Q&A: With Waves of Alternative, Rock, and Pop, Aziya’s EP, 'We Speak of Tides,’ Will Pull You In
POWERFUL AND ETHEREAL — Aziya’s EP We Speak of Tides reflects the pushes and pulls of human relationships and the complexities that lie within it. She explores various dynamics between people as represented in the versatility of her tracks. Aziya’s lyrics are authentic and relatable, reaching a widespread audience. In Aziya’s five-track EP, she takes alternative music to a whole new level as she blends pop, rock, and soul into her unique sound. Not only is Aziya gifted musically and instrumentally, but she also showcases her talent through the creative direction in her visuals.
Aziya discovered her passion for music at the age of 10, after picking up her first guitar. Immediately, Aziya was hooked and started writing her own music. Since then, Aziya has graduated from the BRIT school in 2018, thus honing in on her craft and producing her own music. She has released her pair of singles “Heaven for Me” and “Slip!” this spring while she also released “Blood” early this summer. Completing her five-track EP, We Speak of Tides, Aziya has now released her singles, “Marathon” and “Over Again.” Remarkably, We Speak of Tides was co-written and co-produced by Aziya herself. At 21 years old, the British musician exudes wisdom and talent far beyond her age. In reflection of what she has gained from releasing We Speak of Tides, Aziya shares her insights upon timing and diligence: “Don’t rush something. Release it when you’re completely satisfied with the tracks.” All in all, Aziya is satisfied with the music that she has shared with us, and we are so proud of her!
Continue reading more to learn about Aziya, the woman who is redefining alternative rock music.
LUNA: Congratulations on the release of your debut EP, We Speak of Tides. The entire EP really showcases your vocals and versatility as an artist! Do you have a favorite moment or memory from creating this EP?
AZIYA: Thank you! A memory that immediately springs to mind is the day I wrote “Slip!” I got into the studio with about four hours of sleep with all these thoughts on the people I had met from the night before — in particular this one guy. I knew I was about to write a song about them, and I had the guitar riff all the way on the bus almost like a weapon of destruction, knowing the song would call out this guy for what they did in the most hard hitting boppy way (laughs).
LUNA: Were there any common themes or narratives that you explored throughout this project?
AZIYA: The whole EP is based around relationships and the dynamics between people. This is constantly explored throughout the EP, hence why it’s called We Speak of Tides. The push and pull of tides I feel can be reflected in the way we communicate with each other.
LUNA: We Speak of Tides was co-written and co-produced by you. Would you be willing to elaborate on your role and the creative process? Did you focus on the sound or the lyrics first?
AZIYA: Each track varied; a lot of the demos would be written and produced at home and then I would take it to the studio and develop it further with my producer. I think for a lot of this EP the melody and sonics came first, but vivid memories of events that happened would immediately become the subjects of my lyrics.
LUNA: Do you have a favorite track from your EP? What about that track is special to you?
AZIYA: It changes all the time, but most of the time it’s “Slip!” The production on this one is so exciting to me, and it’s the direction I intend to keep exploring. Also, "You make the damsel in me distressed” — that lyric continues to be a mood.
LUNA: Your music videos have such an artistic, cinematic feel to them. I really appreciate the red aesthetic in your music videos for “Blood” and “Slip!” What was your role and experience in these visuals?
AZIYA: The visuals to my music are so important, so I took on board being a part of the creative [team] and came up with the concept for all three of the videos. The amount of mood boards I had to make is a whole other story! But I love it, and seeing my ideas come to life is an amazing experience. I’m currently co-directing my next music video which I’m very excited about.
LUNA: What have you personally gleaned from releasing We Speak of Tides?
AZIYA: Timing is important. Don’t rush something. Release it when you’re completely satisfied with the tracks. Which I can say I am.
LUNA: What do you hope for listeners to feel or take away from your music?
AZIYA: I hope that someone obsessed with TOOL will listen to this EP and love it. I hope that someone obsessed with Ariana Grande will listen to it and chant the lyrics to "Blood.” It's an EP for everyone, and I want to subvert people’s ideas of rock music.
LUNA: At the age of 21, your talent and wisdom exceeds far beyond your age. As such a young and thriving artist, how have you internalized your experiences? What is your perspective on your journey as a whole?
AZIYA: I haven’t had a chance to have perspective yet, as I'm still heavily in the present (sooo deep — but true). A lot is going on right now in terms of rehearsing for live shows, recording my next project, etc. I haven’t had a chance to look back, but I will eventually so I’ll keep you posted.
LUNA: What advice do you wish you would’ve known at the beginning of your musical career?
AZIYA: Finish the All You Need to Know About the Music Business book!
LUNA: A fun one: what is your Zodiac sign? Does it identify with who you are?
AZIYA: CAPRICORN. #dontforgetaboutus in fact do forget about us, we’re dark horses. I think my star sign does identify who I am a bit, but then I watched Explained on Netflix which sort of rained on my zodiac parade. But I still believe.
LUNA: Thank you so much for taking the time to share with us — it’s such a pleasure to chat with you! In conclusion, do you have any final things that you would like to share or projects that you are currently working on?
AZIYA: Thank you! So yeah, I have my first headline gig on July 21st which I managed to sell out — crazy. I’m currently recording my next project. I finished co-directing the next music video for the next track off my EP … and I’m also creating some merch, too. So pretty busy, and I can’t wait to share it with ya.
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RT @i_D: Ian Kenneth Bird photographs young punks on Polaroid: https://t.co/MKT0tMUqO9 https://t.co/a0tTl12ML5
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RT @AnOtherMagazine: #DreamHome – this isolated idyll in the mountains of Lanzarote 🌵 📸 via Nowness, photography by Clemence Blr 🔁 https://t.co/GUusdxD0cg