News Feed

Jul 18, 2024 

AJ has signed on as music composer for the suspense thriller short film "The Walker" now in post-production. The film is directed by Stephen Wise and stars Alex Hyde-White (Pretty Woman). Click for IMDb or LIKE on FACEBOOK for updates. 

Mar 28, 2022 

AJ has signed on as music composer for the drama/comedy TV pilot "Blackwater Blues" now in post-production. The film is directed by Stephen Wise and stars Corin Nemic (Parker Lewis Can't Lose) & Jason London (Dazed and Confused). Click for IMDb or LIKE on FACEBOOK for updates. 

Oct 15, 2020

AJ has signed on as music composer for the drama/action full feature film "Girl with a Gun" now in post-production. The film is directed by Kevin White and stars Ronni Hawk & Jeremy London (Party of Five, Mall Rats). Click for IMDb or LIKE on FACEBOOK for updates. 

Jan 8, 2020 

The 10 year anniversary "Nifty-licious Edition" re-release of the award-winning film "My friend, Oscar." View the new trailer at www.myfriendoscar.com.  Film now available at AMAZON (FREE with Amazon Prime). Full soundtrack available at ITUNES. The COMPOSER COLLECTION soundtrack is also now available at AJ's BANDCAMP music store.

Nov 19, 2019 

AJ is nominated for the BEST  INTERNATIONAL SCORE for "Sur'vi" at the 2019 PRODIGY FILM FESTIVAL in Manchester, UK. 

Nov 19, 2019 

AJ's band STRAITJACKET SMILE performs a cover of "Killer Queen" by Queen on Versailles Record's WE WILL ROCK YOU: A TRIBUTE TO QUEEN, CD now available at AMAZON.

Oct 7, 2019 

AJ awarded for BEST ORIGINAL SCORE for "Sur'vi" at the 2019 INTERNATIONAL ACTION FILM AWARDS in Australia. 

Sep 28, 2019 

AJ awarded for BEST MUSIC/SCORE for "Sur'vi" at the 2019 HOLLYWOOD SOUTH FILM FESTIVAL in Atlanta, GA. 

Aug 30, 2019 

AJ is nominated for the BEST MUSIC/SCORE for "Sur'vi" at the 2019 HOLLYWOOD SOUTH FILM FESTIVAL in Atlanta, GA. 

Mar 6, 2019

AJ interviews with Derek Diamond of THE DEREK DIAMOND EXPERIENCE. Podcast available at iTunes and Spotify

Dec 21, 2018 

AJ's band STRAITJACKET SMILE performs a cover of "Killer Queen" by Queen on Versailles Record's WE WILL ROCK YOU: A TRIBUTE TO QUEEN.

Nov 4, 2018 

NEW SOUNDTRACK NOW AVAILABLE!!! AJ's original score for the full feature horror comedy "Atlanta Vampire Movie" now available at AJ's online Bandcamp music store. Click HERE.

Aug 25, 2018

AJ receives the  SOUTHERN HOMEGROWN FILMMAKER AWARD and the INDIE SPIRIT AWARD at the Hollywood South Film Festival in Atlanta, GA.   

Aug 3, 2018 

"Z.14.12" chosen as an OFFICIAL SELECTION at the 2018 HOLLYWOOD SOUTH FILM FESTIVAL in Atlanta, GA. AJ is also nominated for the INDIE SPIRIT AWARD and the SOUTHERN HOMEGROWN HERO FILMMAKER AWARD.

May 4, 2018 

AJ's Soundtrack Discography now available at AJ's online Bandcamp music store. Click HERE to shop.

Feb 25, 2018 

AJ participates in the "Sur'vi" Independent Filmmaking Panel and The Walking Dead: All Out War Panel at the 2018 PENSACON Comic Con convention in Pensacola, FL. 

Dec 8, 2017 

"Z.14.12" chosen as an OFFICIAL SELECTION at the 2018 PENSACON Comic Con convention in Pensacola, FL. 

