Interview By Maya-Rose Torrao
Producing under the moniker AyyJay, UK wave artist Aaron Reid has been hypnotising the online electronic music scene for more than half a decade. Over the years AyyJay has been honing his craft, carefully creating, with the help of an ever-growing and exceptionally supportive wave music community, his signature sound, one laden with infectious synth-sounds, ominous pads and crisp, liquid beats.
AyyJay has just shared a brand new track with the world as an exclusive premiere via The Playground, a dark ambient piece oozing a melancholic groove and infectious emotionality, ‘Yurei’. ‘Yurei’ is a haunting, yet uplifting experience from the beginning to the end as AyyJay allows you to sway with the spirits.
Listen to the exclusive premiere of ‘Yurei’, by AyyJay, below.
We caught up with AyyJay and chatted about the early Soundcloud days, producing with his dog at his side and what’s in store for 2019.
Hi AyyJay! Before we dive in – set the tone for us. Why the arts?
I’ve always had a passion for music, what started off as therapy then later became a huge part of my life. The music allows me to express things I couldn’t put into words.
Which usually comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
I never really have an idea I just go straight into it.
What’s on your current playlist?
Eric Dingus‘s full discography, Steven Deblat – ‘Helicopter Blues’, DJ Screws ‘June 27’ Tape, Shoreside Mafia, a bit of UK/US Drill too, that’s just to name a few off the top of my head. To tell the truth I haven’t really updated my playlist in a long time, I still listen to a load of gems from the early Soundcloud days, some could probably tell from the old tracks I frequently repost from time to time.
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
I’m a fiend for pads “lool” it’s the foundation for all my tracks, they create an atmospheric ambient texture that sits underneath everything. It gives the music a sense of depth and weight and it helps stick everything together.
Take us through a day in the studio with AyyJay.
I don’t really attend studios, all my content is mainly done on my home setup. I’d load up FL Studio and spend the most part on going through my libraries loading up sounds, flicking through my sliced sample folder. Laying a few notes down and harmonising whilst it loops over and over.
You’ve gained a loyal and dedicated following over the years – tell us about the connection you have with your fanbase.
I love my fanbase I’m always talking to someone new every day from different parts of the world, getting in contact with me isn’t difficult, all my socials’ mailboxes are open to everyone.
Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?
When I realised the amount of people around the world that actually enjoy my music.
Any emerging/unknown/upcoming artists on your radar?
Yeah! Definitely check out my bros TASHANN. & Kazéangelo – some amazing talent right there.
What gets your creative juices flowing? What gets you in the mood to make music? Whether it be music from other artists, film, nature, art etc…
Listening to unreleased or new releases from favourites producers always gets me in the creative state.
What do you keep close by while you’re making new music?
Since day of making music I’d always have a glass of water and my dog would be present with me in the room. LOL!
Let’s get technical for a moment – take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
Well I’m forever an FL Studio head but I’m no stranger to other DAW’s in such as Ableton & Logic Pro x which I have some experience using. I currently use a pair of Eris E5 studio monitors nothing too big. My go to Vst’s are Massive, Dune2, Kontakt, Reaktor 5, harmless & FM8.
Any side projects you’re working on that you can tell us about?
Nothing at the moment, just folders with a ton of unfinished and unreleased tracks.
Break down the news for us: what can we expect from AyyJay in 2019?
A LOT MORE CONTENT THAN THIS YEAR I PROMISE! 🙂
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Check out an older track by AyyJay, ‘Killing Your Ills’, as featured on the_accidental_poet, below.
Follow AyyJay: Soundcloud / Twitter / Bandcamp / Spotify
