She impressed many people and fans last year when she unleashed her Problem Woman mixtape and this year she is back proving that her voice is the force to be reckoned with in the soul world.
Ayah
Ayah releases her new project titled 4:15 next month and from the video and tracks circulating we are in for a melodic and uplifting journey with an artist who has caught the ears of proclaimed producer DJ Jazzy Jeff as well as establishing a die-hard fan base all over the world. Giving us a little insight to the project and just how involved she has been in this project we here at FemaleFirst.co.uk give you Ayah
You are releasing a new project; can you tell us about it?
My new album is entitled, '4:15'. To me, 4:15 am is when I am the realest me. I'm either up still working on music, or asleep dreaming about it. I am home, safe. I am wearing sweats, my glasses are on, my make up is removed, my name is Merna, and I am around people I love. I compiled songs that I feel will take the listener through a journey of self-examination, exploration, love, emotion, and life.
How does this project differ to Problem Woman that you released last year?
Problem Woman was my take on a lot of different old school music. The production on 4:15 is original. I have grown as a writer. There is something that is similar between the music on these two projects however... That is that on both, I give myself, genuinely.
What did you learn with that project?
Through Problem Woman, the project, I learned there is no limit to what can happen to whatever you release... It wasn't just a mixtape. It wasn't just a promotional tool. It exceeded my expectations. It showed me that what I'm doing is right to me.
You have secured quite a strong fan base over the last year, how do you keep your fans happy?
I hope I keep them happy by just continuing to put out what I feel is quality product. I blog on SoulBounce.com to stay in touch. Also, I think it's important to keep in touch with people.
We heard there is a video coming for Believe, how involved were you in that creative process? Is that something you enjoy being involved with?
I was very involved in the process. It's hard to not get involved with all aspects of my career! I helped with the art direction. I did all the styling. I was always present during the editing process.
With the recession hitting countries hard does this bother you when it comes to selling music?
I'm not sure it affects me. I think in our line of work, we're pretty lucky. Music lovers will not stop loving music. Music sales in general have been affected by the Internet and the ability to download for free already so..
You have always appeared to enjoy what you do which shows in your music, has there ever been a point when it has become a chore, if so how do you combat that?
Making music is never a chore. The industry or dealing with people within it sometimes may feel like a chore...You really just have to stick to what you believe in and keep it moving. Remember the bigger picture.
What else is in the works for you after you release your new project?
Well, with his project, comes 3 videos I'm excited about. I will be touring in a city near you! Other than that, I'm steady in the studio working on a new album with DJ Jazzy Jeff, which I'm too excited about. All in all, a pretty good year ahead of me!
Melanie Cornish