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LA-Based Pop Artist AYISA Discusses Her New Album ‘Pink Diamond’, Music & What Matters Most

May 1, 2023

AYISA is an enigmatic LA-based pop artist driven by the desire to create emotionally-driven and powerful songs that encapsulate her feelings and experiences.

AYISA has always been driven by the roots of her creativity, and inspired by various genres of music– R&B, classic rock, Hip-Hop, new age, country, pop, emo rock, and so much more.

She started out in a pop rock band that had the pleasure of performing at Vans Warped Tour twice: first, on the Ernie Ball stage, and second cycle performed on the Journey’s stage. As a solo act, AYISA has found a sound that connects with the roots of her songwriting, the message behind it, and the audience she has been hoping to share it with.

“My background and journey inform everything I do,” says AYISA. “I want to continue to keep learning and growing in this life whether it is through music or not.”

Currently, AYISA is also attending a Master’s Program through Pepperdine University. “Music will always be there, but education is also very important to me, and it fuels my artistry.” AYISA just released her second EP as a solo artist titled ‘Pink Diamond’ which is a body of work meant to inspire and encourage self-love, self-acceptance, understanding, and build self-worth, with an underlying theme of letting go of old bad habits to evolve into who we are meant to be.

Get to know AYISA as she talks more about her all-time inspirations and everything that really sets her apart as an artist.

Where is home?

LOS ANGELES, CA

What was the defining moment when you realized you wanted to do music? When I went to Warped Tour and watched bands performing on the Ernie Ball stage, I looked over to my friend and just thought “Oh man, I could do that” and then two years later, I was performing on that same stage.

What was the inspiration for your new album, Pink Diamond?

I just wanted to make fun, disco, dance-inspired music. But, I also wanted the lyrics to mean something, I wanted them to be positive. I believe that we are what we consume and so I wanted to put out music that had uplifting words, but music was fun enough to make you dance. My producer Curtis did a great job at creating a world with me musically, and I think anyone who listens to it would really feel how much fun it was to write these songs.

The Fox Magazine is all about inspiration, what/who inspires you the most?

My mom inspires me the most. She moved to America in the 80s with two kids before having me and raised three daughters as a single mother. To be an immigrant in America on top of being a single mother, I know how difficult it was for her to make ends meet, and so whenever I am going through a tough time, I think about how much she was able to accomplish to remember that I am capable too.

How much has your style changed since you started doing music?

My style has changed so much since starting music. I have so many different influences in my life. So, when I started learning piano and guitar, my music was very mellow and singer-songwriter-type. Then I started a band, and the music became more collaborative and the style evolved. Going back into solo work I have found I am constantly wanting to blend worlds of music. I love listening to so many styles of music that naturally it finds its way into my writing style.

What sets you apart from other artists?

I like to believe that what sets me apart from other artists is that I don’t want to just be a music artist. I love writing and performing, but I also have so many other endeavors. Currently, I am in school to become a therapist. And, I want to take up photography. I pride myself in being a multifaceted person (as I believe anyone else is, too), and I want to inspire others to be as well.

As an emerging artist today, what would you say are some of the challenges you face?

Getting drowned out by all the noise. There are so many new artists every day which is really awesome to see, but it is so easy to get lost in all the chaos of the music industry. Especially when already competing with much larger artists who have way bigger budgets. Another challenge is making sure not to get taken advantage of by anyone who pretends to be looking out for your best interest. There are some shady people looking to just make a quick buck who can make so many promises, and knowing how to tell the difference between someone who wants to help you and can actually help you can be tough.

What are some of your favorite artist collaborations?

My favorite artist collaboration is an artist I’m not sure I can talk about quite yet. But hands down is my favorite one so far, it’s such a great track. I’m really excited about that one. I can say it is a hip-hop artist, so stay tuned for more information about that in the coming months!

What motto, quote, or words to live by do you use to stay motivated when you aren’t feeling inspired?

There are so many good ones. I have an affirmations app on my phone that is daily help for me to keep me grounded. I’m trying to implement a new habit when I wake up in the morning where I say to myself “I want to be here”. It’s important for me to start my day with optimism by saying that to remind myself that my life is a gift, I never want to take it for granted, despite any struggles or hardships I am going through. Starting with “I want to be here” and moving into “I deserve to be here”.

Name a few artists would you love to do a song with and why.

Charlie Puth! Beyonce (of course). And Erykah Badu. I saw a video of her recently giving a tour of her sacred space and was just so inspired by her. I know that experience would be so enlightening.

What’s your best advice for aspiring musicians?

Do not burn out your artistry and stay true to your personal journey. It is very easy to burn out in this industry because of how demanding it can be and it really is not necessary.