Raised between East London and Jamaica, rising singer-songwriter Äyanna is approaching pop from a purely unique standpoint, enveloping listeners in a sound that feels wholly her own. Merging UKG dancehall, reggae, R&B, with a pop-tinged core, her music is commercially friendly whilst artistically resonant, a melting pot of culture and emotion.
The artist has just shared her sophomore EP, “About A Boy”, via LVRN. A 9-pronged examination of love in the digital age, the project features popular singles like “Boys Like U” and “Is This Love”, and feels familiar yet otherworldly, romantic and tender. Wonderland asked Äyanna to pen a track-by-track to delve into the EP at greater depth.
Listen to “About Ä Boy”
Read Äyanna’s analysis…
“Intro”
When I studied law at uni, I spent all of my free time competing in a cappella competitions. I absolutely love a cappella, harmonies and vocal arrangements. I wanted this EP to be a mosaic of all the sounds I love and feel the most connected to, so it wouldn’t have been complete without paying homage to my a cappella roots. I really love introductions and interludes because they provide context for a body of work. I’m also a drama queen and I wanted my intro to have somewhat of a dramatic effect which I think it achieved.
“Don’t Tell Me You Love Me”
This song is a nod to my British heritage and love for tempo. The production is garage esque which I love. This song took a long time to write because I wanted to make sure it was as honest and vulnerable as I could make it. I re-wrote it a lot of times. It’s defo one of those cry in the club songs bc it’s got a really deep meaning but feels like an easy listen.
“Boys Like U”
“Boys Like U” is one of those songs where I felt like the stars really aligned with the sonic and the message. I remember being in my bedroom when I had the idea for the hook and I felt so inspired to write it down. It summed up the way o felt about dating in this day and age. I feel really protective over my heart and my world view, I don’t want anyone to make me bitter or wounded. Since it has come out so many people have resonated with the message which I love.
“That’s My Lollipop”
I’m really proud of this song because I was sitting on the concept for almost 8 months before I brought it to fruition. I played with the Philly jersey beat rhythm and combined it with dancehall while sampling a very popular Jamaican song by Millie Small called “my boy lollipop”. I had the idea towards the end of last year and thought it would be so cool to sample the song because my mum made me sing it all the time growing up.
“Fallin 4 A Thug”
I like writing light hearted songs that I can be silly and flighty on. I love this song because I got to play, with the performance and the narrative. Drill is a popular genre in the uk so it felt like a no brainier. I love the R&B and drill combo.
“Friends Who Kiss”
“Friends Who Kiss” is the closest thing to a ballad on this project. I felt like the project wouldn’t be complete without a song like this. I think there are a lot of people who will be able to relate to the story this one tells. I think it’s undeniable that some people can never be more than just friends if you guys don’t share similar life goals etc. Even though it’s not overtly reggae or dancehall inspired, Jamaica has a love for ballads and sentimental songs and I feel like Friends who kiss fits into this category.
“No Hoe Phases”
I made this song in LA around the time that I was visiting the US for the first time and this song feels like a snapshot of when I was travelling a lot and discovering myself. The message of this song was one of the many realisations I was having at the time. It happened really organically and the producers involved were perfect for it. I like how hip hop influenced it is, which makes a lot of sense. I was in LA at the time.
“Is This Love”
The story of how this cover came about is a representation of the importance of the Cutopians in my journey. It was my followers and listeners who told me to put this song on streaming platforms after i did a short cover on Instagram. Since officially releasing it, it’s had over a million streams which is so surreal to me.
“Prayer”
“Prayer” was one of the last songs to be made for the project. It felt fitting because it added a spiritual aspect to what I was saying throughout the project. Even though it’s grounded and real it’s still really hopeful. It also has garage elements as well as dancehall which I think is cool and different.