Sep 27, 2017
AJ wraps up the film score for "SUR'VI", directed by Stephen Wise. Head to the "Sur'vi" website for updates or LIKE on FACEBOOK. 

Oct 1, 2016
AJ appears in the premiere issue of Dead, Buried, and Back, regarding his work scoring Jeremy London's new short film "MONSTERS ANONYMOUS"

Sep 04, 2016
Following an exciting year on the film festival circuit, earning 13 official selections, 9 best of fest nominations, and 3 awards, "Z.14.12" is now available on Amazon Video! Click HERE to Purchase or Rent.

Sep 03, 2016
"MONSTERS ANONYMOUS" Premiere Announced! Sat, Sep 24th at the Beacon Theaters in Waveland, MS. 

Jul 16, 2016
AJ is interviewed on POP CULTURE PALATE RADIO regarding his work on the music for "MONSTERS ANONYMOUS." Click for the PODCAST replay.

Jul 14, 2016
"Z.14.12" chosen as an OFFICIAL SELECTION at the 2016 DAYS OF THE DEAD Horror convention in Louisville, KY.

Jun 27, 2016
"Z.14.12" chosen as an OFFICIAL SELECTION at the 2016 LIBERTY MASSACRE FILM FESTIVAL in Philadelphia, PA screening on Sat. Jul 30th.

May 6, 2016
AJ has signed on as music composer for the horror/comedy short "Monsters Anonymous" now in post-production. The film is directed by Jeremy London (Party of Five, Mall Rats) and also features Brian O'Halloran (Clerks, Mall Rats). Click for IMDb or LIKE on FACEBOOK for updates.

Feb 12, 2016
"Z.14.12" chosen as an OFFICIAL SELECTION at the March 2016 GET CONNECTED conference in Atlanta, GA, screening on Thu. Mar 31st.

Feb 12, 2016
"Z.14.12" chosen as an OFFICIAL SELECTION at the 2016 RADCON7 SCI/FI convention in Pasco, WA.

Feb 3, 2016
Straitjacket Studios releases the new Promo Trailer for "Z.14.12". Click to view. 

Dec 13, 2015
"Z.14.12" chosen as an OFFICIAL SELECTION at the 2016 DAYS OF THE DEAD Horror convention in Atlanta, GA, screening on Fri. Feb 5th.

Dec 8, 2015
AJ has signed on as music composer for the upcoming Horror/Comedy feature ATLANTA VAMPIRE MOVIE now in post-production.

Nov 2, 2015
"Z.14.12" receives the BEST ZOMBIE SHORT AWARD at the 2015 ATLANTA HORROR FILM FESTIVAL in Atlanta, GA. Click for the awards listing.

Nov 1, 2015
"iGirl" starring Addy Miller from THE WALKING DEAD, chosen as an OFFICIAL SELECTION at the 2016 INTERNATIONAL NEW YORK FILM FESTIVAL in New York, NY. Original music by A.J. Caruso. Click for updates.

Nov 1, 2015
"Z.14.12" receives the BEST SOUND MIXING AWARD and nominations for ORIGINAL MUSIC, CINEMATOGRAPHY, and EDITING at the 2015 ATLANTA INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL in Atlanta, GA.

Oct 31, 2015
"Z.14.12" chosen as an OFFICIAL SELECTION at the 2015 WALKER STALKER CONVENTION in Atlanta, GA. 

Oct 18, 2015
"Z.14.12" receives the DIRECTOR'S CHOICE AWARD and nominations for BEST SHORT FILM and BEST MUSIC at the 2015 HORROR IN THE HILLS festival in Gatlinburg, TN.

Oct 10, 2015
"Z.14.12" chosen as an OFFICIAL SELECTION at the 2015 ATLANTA HORROR FILM FESTIVAL in Atlanta, GA. Click for the official schedule.

