Aziya on Her Celebrity Mount Rushmore, Avoiding Asmr and Staying Authentic After Getting Signed
Words: Zakkiya Rumbold-Kazzuz | Photographer: Billie Stringer | Photo assist: Becca Burn | Stylist: Valeria Chrampani | Makeup: Georgia Hope | Hair: Roman Harris
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Breaking into the mainstream music industry has become increasingly challenging for independent artists. But for Aziya, who, despite the demands of the industry, has already done so much within her short career, it’s been light work. Over the past four years, the singer has already released 2 EPs – Speak of Tides (2021), Lonely Castles (2023) – as well as a mixtape, BAMBI, last year.
Growing up in a family where music was practically a second language, she soaked it all in, and though she takes inspiration from her favourite artists, like Debbie Harry and Prince, she carves out her own lane with a sound that's unmistakably hers, bursting with guitars and drums. The self-proclaimed ‘Rockstar Baby’ is correct.
25-year-old Aziya first fostered her fanbase through social media during lockdown, when she posted videos playing music in her bedroom, and hosted TikTok lives showcasing her talent. Her second live show post-lockdown was to a crowd of a whopping 20,000 people – and now, with around 400,000 followers across her platforms, with her growing ambition, she is on track to become a global indie powerhouse.
Most recently, the Islington born musician opened for Olivia Rodrigo at BST London in Hyde Park, and is set to perform at five more festivals across the summer including. As she preps for months of getting in front of live audiences, I caught up with her about her career so far and her hopes for the future whilst remaining authentic as an indie artist.
Dress: Bibiy | Bra: Bleeding Aces | Shoes: Stavros Ketsitzis
Polyester: Hi Aziya! Online, you say that if Brockhampton and Ariana Grande had a baby it would sound like your music. Do you take inspiration from any other artists?
Aziya: Yes! I would say I take inspiration from Blondie, Santigold and Joy Division. It’s definitely a lot of post-punk bands but also modern, electronic, alternative-pop artists as well.
You’ve definitely had a non-traditional rise so far. What has been the most pivotal moment in your career?
There have definitely been a few moments along the way, but most recently it would definitely be shredding on stage with Griff at Alexandra Palace. It was terrifying! But she is so lovely, it was fab. There was a whole runway I was walking on. It was a whole moment.
Dress: Ziyad Buainain | Bikini: Butterfly Kisses | Accessories: Briar Will
What is the most personal song you have written and what does it mean to you?
The most personal song I have written to date is probably “I'm in love, believe it.” I have never really been honest or vulnerable with lyrics and just saying it how it is. This is the first song where it’s very evident that I'm talking about being in love with someone, so that was a big deal for me.
How does your background and upbringing influence your music?
From a personal perspective, I have grown up in a really musical household and there were no boundaries in music. There was a lot of guitar music but there was also a lot of hip-hop and my dad used to be a drum and bass DJ. There was a lot of music.
Being mixed race, half my family being from Barbados and half my family being from England, it feels like there is this merge of cultures that I’m able to tap into. It gives me a new perspective when I'm writing on top of songs that are more white-leaning as a genre.
Full look: Stavros Ketsitzis
How have you stayed true to yourself since being signed to a label?
If anything, every time the label tries to say one thing, I do the complete opposite. So I feel as though it’s been important to keep authenticity when signing to a label and that won’t change no matter what happens with my career. I think the best artists stay authentic. Did you hear about Sex Pistols when they were signed? They caused havoc and I love that.
How do you push through creative blocks?
There are two sticking points for me when I have writer's block. One I learned about recently is this book called Big Magic, and the other sounds counterproductive but it’s just about getting that idea out. Even if you know it's poo-poo, it’s about getting the idea out. It will give way to a good idea. But then, top yourself up with creativity and life. Get out there, see some friends, hug a tree, watch a great movie just to top yourself up again.
Is there anything within your writing/recording process that people would find surprising or weird?
I have this weird thing with my mouth. Some artists have it, some don’t but when I'm singing into a mic there can be a lot of ASMR kinds of noises so I have to eat an apple before I sing to eliminate that as much as possible. It’s been a game changer for me.
Great tip. OK, time for some fun questions. Who’s in your celebrity Mount Rushmore?
I would say Debbie Harry, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, David Mitchell as his character in Peep Show, Mark Corrigan and Jesus Christ.
What was the first gig you went to?
My Chemical Romance. I was like seven.
Dress: Stavros Ketsitzis | Tights: Quite Sensitive | Bracelet: Michael Kors Archive
Dream festival line up?
I would have a legacy stage and have acts like Blondie, Prince (he would rise from the dead), Cocteau Twins, My Bloody Valentine, Jimi Hendrix and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Then for modern artists I would have Girl in Red, Frank Ocean. Also Tyler, The Creator, Brockhampton, Ariana Grande, Kendrick Lamar and SZA. My friends Spider and Speedrun would perform as well.
If your music were the soundtrack to a film, what film would it be?
It would be Charlie's Angels. The OG version.
Bra: Forbidden Fruits | Joggers: Ashley Williams | Jewellery: Talent’s own | Tiara: Stylist’s own
What is your go-to karaoke song?
I love karaoke, it’s a big thing for me. It would be “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi because of that key change. Gets me every time.
Any advice for someone wanting to become an artist?
Do you eat, sleep, breathe it? Okay. Fab, keep going.
Finally, what can we expect from you in the future?
I’m gonna be doing some festivals, some shows around the UK and some festivals in Europe. There are some potential shows I will be doing on my own coming up. After summer I will have some more music coming out, but if you don’t want to wait around I will be doing some Foundation FM shows, playing some new artists in the UK, and some unreleased music of mine as well.
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