Talking to: Aibai

In recent years, young independent musicians working outside the mainstream labels are able to become increasingly visible now self releasing is a more accepted way of getting your music out there. Aibai, a 23-year-old producer based in Minneapolis, is one of them, and is definitely starting to make her presence known in the US at the moment.

Her tracks, talking of late nights, queer love, clubs and daydreams are filled with ambient, cinematic soundscapes reminiscent of electronic greats such as Odesza and Flume. Originally focusing on making electronic music, Aibai has started to diversify her sound in her recent releases, exploring more of the alternative, indie and R&B realm. Currently working closely with singer and friend Colby Hansen, they have self released five singles together in 2021 so far.

Aibai shares how she got into music production, what it’s like being a queer female producer, the scene in Minneapolis and gives us some insight into the stories behind some of her latest tracks.

Tell us a bit more about yourself and how you got into the music scene?

From a very young age, I had wanted to become a musician of some sort and had tried learning many different instruments including the guitar, piano, saxophone, and drums. I took a few piano and guitar lessons when I was six or seven years old. I struggled to keep up with lessons so I ended up mainly teaching myself how to play guitar and piano by watching a bunch of videos on YouTube. I would not say that I am advanced by any means with those instruments, but I know them well enough that I can recognise what sounds good and make a song! I would write indie/alt songs and record them on my phone, but never did anything with them.

It wasn't until about three years ago when I discovered the world of electronic music production. I soon realised that production was something I was very interested in and something I would want to pursue seriously. I took a six month class at a production school while I was a sophomore in college; learning Ableton alone would have been so hard. After that I pretty much taught myself everything through watching videos online and just messing around on the DAW.

Ever since then I have made many remixes, a handful of singles, and have released an EP. Currently I am working on creating a live set. It integrates both live instruments and electronic elements. I have my friend Colby Hansen playing drums live which I think will be an awesome addition to the set.

What is the music scene like where you are at the moment?

I have been living in Minneapolis since 2016. I moved here to go to college at the University of Minnesota. I think that Minneapolis has a great music scene; there are a lot of very talented people that I have met here. Even just at my old restaurant job alone, there were so many artists who I was lucky enough to collaborate with. In fact, every single person who I have collaborated with were people I met through my job. I have been to a lot of great concerts here as well, and there are quite a few studios in the area that are great for recording, mixing and mastering.

How is it being a queer female producer in a very cis-male dominated part of the music industry?

It is pretty empowering honestly. I like being able to show people that women can produce too! And that production isn't just for straight white men. Sometimes I wish I knew more women/queer people who produced though; most of the people I know who produce are men.

Where does your music fit genre wise? Who are your heroes and influences? How have they fed into the music you make?

I would say my music is indie electronic. There's electronic elements in the music production, but the vocals and lyrics are very indie, which I like. My two favorite genres of music to listen to are indie and electronic so I am so happy that I can combine the two and make music that fits what I like to listen to. I think Odesza is my biggest influence. They are a huge reason as to why I even started making electronic music. I love their sound and style and I feel like my sound is heavily influenced by theirs. They have a very cinematic, ambient, chill vibe which is what I try to go for as well.

You have been busy releasing singles prolifically this year, tell me about your latest release?

Colby and I recently put out two singles. One of my friends sent me a playlist of French music and I immediately fell in love with it. I was feeling very inspired so I decided to make a song that was heavily influenced by the French music I was listening to. French Kiss originally had a bunch of lyrics written for it, but then Colby and I realised that we wanted it to be more instrumental so we took off most of the parts where she is singing except one verse. I ended up sampling her voice and turning it into vocal chops which I think helped make the song feel a lot more complete.

The lyrics to that song are about loving someone and feeling like you are running out of time, and how being with them feels like a dream that you never want to wake up from because you are worried that when reality hits, you could possibly lose them.

The other song Colby and I put out is called Still Running. This song is more upbeat and happy. I had a lot of fun making this one. It is relatively simple and is about being in love with the idea of someone, but running from commitment.

How do you keep creating? Especially in the difficult times we have been going through recently?

It can be hard to be motivated. There were definitely periods of time when I didn't make music for months. But sometimes I felt extremely motivated and it was nice having so much time on my hands to be able to focus on music. It is really a mindset thing for me. I can't force creativity.

Do you have a stand out track you are particularly proud of or have loved making?

I think "All Night" was one of my favourites to make. I think the production on it was probably my best and I love the dark intense feeling the song gives you. I am so excited to play that song live.

Do you have any plans for a new album or EP release?

Colby and I will be making a lot more music in the upcoming months. We might make an album, but for now we are just putting out singles.

What is next?

We are planning on moving to LA and start playing shows while continuing to make more music!

Stream and buy Aibai and Colby Hansen’s music on Bandcamp. You can hear Still Running on The Everyday’s new releases Spotify playlist.

Find Aibai on Instagram.