In his new music video for the single “Courtside,” Karan Aujla drives around Miami’s South Beach in a Rolls-Royce Cullinan. He sports Maybach sunglasses and a Richard Mille watch. Singing and rapping in Punjabi, Aujla moves smoothly over a relaxed, bass-heavy beat. He stops at luxury stores like Cartier and Louis Vuitton in the Design District. Later, he arrives at Hard Rock Stadium, where the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix is taking place.
“I saw DJ Khaled there,” the Punjabi-born artist told me when we met trackside in early May. Aujla had just filmed scenes with the Stake F1 team. They signed him to a seven-figure sponsorship deal in 2023 after he contacted them on Instagram.
The Florida sun was hiding behind storm clouds before the race began. During a break in the weather, Aujla showed me some messages on his iPhone with the legendary producer Timbaland. “I really want to work with him,” Aujla said. “He uses many Indian instruments in his music but in a unique style, so they don’t sound like typical Indian instruments.”
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, singer-songwriter Alex Warren expressed deep gratitude for his fans and success with his new single, “Ordinary.” “I wouldn’t have any of this without my fans,” he said. Warren’s rich voice and heartfelt songwriting create songs that capture both deep sadness and pure joy. These emotions reflect the struggles and triumphs he has faced in life.
Born in Carlsbad, California, and raised Catholic, Warren faced hardship early on. His father died of kidney cancer when Warren was nine. Afterward, he and his siblings dealt with an alcoholic mother who eventually kicked him out at 18. His mother passed away when Warren was 21.
“I wanted to be a singer since I was a kid, and my dad bought me my first guitar,” Warren said. “I didn’t start writing music until after he died. Music helped me cope with my pain.”
During his teenage years, Warren was homeless and slept in cars. He kept his passion for writing and posting songs on Vine, YouTube, and TikTok alive. He also filmed skateboarding and prank videos. Later, he met others with similar interests and co-founded the Hype House collective. They lived together in a large Los Angeles house, which inspired a Netflix reality series in early 2022.
“Hype House was like college for social media,” Warren said. “It taught me how to create content that connects with people. Being homeless pushed me to work harder.”
By mid-2022, Warren’s popularity soared. His YouTube channel had nearly 3 million subscribers, and his TikTok had 14 million followers. Many of his songs, including “One More I Love You,” “Screaming Underwater,” and “Remember Me Happy,” went viral.
In summer 2022, Warren left Hype House and signed with Atlantic Records. He also produced a documentary mini-series called “I Hope You’re Proud,” about his music journey. Throughout 2023, he released singles like “Headlights,” “Give You Love,” “Chasing Shadows,” and “Change Your Mind.” The last song touches on his brother’s struggles with their difficult childhood.
In 2024, Warren released more singles, including “Burning Down,” his first track to reach the Billboard Hot 100. A remix featuring Joe Jonas followed. His debut album, “You’ll Be Alright, Kid (Chapter 1),” came out in September.
His new single “Ordinary,” released in February 2024, gained attention through its moonlit music video and a performance on Netflix’s “Love Is Blind” reunion special. Warren described the song as a fast success. “We wrote it in December, teased it in January, and released it in February,” he said. “It clicked right away, and I had to share it.”
“Ordinary” is a love song about his wife and how she changed his life. It also contains spiritual themes, with lyrics referencing holy water, angels, and reverence. Warren grew up Christian and listened to gospel music. “Worship music influences some of my songs,” he said.
Warren admitted his relationship with Christianity has been complicated. After losing his father, he questioned God. His mother’s struggles added to his doubts. “But I realized my hardships shaped who I am today,” he said. “I wouldn’t have met my wife or built my career without them. I love my life and my faith, and it helps me keep my parents close.”
Warren’s musical style is also influenced by artists like Ed Sheeran, Adele, and Lewis Capaldi. He called working with Ed Sheeran “one of the coolest things to happen.” At Coachella in April, Sheeran performed “Ordinary” with Warren and praised the song on social media.
Though Warren started independently on TikTok, he is comfortable working with major companies like Netflix and Atlantic Records. He credits Atlantic and his manager Brian Sokolik with providing stability and support. “I do most things myself, but the label helps make things happen,” he said. “Brian has been with me since the start and is a key part of my success.”
Warren recalled writing “Burning Down” and knowing immediately it was a hit. Joe Jonas later joined for a remix. “I grew up loving the Jonas Brothers, so working with Joe was a dream,” Warren said.
His team also includes co-writers and producers Aaron Yaron, Cal Shapiro, and Mags Duval. They collaborate closely on his music. “We share stories and feelings, then build songs together,” Warren explained. “We have a great routine.”
Currently, Warren is touring and working on his next project, possibly a “Chapter 2” album. He teased a new duet with Jelly Roll called “Bloodline,” which fans have reacted to positively.
“We have a lot planned for the coming months,” Warren said. “I’m growing as a writer, and my new songs show more variety. It all fits perfectly for what’s next.”
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