B-Side Guys

Transformation through artistic defiance defines AJ Pena’s debut EP. Human Beings examines dehumanization from multiple angles—internal self-talk, pornography consumption, and toxic workplace culture—while simultaneously celebrating human resilience. This three-track collection demonstrates how personal struggle can fuel genuine artistic purpose rather than mere cathartic release.

Pena brings extraordinary life experience to this project. His background includes overcoming involuntary movement disorder, chronic pain, and narcissistic abuse—circumstances that could easily justify retreat from creative exposure. Instead, he channels these experiences into dynamic indie pop that refuses victimhood while acknowledging genuine harm. The approach demonstrates remarkable emotional intelligence and artistic courage.

The EP’s conceptual framework provides sturdy foundation without restricting creative expression. By examining what dehumanizes us through different lenses, Pena creates space for both honest reckoning and genuine celebration of human worth. This dual approach—acknowledging destruction while affirming dignity—reflects mature understanding of how sustainable healing actually works.

“Curse” represents Pena’s long-term artistic direction, establishing the dynamic indie pop approach that will define his future work. The track demonstrates his ability to blend vulnerability with strength, creating music that serves serious subject matter without sacrificing accessibility. His musical theater background emerges through emotional authenticity rather than theatrical artifice, creating immediacy that demands attention.

The remaining tracks, “Quit” and the title track “Human Beings,” explore the EP’s thematic territory through different musical approaches. This variety demonstrates Pena’s willingness to adapt his presentation to serve each song’s specific needs rather than forcing material into predetermined molds. The result creates genuine artistic progression across the EP’s brief duration.

Pena’s vocal delivery draws from diverse influences including John Splithoff and Gavin DeGraw’s soulful approaches, combined with the lively production sensibilities of Lawrence and The 1975. Rather than copying these artists directly, he absorbs their willingness to use emotional honesty and production sophistication in service of meaningful communication. The musical theater influence provides additional dimension without overwhelming the indie pop foundation.

The three-track structure proves perfectly calibrated for the weighty subject matter. Extended length might overwhelm listeners with intensity, while shorter duration wouldn’t allow sufficient thematic development. Pena demonstrates editorial wisdom by treating each track as essential component rather than experimental diversion. Every moment serves the larger purpose of examining and transcending dehumanization.

The EP’s dedication to “those who are learning to stand tall during their own invisible battles” provides crucial context for understanding its purpose. This isn’t music for passive consumption but tools for active resistance against forces that diminish human worth. Pena creates permission for others to examine their own struggles while maintaining fundamental optimism about human capacity for growth.

Most importantly, Human Beings avoids trauma tourism or inspiration exploitation. Pena’s experiences with movement disorder, chronic pain, and abuse provide authenticity rather than marketing credentials. The EP succeeds because it treats these challenges as part of larger human experience rather than exceptional circumstances requiring special consideration.

The cross-genre powerhouse potential Pena demonstrates becomes evident through his willingness to address serious themes within accessible musical frameworks. Rather than choosing between commercial appeal and artistic integrity, he shows how thoughtful artists can accomplish both simultaneously. The dynamic arrangements serve emotional communication rather than technical demonstration.

Pena’s commitment to exploring interpersonal and systemic dehumanization through personal lens creates genuine artistic statement rather than mere confession set to music. The EP transforms individual struggle into broader examination of contemporary forces that attempt to reduce human complexity to simple categories or statistics.

Human Beings establishes AJ Pena as artist capable of channeling extraordinary personal experience into meaningful artistic expression. The EP creates space for honest examination of destructive forces while maintaining fundamental faith in human dignity and connection. This balance positions him as significant voice for anyone navigating their own invisible battles against dehumanizing circumstances.