With her music scoring on 3 Spotify editorial playlists, Fresh Finds, New Music Friday, and New Music Holiday, Aiela Angela, a singer-songwriter with a focus on creating stories through her soulful, warm and modern approach to pop music, introduces a new banger, “Baby, I Know”. With a story of going on a roadtrip to memory lane, “Baby, I Know” will definitely set the mood for a car ride.
With influences from pop stars like Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus, Aiela Angela makes her way into the saturated pop scene with her catchy melodies and meaningful lyrics. From her warm vocals and creative concepts, down to the quality of the production, Aiela Angela sets it right if you are a fan of modern pop music.
“Baby, I Know”, produced by Onzieb, has a melodic introduction that’s instantly gripping. The track takes off with a dreamy soundscape that’s cinematic and atmospheric, hitting the listeners with amazing production chops. From the modern electronic sounds to Aiela’s incredibly warm vocals, “Baby, I Know” is something you’d enjoy if you happen to be a fan of Dua Lipa, The Chainsmokers, Cleanbandit, and Selena Gomez. There’s no surprise if “Baby, I Know” would be the next best thing to hit your heavy rotation, and sit there for a long time!
Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?
“Baby, I Know” is a song I wrote about a girl who returns to her hometown and feels nostalgic while driving around places she has many memories of. Onzieb, a New York-based producer, produced this track. Given the different time zones, working remotely for the track was a bit of a challenge. For months, we exchanged emails and messages back and forth, working to figure out which vocals to go with and which mix to take. We paid close attention to every detail. It was a long process but a fun experience.
What is the favorite song you wrote and why?
“Baby, I Know” is my current favorite song that I’ve written. The entire process, from writing to recording, was a lot of fun. I believe the song captures the essence of a car ride back in time. Going back to places I used to hang out as a teenager and reminiscing was a truly wonderful experience.
Who are your all time musical icons?
Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus are two of my all-time musical icons. I admire them not only for being excellent singers and songwriters, but also for how they represent women and support the LGBTQIA+ community. I love what they stand for. I believe it is vital for artists to use their platforms for good causes, and Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus are prime examples of this.
What are some things to do to keep your inspiration alive?
Looking back and seeing how far I’ve come keeps my motivation alive. I was only dreaming of releasing my own music two years ago, and now here I am. Looking back inspires me to keep going and achieve all of my goals.
Who are you binge listening to these days?
It’s no secret that I love Taylor Swift. I’ve been listening to her re-recorded album “Red” nonstop since it was released! I like how the album as a whole has more pop elements. It’s incredible to hear the difference in songs from ten years ago.
Favorite movie or TV show?
I have many favorite movies and television shows, but if I had to pick one, it would be the movie documentary “Miss Americana,” which discusses social issues, body dysmorphia, misogyny, and so on. It is a great eye opener, especially for what female musicians go through behind the scenes.
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about
“Baby, I Know,” my newest single, is about a girl who returns to her hometown and visits old places that hold many memories for her. I’ve always wanted to write a song about going on a ride in a car. When producer, Onzieb, sent me the instrumental track, I was immediately struck by how nostalgic it sounded, and I immediately wrote “Baby, I Know.”
What do you usually do before going on stage?
I always talk to myself in front of a mirror before a performance, telling myself things like “You can do this. You are fantastic. You’re going to kill it in this performance. There is nothing you cannot accomplish. You are a work of art.” Having that pre-show ritual gives me more confidence. It also helps me to feel less jittery. And after a show, I always tell myself, “You did it,” and that gives me a sense of accomplishment.
What’s the future looking like for you?
I have a very busy future ahead of me. During the holidays, I’ve been working on some new tracks and writing songs nonstop. I might or might not release an EP; we’d all be shocked.
Who inspires your style and aesthetics?
My aesthetics and style are influenced by a variety of people. There was no specific person who inspired me. But, if I were to describe my personal style and aesthetic, I would say it is “extra.” I’m drawn to items that sparkle and stand out in a crowd. I love being different.
What is the achievement or moment in your career you are the most proud of and why?
Seeing myself grow as a musician while attending college is something I’ll always be proud of. Being a student and a musician carries a lot of weight. I had to manage my time well, and I believe I am doing an excellent job of it.
What do you think is the best way to make it as an artist nowadays?
I believe that being resilient and driven is important in making it as an artist. There are numerous problems that may arise along the route that may determine how driven you are as an artist. Having the initiative to learn how things work every step of the way would also make a significant difference in someone’s career. As artists, we should seize every opportunity to learn something new, no matter how big or small, because this will help us achieve our goals in the long run.
What would you change in the music and entertainment industry especially after this past year?
If there’s one thing I’d like to change about the music and entertainment industry, it’s the gender inequality and misogyny that surrounds it. It is a reality that women must work twice as hard as men to achieve the same level of success. There is a norm that women must follow in order to be acceptable by the public. Women are criticized for the way they dress, the topics on which they make songs, and their ideas. Though changing that would be difficult and time-consuming, I would like to be a part of the movement.
