Rising alternative rock star Aziya gears up to release her latest EP “Lonely Castles” next month, as she returns with more gusto than ever following her 2021 release “We Speak of Tides”. Aziya first picked up a guitar at age 10 and has since become a musical polymath, taking it upon herself to produce, write and perform her work. Her latest offerings from the EP provide an upbeat sound with her single “wundagirl” channeling female rage in a grungy package. Her playful music evokes euphoric feelings as she explores the complexities of love and life.
Building her following through her use of social media, she’s covered artists from PJ Harvey to Jimi Hendrix. Her cover of Grimes’ “Oblivion” in 2020 resulted in esteem from the artist. Her take on the iconic song, with looped live instrumentals and breathtaking vocals caught the attention of the Candian singer, who reposted the video onto her socials.
Inspired by the likes of Patti Smith, Tame Impala, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Prince, Aziya has worked to create her own mark on the alt rock genre, distinguishing herself from others with her self-sufficient music producing abilities. Opening for Florence + the Machine at London’s O2 Arena in 2022, as well as supporting acts such as The Vaccines and Nova Twins, she has proven that she is a force to be reckoned with. She has also been an advocate for the recognition of women in music, using her platform to lift up other female artists.
We had the opportunity to hear from Aziya about her latest releases, her inspirations and more.
Listen to “wundagirl”…
Read the exclusive interview below…
Who and what influences you?
Debbie Harry, Santigold, Telecaster, Heartbreak, 2023 & Touring
How did you first discover your love of creating?
The first ever song I wrote and produced was called “Teen Face” – the fact that this idea I wrote could be made into something others could listen to felt like a weird super power.
From there, how did you begin shaping yourself as an artist?
That song (never released) had a guitar solo that was about a minute and a half long. Subconsciously I knew guitar music played a huge role for me and so the references started to become even more refined.
How would you define the essence of your sound?
Songs that I want John Bonham to drum, J Dilla to co-produce and Debbie Harry to feature on.
As someone who produces her own music, what is the significance of maintaining control of the whole creative process to you?
For me it’s like trying to become fluent in another language. You learn it so you can be a part of the conversation.
How do you feel reflecting on your debut EP, “We Speak of Tides”?
That’s my baby and I’m so proud of it, especially because it was done completely independently – from the artwork and visuals to the music. It laid the foundations of this journey I’m on sonically.
We love your single “chain”! What was the creative process behind creating the track?
Thank You! The process was very different from how I usually work – I knew what I was trying to say lyrically but the chorus just wasn’t coming. I ended up using the vocals I recorded and chopping them up. Re-arranging them to create what it is today. I never used to work like that – but it has actually shaped the direction of the upcoming music I’ve been working on.
What are you trying to convey within the concept of the track?
I have a lot of fear for my generation, it’s pretty mad growing up in 2023. I guess I wanted to write a song that provided a sense of unity for my listeners in a world where there is so much polarisation.
What can we expect from your upcoming EP?
Screaming, bizarre middle eight sections that sound like Grimes and Kurt Cobain had an AI song baby. A diary into what it feels like living in 2023.
Where do you want to take your artistry?
Into Roblox.
What else is to come from you this year?
My second EP called “Lonely Castles” will be released in September and I’ll be doing some European show dates at the end of the year. I will also be releasing new merch and releasing more tunes.