Soulful pop singer and pianist Albert Stanaj was born in Albania and raised in New York City, a product of two cultures. As a child, he starred in Albanian music videos and performed at festivals in both the U.S. and in Europe, developing an ease in the spotlight. In high school, he decided to start singing in English, inspired by major influences like Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Maxwell, and Whitney Houston. Along with his brother/manager, he moved to California in 2014. Once there, he worked the scene and was noticed by a handful of influential celebrities, including Drake, who helped increase his social media presence. Stanaj signed with Lava Records in early 2016 and headed to England to record with Fraser T. Smith (Adele, Sam Smith) and others.