Originating in Phoenix, Arizona in 2004, Andrew Jackson Jihad (now known as AJJ) is a folk-punk duo consisting of Sean Bonnette on acoustic guitar and Ben Gallaty on upright bass. Their early music, characterized by macabre themes and explicit lyrics, garnered attention with releases like Candy Cigarettes & Cap Guns and People That Can Eat People Are the Luckiest People in the World through labels like Plan-It-X Records and Asian Man Records. In 2011, the band expanded with the addition of members Preston Bryant and Deacon Batchelor, leading to a fuller sound on albums like Knife Man and Christmas Island released through SideOneDummy Records.
In 2016, AJJ officially adopted their abbreviated name, reflecting a desire to distance themselves from any political connotations and cultural insensitivity. Their album The Bible 2, released that same year, achieved commercial success, landing on various Billboard charts such as rock, alternative, and independent albums. The band's evolution from a duo to a fuller lineup has allowed them to further explore their unique blend of folk and punk influences, solidifying their place in the indie music scene.
