrone Gods Miracle
R'Twan
Rippa Flippa

BEST DRESSED FEMALE-
AG The Diva
Shauna Knapp
Megan Cash
Lola Nicole
So Hollywood

-BEST ENTREPRENEUR-
Bill Hughes
R'Twan
Faymis
L Boogie
King Kihei
Jaz Studios
Gear Headz
Dank Nity
Grid Mag
Joey Kutts
Travis (Strange Music)

-BEST FEMALE SINGER-
Chavonna Adams
Shauna Knapp
Riley Brown
J-Mama
So Hollywood

-BEST INDEPENDENT FEMALE ARTIST-
Shauna Knapp
J-Mama
Ag The Diva
Mizz Nekol
Morawsha

-BEST INDEPENDENT MALE ARTIST-
Drastik
Keed That Heater
KC Slick
Tech N9ne
PTS Rico

-BEST MALE HOST-
Da Twinz
Dolan Mitchell
Young Broadway
Kool Wayne
Sean Tyler
Marks My Barber
Don Ricardo
Brian B Shynin
Ray The Jerk

-BEST FEMALE HOST-
AG The Diva
KiKi Armani
Angel ThaSinger
Donesha Parker
Ty Diamond
Tokyo Diamond

-BEST PROMOTER-
Hollyhood Madame
R'Twan
Bill Hughes
Faymis
Kaos OutCrowd
Sammi Bunni Luecke
Michael Hammer

-BEST FREESTYLE-
Morawsha
Bird
Lil Frostino
Zen
Donneyman
Shadow

-BEST ENGINEER-
Eric "Studio E" MidRange
Jaz 64111 Studios
TK Higher Beings
KC Mixtapes
Brandon Williams

-BEST STUDIO-
MidRange
KC Mixtapes
64111 Studios
Tat Lucci
Rock Childs
Woodgrain
Studio B

-PEOPLE'S CHOICE-
Shauna Knapp
Nutty
Bird
AY Musik
J-Mama
K-Stylis
Rich Tha Factor
Mon EG

-HUMANITARIAN-
Jerk Nation
King Kihei
Kool Wayne
Lonnie Bush
So Hollywood
Alvin Brooks
Jermaine Reed

-BEST DJ-
Bill Hughes
Brian B Shynin
Rob G
Street King
DJ Static
DJ Llewy
DJ Macc
Rocky Montana

-BEST BIKER CLUB-
Ruff Ryders
Soft Touch
Dream Catchers
Redline Ride
Street Savage

-BEST TATTOO ARTIST-
Diego
Jeremy Tucker
Joe Hoppert
Pooh
Dashawn Harding
Ty Nevels
Goldie

-BEST DANCE GROUP-
Tiger Style Crew
World Freestylers
SpaceKiddz
Poison Ivy Love
Mayham

-FEMALE GOSPEL-
Rashawn Graves
Tobbi & Tommi
Michelle R. Davis
Jackie L. Heath
Chrystal Rucker

-MALE GOSPEL-
KashCings Da Jamshow
Keith Newton
Matthew Grant
Odell Talley
John Porter

-BEST BARBER SHOP-
Joey Cuts
Da Barbershop
HTS Barber & Beauty
Shop Gang Int.

-BEST HAIR SALON-
Princess HairByMe
Nappy Roots
Luana Cosmetologist McNurlin
Salon Kismet
Devine Touch Therapy

-FEMALE SPORTS FIGURE-
Ashely Munoz
Janiece Richard
Jss Crissy
Keia Burks
T.T. Lee Veal
Victoria Howard

-MALE SPORTS FIGURE-
Darrell Julu
Earl Watson
Marcus S. Walker
Boo Richardson
Donald Jones

CONGRATS TO EVERYONE THAT MADE IT THROUGH! - KCMA Awards