EQUATE Introducing Ayra Starr
"Finally putting my music out there and getting that response from people was just the most amazing thing ever."
Rising Beninese-Nigerian star Ayra Starr has had a huge year already. Only in January, she released her debut single ‘Away‘ alongside her self-titled EP and ever since, the project has amassed millions of streams and received critical acclaim from tastemakers worldwide.
Currently, she is gearing up to release her long-awaited album ‘19 & Dangerous‘ - out August 6th - a project which declares that she is not afraid of failure and ready to learn from her mistakes along her journey. Today, she’s giving us a taste of what we can expect from it with her brand new single ‘Bloody Samaritan‘, a track which is destined to become a summer anthem. The captivating dance offering highlights her exceptional artistic capabilities, both vocally and lyrically. A reminder of always celebrating your wins and not letting haters get in your way, the song portrays an empowering message which is relatable for many. Ahead of the release, we caught up with her and spoke about the lyrical background, her album and more.
Read the full interview below..
EQ: Earlier this year you’ve released your debut single and EP which clearly gained huge praise. How did it feel like to finally put your music out there?
A: It was really weird in a way because I was in the studio for a whole year, just making music and all that. So finally putting it out there and getting that response from people was just the most amazing thing ever.
EQ: When did you know that music was something you definitely wanted to do as a career?
A: Music has always been a part of my family, I grew up with music, I grew up in a very musical family. So I always knew that I wanted to do music at some point in my life. I always knew.
EQ: In your music you are blending quite a few sounds I’ve noticed. Afropop, R&B, Trap, so I was wondering which artists you grew up listening to?
A: I grew up to everything! Reggae, Shakira, Disney. I was a big Disney kid. Also Wande Coal, Justin Bieber, just a lot of sounds everywhere. I grew up in two different countries, so I grew up around different cultures.
EQ: Speaking about Disney, which film was your favourite?
A: It was more like the sitcoms and the shows, such as Hannah Montana. Selena Gomez, Bridget Mendler, you know all those Disney people, High School Musical… I was that girl. The songs were good. They were really, really good.
EQ: You’re giving me throwback vibes! Today, you’re releasing Bloody Samaritan, what’s the background behind the single?
A: Bloody Samaritan is a very important song to me, I wrote it when I felt very sort of pressured by society and all that. The words are a figurative speech, to me Bloody Samaritans are people who judge you, hypocrites. The song is about anyone who is trying to kill my vibe.
EQ: I really like the themes in your songs. Are you usually writing about your own, or external experiences, or what was your creative process for the album?
A: Some songs from the album are really from me, Bloody Samaritan, Fashion Killa, these are songs I can really relate to. There are also songs where I’ve heard stories and I want to help people overcome such things. I remember being depressed and it fit so well for me. And now I listen to the songs and I feel stronger. It’s music for me and for other people.
“So I always knew that I wanted to do music at some point in my life. I always knew.”
- Ayra Starr
EQ: When you’re creating a new song, are you a perfectionist? Like, are you always finding new things to amend?
A: Definitely! That is it. I would finish recording a song, then go home, then go back the next day to change like five words, and change more. I’m such a perfectionist! It’s so hard, sometimes I’m just overthinking so I also have to trust my team.
EQ: What do you want people to take away from your music then?
A: I want people to take strength from the music. I want them to allow themselves to be vulnerable. It’s okay to be sad, it’s okay to be depressed. You learn from that. It takes self-acceptance, freedom. You know, feel free to express yourself at any time.
Watch the lyric video for ‘Bloody Samaritan’ below!