Äyanna Unplugged: From "Boys Like You" To Performing With Tems
We speak with the ex-law student on her whirlwind ascent in the music industry.
Äyanna grew up in East London and Jamaica and began singing at just four years old, but the journey to pop stardom wasn’t always a clear path. After exploring a legal career, her Elle Woods era ended and it became evident that her true passion was in music. In the creative industries, sometimes you need that one pivotal moment to change everything. For Äyanna, that moment came with the release of “Party Tricks” in 2019, one of her very first songs.
Since then, she’s been on a whirlwind ascent, from dropping more groundbreaking tracks to supporting Tems on her sold-out Eventim Apollo show in London. She most recently bagged a feature on Headie One‘s latest album, The Last One, on the track “Rapunzel.” Her success has caught the attention of big names like Stormzy, Summer Walker and SPINALL, who have all given her their seal of approval.
Recently, Äyanna dropped her first solo single of the year, “Boys Like You.” To celebrare the launch, we caught up with her to discuss the new track and her reflections on her newfound successes.
What was the final moment that led you to ditch your law degree?
One evening, when I should have been studying for exams, I got lost down a rabbit hole and found out about the law of attraction. I remember thinking, “If this is real and I can get anything I visualize, then I can’t fail. I will definitely drop out.” So, I visualized three objects that I thought would be uncommon or rare and I saw everything I envisioned in 24 hours. I remember deciding there and then that I was dropping out.
Your Y2K style and singles like “Boys Like You” reference vulnerable relationship moments. What inspired your latest track and your unapologetic expression?
I feel like there isn’t really a song for girls who are trying not to get involved with the bad boy or player-types even though they’re alluring, so I thought I’d write one. It’s a self-aware anthem that processes how it feels to be approached by someone who’s obviously cute and interesting but doesn’t have good intentions.
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You recently performed with Tems — what can you tell us about that experience?
Opening up for Tems represented a few things for me, but it mostly made me feel like my art was being noticed and recognized, which is very humbling. I had about three days to prepare for that show, which I’m super grateful for because I had to go straight into action mode and deliver. If I had had more time to absorb what was happening, I probably would have panicked and spiralled!
How did you come to collaborate with Headie One?
I met Rob, his representative, at a house party in Los Angeles a couple years ago. I’ve always had him in my phone book and I see him around. One day he popped up and asked me to write a verse just like that. In reality, I saw it as a text from God because four days prior, I had prayed and asked for more features. I find it so curious how God assembles places and things to give you what you ask for.
What’s up next for you?
Being everything, everywhere, all at once. Prepare to be sick of me, lol.
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Interested in more interviews on music? Read about how Rae Sada is driving inclusivity in the music industry.
