Pop artist Aya Yves recently released a smooth and dreamy single ‘(in)Sanity’ which speaks about a passionate love story. Yves collaborated with one of Australia’s most prolific producers Xavier Dunn on this new track that will definitely garner attention because of the raw and powerful feelings it invokes. We spoke to her about her songwriting process, upcoming plans, and how she is dealing with life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

You collaborated with one of Australia’s most gifted and versatile producers, Xavier Dunn on ‘(in)Sanity’. How was the experience working with him and what did you learn?

Xavier Dunn is one of the most talented, but incredibly down to earth people I know. I was so nervous walking into our first session – I barely made a peep for the first little while (which is very out of character for me). He was super receptive to any ideas I had, which is obviously incredibly important in any creative process, and made me feel right at home. He’s helped me learn that it’s important to try out your ideas – I have this habit of shooting my own ideas down before I even tell anyone. Sometimes the weirdest ones are the best ones! 

You stated that “helping people through whatever emotion they’re feeling at the time – be it positive or negative – it’s a way to share in that feeling together”. How does your latest release embody that same sentiment?

Music is a release, whether it’s happy, or sad – it’s a way to process emotion. I hope I’m embodying that sentiment every time someone puts on a pair of earphones and listens to my music. My aim is always that people can connect – whether it be to my own expression of emotion, or them having an emotion of their own wash over them. Even though ‘(in)Sanity’ came from a personal experience of mine – it’s about a situation a lot of people find themselves in, especially in today’s world of fast-paced dating! There’s an absolute unity when you can relate to someone else’s heartbreak.

‘(in)Sanity’ details a troubled love story with passionate and emotional lyrics. Did you write this song based on first-hand experience?

Yeah, I was in the first few weeks of seeing someone and things were going really well (or so I thought). One night they turned to me and said they ‘weren’t ready for a relationship’, and that we should keep things ‘casual’.  I agreed, even though I know myself – I fall hard and fast – and knew that it would lead to a point of me getting hurt. I saw all the warning signs and decided to ignore them.

What is coming up for you in the next couple of months? Do you have any more music that is going to be released? Anything you are looking forward to?

Well, my gig calendar is unfortunately looking a little empty now, but I’m using the downtime to plan some more creative projects! Absolutely have more music on the way, quite a bit actually. I’m really looking forward to the next single being out – it’s a song that’s incredibly close to my heart. Definitely makes me feel all the feels. 

Are there any current artists that you’re listening to? Any specific Australian artists that you’re particularly enjoying at the moment?

I’ve really been enjoying Refs’ album, it’s a nice laidback vibe but still super interesting production choices. There are so many Australian artists that I’m listening to right now – I think we’re smashing the music scene at the moment (I know I’m totally biased but still). Emalia, LANKS, Xavier Dunn (obviously), CXLOE, XIRA,  Eluera, Laura Hyde, SADBOii… there are honestly too many to list but those are all in my go-to playlist!

Do you have any words of advice for the community currently regarding the COVID-19 situation? How are you dealing with these stressful times? 

Personally, it’s coming in waves for me. One day I feel fine and productive, the next I’m stress eating all my snacks and crying on the floor. I’ve been making daily lists of five things I’m grateful for, even if they’re silly things like how comfy my bed is, or how much I love my favourite t-shirt. Gratitude for what I have, is helping me move through the grief for the things I’ve lost.

My advice to anyone reading this is to allow yourself to fully feel whatever emotion is washing over you at the time. Don’t try to push the emotions away. We live such fast-paced lives where we directly relate our self-worth to our productivity. Take this opportunity to slow down and find worth in just existing. Humans are more than just productivity machines. If you use this time to write a book or your next album, or get super fit, that’s great – but don’t feel obliged to use this time to prove your worth by measuring your output. You can create just for the sake of it, it doesn’t have to be good. Learn how it feels to be still.

Follow Aya Yves and her music releases here!