What song reminds you most of your childhood?I think it’s probably going to be “On & On” by Erykah Badu. That one just really makes me think back to being in my bedroom, and hearing it through the walls of my brother’s room because he was listening to a lot of Erykah. I would also say my dad played a lot of Air Supply and Toto, so any of those songs will really take me back to being in the car with him. |
 |
What was the first physical record you remember buying?
At the time I grew up, it was my mum and dad that had CDs, so I have a vivid memory of the cover of a Jill Scott CD from when I was young. I do feel like I've missed out on that to be honest, the collecting of those objects. I was able to vicariously witness some of it, because my brother is eight years older than me, so he had a CD player and I remember stealing it and listening to his music.
What song is the best representation of your hometown?
This might just be word association, but the first song that came to my mind was “Hometown Glory” by Adele. I used to love that song as a child, and it really does feels like London to me.
What songs remind you of traveling to a specific place?There's a song there called “Rich Spirit” on Kendrick’s Mr. Morale album, and whenever I listen to that song now, it reminds me of a trip to LA. Wherever I travel, I always try to walk; it helps me feel connected to where I am. That song reminds me of walking down the street, feeling the really hot sun, and just being in a real headspace of “I'm going to work as hard as I can out here and make the most of every opportunity.” The lyrics in “Rich Spirit” are very much about keeping balance, focusing on yourself, and listening to it always just gets me into that zone |
 |
What song do you wish you had written?
Any Bob Marley song at this point. His songs are so simple and so impactful, it almost makes you feel like you could write it yourself, but of course you can't. “Three Little Birds” is probably the one, because it's so profound, yet so concise and simple.
What’s the best song to play at a house party?
If it's a house party with my school friends, I’m playing “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” and old jungle songs. Things that remind us of being kids and working out our choreography to all those songs.
You’re abducted by aliens, and when you wake up on the spaceship, they pass you the aux. What is the song you’re playing to convince them not to destroy Earth?
I would play them my music. Yeah, I’d play them “Party Tricks,” and I’d be like, “listen, I'm on a journey here, you guys should really stay tuned.”
Äyanna’s new single “Boys Like U” is out now, and available here.