Interview with Ayah

Ayah has a debut single on the way this summer, and in the following interview she tells Zane all about the release, debut album, her new label and more…

You started out in music dancing, and working in Hip Hop. But your first record was with Drum and Bass producers Loxy & Ink. How did that single come together?

I’d been into Drum and Bass for a while when I met the guys at Swerve (Velvet Rooms). We talked about how I would love to get involved in a record, and to their credit, they gave me my first chance at recording a track for their Signal imprint. It was wonderful at the time, and definitely paved the way for me, but we’ve all come a long way since!

The variety of styles in your music is significant because very few vocalists can jump from Drum and Bass to Hip Hop to Broken Beat. What challenges come along with that, or does it just come naturally to you?

I’d like to think that music generally comes naturally to me, but the challenge comes in being accepted into a scene that has never heard of you before, and I have to say I’ve been pretty lucky with that. I know that musical boundaries are becoming less defined these days, and people are into so many different styles at once, likewise I’ve never been able to commit to just one style, so it always worked for me having the chance to do more than just that one style. Also, if people come to me with a wicked track, I want to write for it no matter what genre it is, I hope I can keep on doing that too.

I talked to Ty a while back about how he grew up in London, but his family is from Nigeria. Now you’re originally from Jordan, and currently live in London. How has that influenced you and your music? Do you ever go back to Jordan?

I think that growing up away from any musical scenes was great because by the time I came over to England I was old enough to decide which way I wanted to go without having to follow the trends too much. Much of my open mindedness comes from my folks and their musical tastes, but generally I would say that coming from the Middle East to settle in the UK has been the most influential thing on my music. As far as going back is concerned I try to visit as often as I can, and I’m sure it’s the same for Ty when he goes home, it’s all about visiting every family member and extensions thereof, which is great but you can’t help feeling obliged to make sure you haven’t left anyone out, which can be taxing at the best of times.

So here’s the part I’m sure everyone’s excited to hear about – you have a solo record on the way this summer! Can you tell us about it?

Yes! I’m pretty excited myself! The last few years have been all about collaborations, club nights and features, so this my first step into the world as a solo artist. All I can say for now is that it’s a club banger, produced by the very talented Chemo, who has recently provided beats for the likes of Joe Budden, and there will be a special remix to boot.

I understand we can look forward to some big collaborations on the album?

Indeed. The past year has been one of the most exciting times for me. Just getting to work with people I admire, and getting props from people whose opinions really count has been the greatest experience. Folks like The Nextmen, Baby Ash, Paul Herman and Chemo, and I also have a couple of projects with Calvin Harris and Just Jack in the pipelines. So it’s keeping me on my toes for sure!

You’re releasing the project on your own label (Malak). What made you decide to start your own record company?

It’s been on the cards for so long, especially with the way the music scene is going at the moment, I really think that there is a certain strength and independence you can get through starting up your own label, especially if it takes off! With Lucky Devil, we’ve managed to already carve out a little niche for ourselves with the quality of our output, and people begin to take notice which is great. Either way, it seems the most logical thing to do as I’ve spent the last few years learning the ropes and meeting the right people to guide me, so it’s definitely time to push the boat out.

Between that work, your work with Lucky Devil, and of course singing and touring, do you ever sleep?

Zane, Zane, Zane … I can’t stress enough how important my sleep is to me, so yes, I try to make sure I get as much as I can. But on a serious note, it totally varies. Winter time is less busy, so I can hibernate more, but Summer tends to pick up. Also, when I’m gigging abroad I tend to get less sleep, but it’s all part of the territory!

Speaking of touring, any chance we’ll get to see you here in the States?

I really hope so! I was in Miami a couple of years ago which was awesome. I still get MySpace messages from clubbers there asking when I’ll be back which is brilliant. So yes I’d love to bring my new live project out there as soon as we start touring the UK this Summer.

Ayah, your music is an inspiration, and it’s a pleasure to get to talk to you. Thanks so much.

Big ups! Thanks so much for having me and best of luck with the site!

http://www.myspace.com/ayahready4disshit
http://www.myspace.com/ayahmusicworld (new site coming soon)