AJ in Focus | Punk Rock Passion, Guitar Riffs & Canadian Creativity

Hailey Bell
Sep 26
4 min read

Name: Anthony Janicki

Talent Name: Galacticas

Category: Musician / Band

💬 INTRODUCTION

I was born and raised in Calgary and started playing in bands at the age of 15. For the past 20 years, I’ve been performing live music non-stop — playing drums, guitar, bass, and singing in several different bands. In 2016, I decided it was time to create a project where I could take full control of the major creative choices and the overall direction of the music.

That’s when I formed Galacticas.

🔥 THE PASSION

Ever since I first listened to my mom’s Tom Petty, Meat Loaf, and Bruce Springsteen CDs as a child, I knew I had a deep love for music. At the time, I was a lazy kid with absolutely no musical skill, so writing my own songs felt like an impossible dream. But my growing love for rock ’n’ roll — and my teenage will to impress girls — pushed me to buy a guitar and teach myself to play. That’s how I joined my first band with a couple of my closest friends.

🇨🇦 COMMUNITY & CANADIAN PRIDE

I’m very proud to be from Western Canada. I’ve always had a deep love for this country and everything it has done for me. Canada has produced some of the world’s greatest bands, and I’m honored to carry that torch. Growing up watching MuchMusic and seeing bands like Alexisonfire, Billy Talent, and Sum 41 made me believe that Canada is a force to be reckoned with.

🚀 BUILDING THE DREAM

I’ve been doing this for so long that it’s hard to pick just one moment. But one highlight has been opening for bigger bands like Wheatus, Downway, and Belvedere.

🎸 COMES QUESTIONS 🎸

Comet: What first made you pick up a guitar — was there a moment it just clicked for you?

AJ: Listening to Ozzy Osbourne was the thing that really made me take the leap into learning guitar. I was about 15 years old.

Comet: Who were your biggest guitar heroes growing up in the Canadian music scene or beyond?

AJ: In the Canadian scene, I really looked up to Tom Bagley from the band Forbidden Dimension. He had such a slick style and great stage charisma. Beyond that, I was inspired by Zakk Wylde, Randy Rhoads, and all the guitar players in Iron Maiden and Judas Priest.

Comet: How would you describe your personal playing style and the energy you bring to the band’s sound?

AJ: I never really took proper guitar lessons, so my style is whatever I came up with. I love punk rock guitar, but with a big focus on melody. I want people to be able to sing along with my riffs. I’m a big believer in the “hook.”

Comet: What’s your creative process like when you’re coming up with new riffs or parts for a song?

AJ: I usually think of a melody first and then find the chords on guitar. Then I start to come up with catchy lyrics that fit over that melody. Once I have a little loop, I’ll bring it to the band and we start building the whole song together. Most of the time, the lyrics don’t get finished until weeks before the studio. I try not to overthink them.

Comet: How do you keep your playing feeling fresh without losing that raw punk edge?

AJ: We’re just trying to get our kicks. We want to write fun songs and make people happy — that’s enough for us.

Comet: What’s the most unforgettable moment you’ve had on stage so far?AJ: In my younger days, I once smashed a beer bottle over my head and almost bled out on stage. I was rushed to the hospital to get stitches.

Comet: What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen happen at one of your gigs?

AJ: Earlier this past year in Revelstoke, a mosh pit got so huge and crazy during one of our songs that we actually had to back up near the drum set to avoid getting trampled.

Comet: What do you usually listen to when you’re brushing your teeth in the morning?

AJ: TikTok info videos about dinosaurs.

Comet: What’s the most random or unexpected thing a fan has ever said to you after a show?

AJ: “I will do anything you want for that pair of sunglasses.”

Comet: Anything else you’d like to include?

AJ: Check out our music videos — I animated them myself, and each one took months to make. Other than that, just check out our music. We’re hoping to release our new EP in early 2026.

🤝 NETWORKING SPOT

I think it would be really cool to record a split EP with another Calgary local band, like Brain Bent or Astrocaster.

🌈 CLOSING

We’re about to head into the studio to record a brand-new EP! It’s been a couple of years since we last released music, so we’re super stoked to share these new songs.