Sep 8, 2015
"Z.14.12" chosen as an OFFICIAL SELECTION at the 2015 ATLANTA INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL in Atlanta, GA. Click for the official release.

Sep 7, 2015
Green Sky Production's debut short film "iGirl" starring Addy Miller from THE WALKING DEAD, chosen as an OFFICIAL SELECTION at the 2015 ATLANTA INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL in Atlanta, GA featuring original musical score by A.J. Caruso. Click for the official release.

Sep 1, 2015
"Z.14.12" chosen as an OFFICIAL SELECTION at the 2015 HALLOWEEN HORROR PICTURE SHOW in Tampa, FL. Click for official release.

Aug 8, 2015
AJ wraps up the film score for the film "iGirl", featuring Addy Miller from THE WALKING DEAD. Click for updates. 

Jul 27, 2015
"Z.14.12" chosen as an OFFICIAL SELECTION at the 2015 HORROR IN THE HILLS FILM FESTIVAL in Gatlinburg, TN. Click for updates.

Jul 27, 2015
"Z.14.12" featured at DEADUCATED online Horror magazine.

Mar 23, 2015
"Z.14.12" nominated for BEST SHORT FILM at Chicago's 2015 DEAD WALK FILM FESTIVAL. 

Feb 8, 2015
"Z.14.12" chosen as an OFFICIAL SELECTION for Chicago's 2015 DEAD WALK FILM FESTIVAL.

Dec 12, 2014
"Z.14.12" Cast & Crew Screening and Wrap Party was held at STZ Media Studio Z. Thanks to all the attendees. Click for photos.

Nov 8, 2014
"Z.14.12" featured at CINEMA SLASHER Horror magazine.

Oct 22, 2014
"Z.14.12" featured at DEAD, BURIED, AND BACK Horror magazine. Click for the article.

July 05, 2014
Official trailer released for "Z.14.12", Straitjacket Studios' first suspense-horror short film, written and directed by A.J. Caruso.  Click to view. 

May 05, 2014
Post production completed on Parting Shot Production's "BURY ME" featuring original music by A. J. Caruso. Festival dates coming soon. Visit the official site at www.burymemovie.com. Click for the official trailer. Updates also available at the BURY ME FACEBOOK PAGE. 

Nov 26, 2013
AJ's personal recollection featured in "Going Back to New Orleans" by Bert Montgomery. The book's cover art also features one of the hundreds of Hurricane Katrina photos taken during his family's personal recovery efforts. Now available at AMAZON books. Click HERE to order.

Oct 17, 2013
"Still Of The Night: A Millennium Tribute To Whitesnake" now available. AJ featured on keyboards on CRYING IN THE RAIN with Jason McMaster & Richard Kendrick. Click HERE to order.

Sep 28, 2013
Official "Bury Me" trailer released. Original music by A.J. Caruso. Click WATCH NOW.

Aug 26, 2013
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! Parting Shot Production's comedy "Fourth Date" OFFICIAL SELECTION of the 2013 New Orleans Film Festival. Updates and official trailer can be seen at www.sowilofilms.com. Original musical score by A.J. Caruso.

Mar 27, 2013
That's a WRAP! Reyo-San Pictures/Parting Shot Production's new comedy short "Fourth Date" is off to the film festivals. For news updates visit www.sowilofilms.com. Also check out the "Fourth Date - Behind The Music" clip on the VIDEOS page.

Feb 02, 2013
Post-production musical score for Reyo-San Pictures' new comedy "Fourth Date". More info coming soon.

Nov 06, 2012
Pre-Production is underway for Reyo-San Pictures' next film "Bury Me", filiming in 2013. Original musical score by A.J. Caruso. Visit www.burymemovie.com for details.

