i-Files: AWA
"The best is yet to come."
Photography Credit: Frank Fieber
In the days since COVID-19 has dominated our screens, and mandatory self-isolation is being enforced globally, things can seem pretty bleak. With the recent announcement from heads of states following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s own battle with the Corona Virus, the UK will face a further 3 weeks of mandatory lockdown, which includes all non-essential travel beening restricted, and only urgent outings (including to buy essential food, medicine and exercise once a day). This change – which is set to last for 3 weeks and then will be reviewed - has been imposed as a way of ensuring social distancing measures used to quell the spread of the outbreak. EQUATE took this time to catch up with our favourite artists and creatives for our ‘Isolation Files’ to see what they are doing to keep their spirits up in this time, and bring some positivity to our readers.
After being hotly tipped as ‘Ones to Watch 2020’ by the likes of VEVO, Swedish breakout star AWA continues to dominate the industry. We caught up with the star this week ahead of her latest release ‘Too Late for That’ Ft. BJ The Chicago Kid, to get some pearls of wisdom on what’s been getting her through the UK’s lockdown. This new release comes just ahead of her debut EP this year set to include new tracks, as well as previous singles ‘Like I Do’, her Columbia Records debut ‘F**kin’ Love Songs’ and ‘Comfortable’.
EQ: Hey Awa! What are you doing to stay busy right now?
AWA: Not gonna lie, this has been a really tough time for me mentally so I really try to shift my focus from overthinking and catastrophizing to painting without pressure, keeping creative w music releases and working out on the nike app or over zoom w friends!
EQ: What are the top three tracks on your playlist at the moment? Anything in particular you can’t take of repeat?
AWA:
Ass Like That - Victoria Monet (makes me calm and so soothing for my anxiety this one)
She Gon Go - Trill Ryan (the beat makes me so happy)
Something Real - Summer Walker
EQ: With so much content out there right now across socials, is there anything that has stood out to you that you can share?
AWA: Hmmm I’ve been getting really into TikTok cause it’s nice to have a social channel that allows you to be creative and learn cute dances just for fun, whilst I was scrolling there this psychologists page popped up - Dr Julie Smith, and I thought she did such a great job communicating her message in a calm way and I think everyone should follow her amongst the dancing and POV’s on there!
YouTube/Dr Julie Smith
EQ: What would you recommend we all tune into on Netflix/Amazon Prime?
AWA: I’m late for this one but I’ve never watched FRIENDS from the top so I’m doing that and then my brother told me to start watching Ozark so I might do that.
EQ: What’s a positive mantra that’s getting you through this time?
AWA: “This too shall pass” and “the best is yet to come”.
Instagram/@thisisawa
…I’m trying to allow myself not to put pressure on performing and take this time to really tap into myself and what I need to grow and heal.
- AWA
EQ: With all the spare time, how are you tapping into your creativity?
AWA: I’m trying to allow myself not to put pressure on performing and take this time to really tap into myself and what I need to grow and heal. So along with staying on top of my music which is always a natural part of my life and how I keep sane Ive been trying to put less pressure in a day, talking about how I feel and painting!
EQ: First place you’ll head to when everyone comes out of isolation?
AWA: Straight to my friends house for dinner!
EQ: What can we look forward to hearing from you in the later in the year? Any exciting projects we should be looking out for?
AWA: Yesss there is a lot to come, I have so much music ready so im very excited for that. Too Late For That ft BJ The Chicago Kid is close to my heart and released as a single which I’m so happy about and then there’s my EP after that!
Stay safe, love Awa x
YouTube/Vevo DSCVR
Stream ‘Too Late For That’ Ft. BJ The Chicago Kid HERE
Keep up with AWA on socials:
Instagram: @thisisawa
Twitter: @thisisawa
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For advice or information on the Covid-19 Virus, we recommend that you thoroughly read the NHS’s Corona Virus Advice page.
If you or anyone you know are feeling unwell, and suspect you may have been in contact with an infected individual, then please (as instructed) self-isolate immediately, stay away from vulnerable persons, and call your local 111 service for further advice.
Please remember to wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, think about others, and stay safe in this period! ❤️
Love, Team EQUATE.