GN: Camp Rock became a defining movie for so many people because it was full of heart, big
dreams, and the idea that anyone could find their place. What do you think Camp Rock 3 brings to a generation growing up in the age of social media, where its often hard to tell the difference between who we are and who we present online?

AJ: For me, the Camp Rock movies captured the magic of summer and made me feel like I could dream big. I hope Camp Rock 3 brings that same feeling to this generation and encourages them to spend more time connecting with each other, away from social media. Going to summer camp was one of my favorite parts of growing up, and filming Camp Rock felt like getting to experience that all over again. I hope this new generation of Rockers walks away feeling inspired to chase their dreams and enjoy the people and moments that matter most.

GN: Madison isn't your typical & "mean girl" , she' s  someone who knows how to influence people and shape the story in her favor. What made that kind of character fun to explore?

AJ: Madison was fun to explore because a lot of her “mean girl” attitude came from her reliance on the internet and validation from everyone but herself. Although I’m different then Madison, I can understand the pressure she felt to perform. In many ways, Maddie reminded me of Tess from the original movies, and it was exciting to channel the “too cool” energy when I could. I like to believe the tense interactions with other campers may support her growth in the future.

GN: You "re both an actress and a singer-songwriter. Acting lets you step into someone else' s life, while songwriting comes from your own experiences. Which one feels like the truest reflection of who you are?

AJ: I think of music as a personal journal entry, whereas acting is like using a version of myself to write someone else’s. Acting gives me the chance to empathize with other people’s experiences while also discovering new layers of my own. Sometimes, through acting, I’m able to share my heart in ways that music may feel “too soon” or “too forward.” I think taking on new characters has really inspired my writing, and both art forms are small pieces of my heart that make me who I am.

GN: Between acting, music, and social media, there's always pressure to stay visible. How do you make time to unplug, recharge, and protect your creativity away from the spotlight?

AJ: I try not to worry about being too visible. Sometimes I feel that pressure, but it’s hard to say where it even comes from. I always joke that I’d be happy living a life unplugged. If I’m feeling creatively stuck, it usually means I haven’t spent enough time fully living or haven’t seen my family in a while. I always know when it’s time to take a step back.

GN: Working alongside the Jonas Brothers must have been a full-circle moment for so many fans. What was it like collaborating with artists who ' ve successfully grown from Disney stars into long- lasting careers, and did they share any advice that stuck with you?

AJ: The Jonas Brothers are exactly how they seem: kind and funny. I remember showing up to set one day, and they all were laughing together. I remember thinking, “Wow, how cool is it to be doing what you love with your family?” Their warmth and willingness to welcome our cast set the tone for an amazing shoot, and it really was.

GN: Madison is over-the-top in the best way, but she still feels believable. How did you balance having fun with the role while making sure she stayed grounded as a real person? 

AJ: There were times that Madison felt “out there” to me. Her directness is something I discovered early on, and in a way, it scared me. I think Maddie is a personality that this generation may run into. I built an inner world to keep her authentic, and I wanted conflict to feel legitimate while still raising the stakes. Working with Ella and Orlando (Danielle and Daniel) made me feel like I was a part of something, and made Maddie feel that way too.

GN: Your upcoming film HAL, with Emma Roberts and Leslie Bibb, is a completely different world from Camp Rock 3. Do you enjoy jumping between projects with such different tones, and does your approach change each time? 

AJ: This past year, I’ve been lucky to work on a variety of projects, including filming Hal, while traveling to places I may never have experienced otherwise and meeting so many amazing people along the way. My process changes depending on the genre, but I always focus on building an inner world for my character, which tends to stay consistent. I love diving into character work; it’s probably my favorite part of the job! I feel so grateful to keep learning from each project, and they all hold a special place in my heart.

GN: Even though the Buffy reboot never moved forward, you worked with Chloe Zhao during that process. Did that experience still shape you as an actress, even if audiences never got to see the final result? 

AJ: Buffy changed my entire perspective on being an actor. It gave me this odd kind of confidence and a new family that I feel like I will always have. Chloé Zhao is one of the most intelligent women I’ve ever met. Working with her and Sarah Michelle Gellar was like finding a voice I didn’t know I had. I am forever thankful that they, along with the Zuckermans, believed in me. Even though I’m sad audiences won’t see what we created, there was a magic alive there, and I will always remember that.

GN: Every career has exciting wins and unexpected disappointments. Looking back so far, what 's been the biggest lesson you've learned about success? 

AJ: Life is full of small moments that shape us, and every “no” I’ve received has turned out to be a “yes” for something else that was meant for me. Kenny Ortega says “Bob and Weave,” meaning that when life throws something at you, keep moving intentionally forward. I’ve taken that as a reminder to let go of the things that aren’t meant for me with peace and to welcome life’s many yeses with excitement.

GN: These days, artists are expected to wear so many hats; actor, musician, creator, entrepreneur, influencer. Do you enjoy that variety, or do you ever miss when performers could simply focus on the craft? 

AJ: The variety of the job makes it so fun for me. I loved going to college, and I’ve been able to understand the nature of the business in part thanks to my degree. The bubble of filming is so special and probably my preference, but growing my education in other areas has given me the language to not only advocate for myself, but the freedom to focus on the craft while I’m on set.

GN: Many artists describe the final hour before sleep as a negotiation between contemplation and distraction. In a culture increasingly shaped by endless scrolling and algorithmic stimulation, have you cultivated an evening ritual that protects your imagination, or do you occasionally find yourself surrendering to the gravitational pull of your phone like the rest of us? 

AJ: I’d be lying if I said I don’t scroll from time to time, but I’ve started to challenge myself to slow down at the end of the day. Journaling or reading are two things I loved to do as a kid that still make me feel like I’m learning and am present with myself.

GN: After a long day of filming, recording, or traveling, what helps you switch your brain from "work mode"  into " rest mode" ? 

AJ: Honestly, I’m a huge fan of a comfy outfit, a good rom-com, my best friends, and an early bedtime. I feel like all the screen time we have now can make it harder to fully shut down after a long day, but with the right people, it’s super easy!

GN: What does the word " goodnight " mean to you? Before you fall asleep, do you have any nightly rituals or small routines that help you unwind whether it' s listening to music, journaling, reading, skincare, or simply putting your phone away? 

AJ: To me, “goodnight” means giving myself permission to let my brain shut off. Sometimes I have to remind myself, “Your only job right now is to sleep.” I love doing my skincare, hanging out with my roommate, and maybe having a little late-night snack before bed.