Introducing #234 - Ayka
Let us introduce you to Liverpool-born, Turkish-Norwegian artist and songwriter Ayka - who has just released her new single ‘Cobalt Moment’, which is taken from her forthcoming EP ‘Eleven’ - which is due out the 2nd September.
On the latest release, she sings frankly about battling depression, "I’ve had my fair share of blue happenings and it can be very physically exhausting," she says. "Suddenly grocery shopping and dental hygiene becomes more of a drag than usual. You gotta make it kinda fun when you musicalize these moments – otherwise it’s too depressing and people can’t listen to it as much. To deal with the seriousness of life, you ought to take it not as seriously." The song is characteristically Ayka: a beachy guitar-pop song that wouldn't sound out of place on a long summer afternoon, even as the chorus is crying out for relief from sadness.
Ayka took a moment to talk to us about her music.
Hey there Ayka - how are you? So your track ‘Cobalt Moment’ is out now - can you tell us what it is about?
G’day! I’m feeling pretty good - contrary to when Cobalt was written. It was an attempt at comforting myself and the whole process of making it was very cathartic.
Where are you from and what are your favourite things to do there?
I am from a bunch of places so you’d probably think I have a lot of favourite things to do, but I prefer resting in bed accompanied by my phone or computer. Often with a neglected book by my side.
What are the key influences when it comes to your music?
The stylistic/instrumental foundation is based on any great and odd music. The songwriting is mostly influenced by any personal happening or encounter.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never listened to your music before?
“Extrovert-introvert” or “commercial melancholy” - I think my music is easy listening, but also gloomy. The sound versus subject can be very polar.
Now the track is out there - what next for you?
That as many people as possible listen to all of my music. I wanna be discovered and put under a microscope. Also, hopefully a festival summer next year.