Aug 21, 2012
"My friend, Oscar" now available on BLU-RAY, DVD, or download at www.myfriendoscar.com. Original music by A.J. Caruso

"My Friend Oscar is a film about the profound power of friendship...Taylor Slade's performance is a jewel. Seldom do you see such authentic talent in a child actor." ~Wendall Pierce of HBO's Treme and The Wire

Jan 27, 2012
AJ interviews with Chaotic Riffs Magazine regarding the recent single release from APACHE BLACK, details about the band's history (circa 1989), as well as the reunion and collaboration with co-songwriter and AB singer Johnny Vines (Louisiana Music Hall of Fame inductee, also interviewed). The issue also includes an interview with Zack Wilson, creator of the PUZ KNOWS HOW cartoon series, which includes Zack's views on AJ's musical score from the series. Click HERE to download and read.

Dec 20, 2011
1989 brought New Orleans Louisiana rockers Johnny Vines, (Lillian Axe, Logan, Circle of Light) and AJ Caruso, (Straitjacket Smile) together in the Austin, TX based APACHE BLACK best described as "New Orleans blues infused southern rock with a little blue-eyed soul". Since then, each has found success in various areas of the music industry including Johnny’s history with Lillian Axe now recognized in the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, and AJ’s recent success in music composing for film & television. The songwriting duo reunited celebrating over 20 years of musical history by releasing their 2011 APACHE BLACK redux single "Ain't Got Time for Slowing Down". Available now at ITUNES and AMAZON

Dec 18, 2011
AJ interviews with Rock Zone Productions regarding the upcoming single from APACHE BLACK available Dec 20th on iTunes and Amazon. 

Nov 12, 2011
AJ interviews with Chaotic Riffs Magazine on all current and upcoming projects. Click HERE to download and read

Sep 26, 2011
Nola Film Festival Official schedule announced. Check out award finalist "My friend, Oscar." (original score by AJ Caruso) on Sunday, October 16 at 12:30pm or Wednesday, October 19 at 7:15pm. The full soundtrack is also available on iTunes HERE.

Aug 6, 2011
My friend, Oscar. (original score by AJ Caruso) officially selected to screen at The New Orleans Film Festival as an award finalist! The festival is October 14th - 20th. Stay tuned for more details. Click HERE for the official site and to purchase the soundtrack.

Aug 3, 2011
AJ Caruso & Jen Caldwell's song contest entry airs nationally on the HLN Morning Express with Robin Meade. Click HERE to view the live footage.

Jun 16, 2011
AJ wraps music composing for "The Bridgewater Waters" by I.C.E. Studios. Official release date to follow. 

Feb 25, 2011
AJ appears in "You Rawk! Worldwide" by Dana Shelton.

Feb 22, 2011
"Rock & Roll Train: A Millenium Tribute To AC/DC" now available on CD. Click HERE to order. 

Dec 21, 2010
Now on iTunes, "Rock & Roll Train: A Millenium Tribute To AC/DC". AJ featured on lead and rhythm guitars on HELLS BELLS with Richard Kendrick & Markus Allen Christopher. Click HERE to order.

Nov 29, 2010
Official press release for "Rock & Roll Train: A Millenium Tribute To AC/DC". AJ appears on two tracks, featured on lead and rhythm guitars.

Sep 12, 2010
AJ interviews with Chaotic Riffs Magazine regarding the "My Friend Oscar" score and other projects. Click HERE to read.

Sep 1, 2010
AJ's IMDb site now live. Click HERE to view.

Aug 31, 2010
Hurricane Harley Davidson commerical airs featuring New Orleans Saints Deuce McAllister, music by AJ Caruso. Click HERE to watch.

Aug 15, 2010
Reverbnation site now live. Click HERE and BECOME A FAN!

Aug 3, 2010
"My friend, Oscar!" Soundtrack now available on iTunes!! Click HERE to purchase.

May 2010
My friend, Oscar! Film trailer released

May 2009
Chaotic Riffs Magazine Interview Issue #1

Mar 2007
Rock Eyes Album Review