Boasting an eclectic range of musical influences, the singer’s exuberant sound is in particular informed by Michael Jackson, Chris Brown and Ed Sheeran.

“I don’t want to be put in a box where they expect a certain thing from me all the time. I listen to everything; it broadens my creativity. Ed Sheeran is a big musical influence. He is completely dope. He brings that kind of pop element to things that I do”.

Aik J has released two singles thus far, ‘In My Soul’ and ‘Heights’. Both songs have gone down a treat when he has played them to crowds and they also landed him a spot in Whelan’s Ones To Watch at the beginning of the year. His forthcoming single ‘Suite Life’ sees the Dubliner step it up another level. Bombastic beats and a catchy chorus are bound to ensure its place on summer playlists.

Aik J feels that R&B resonates with Irish people and that Dublin is the perfect neutral platform to showcase his music. “The R&B scene in Dublin is fairly new,” the singer admits, “but it’s going to take over really soon.”

The artist’s biggest ambition is to be big enough to tour the world. “I just want to make music that makes everyone happy,” Aik J enthuses. “I want to convert everyone to my music.”

See: Aik J plays Bello Bar, Dublin on April 7, Workman’s Club on April 11, Whelan’s Upstairs on April 16 and Connolly’s of Leap, Cork on April 23.

Hear: ‘In My Soul’ available on soundcloud.com