What is your name?
Hi! My name is Aiko.
What is your genre of music?
I’d call it pop, or indie pop.
Give us a little bio about you.
I am a Moscow born, Czech republic raised and London based artist. In my music, I often explore subjects such as solitude, love and understanding of self, but I also try and blend all the cultures that I was lucky to experience. I started my career with appearing in a TV show (as harsh as it was!) “Superstar” and at that moment realized, that it’s truly something I want to do. Since then, I released an EP “AIKO”, played at many cool festivals and venues, had interviews and live sessions, radio airplays and most importantly, met some of the best people and connected with them via our mutual passion for music. I’m now soon to release another EP “Expiration date”.
What made you go into music?
I was always drawn to music, I started singing as a little child. I started writing songs when I was about 13 and bought my first guitar when I was 15. I didn’t know anything about guitars at that time and am pretty much self-taught, and I remember when I went to buy the guitar, I chose it just because it’s pretty, without even listening to how it sounds.
Are you a signed?
Not yet!
You set to release your new single ‘Bad Influence’, tell us more about the single.
Yes! The single is a really different single to me, as it sounds different to anything I’ve released previously. It is fun, upbeat and I have a great feeling about it! We also filmed a music video to accompany it, we filmed it in Prague, and it portrays the mood and the storyline of the song pretty well.
What is the meaning behind ‘Bad Influence’?
Bad influence is a song that celebrates youth, reminds us of importance being present in the moment and how “oh-so-bad influences can be oh-so-fun”. Bad influence will bring out the bad kid in you, that you always wanted to be but never embraced!
Describe the track in two words.
Playful, fun!
Who did you work with on the Single?
I came up with the idea and lyrics myself and brought it to my friend Filip Vlček, who produced the song, and we expanded on it more, he gave it the fun shape it now has.
Check out the video for Bad Influence here
Will we see an EP or Album this year?
With Bad Influence I’m starting to release an EP song by song, so definitely yes!
Do you have any shows coming up?
I have a lot of shows and exciting festivals coming up! Definitely check out my website or Facebook page to find the dates and come see me live! I’ll be traveling all around Europe, so I might even be close to your city.
What else can we expect in Early 2020?
You can expect a lot of new music, creative music videos and early gigs! I have already released one that we have been preparing for quite some time and we have just filmed another one for you a few days ago.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any upcoming artists?
Music-wise, unfortunately not, but it’s something I really want to do, as I have never collaborated with other musicians yet. I do have an exciting collaboration for a music video though, with a very talented upcoming filmmaker Sayna Fardaraghi.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
Definitely yes! I’m open to everything, so don’t be shy and write me! Either on my e-mail, or on my social media platforms.
Do you play any instruments?
I play guitar and sing.
Who are your influences?
Musically, one of my biggest influences is Aurora or Jungle. Lately, I have also been really interested in visual art and what FKA Twigs creates and the way she thinks never stops to amaze me.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Ideas oftentimes just pop into your head at the most random times – such as when you’re commuting somewhere, when you zone out into your thoughts or overhear someone talking about something. It can also be something – a feeling, emotion or situation, that comes from your inside that you need to express.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Happy, doing music and performing (major festivals and interesting visual collaborations are something I’d love to see myself do), creative and surrounded by people who inspire me and I inspire them.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I pretty much live and breathe music. As I also manage myself, my social media, my gigs, I create everything myself, it takes up most of my time. But if I’m not busy with music, I probably dance – I do pole dance and contemporary or enjoy a good audiobook.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
It’s not really and advice, but something my mother always says to me when I have my “down” moments about my career. She always asks me if not doing what I do would make me happier and if I see myself doing anything else with such passion. The answer is always “No” for me and it’s always just about waiting and pushing through some tough times, reminding yourself that the actual pleasure in what I do lies in the path itself.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
That everyone’s path is different, what works for one might not work for you, so don’t be afraid to explore and find a way that works for you!
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
The cliché “Fake it till you make it”!
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
My hometown is a small city in the Czech Republic, so visiting it’s city centre, that also happens to be one of the most interesting sights in the city is a must! We have sweet dollhouse-like architecture and it’s nice to just walk through! But I now live in London, so here you have many great places to visit!
You’re coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first? Home! Family, loving atmosphere and being at one place for a while is one of the things I need the most!
2/ Who do you see first? My mother and my dog, ahah
3/What do you eat first? I’m a person who loves to snack, so it’s always something sweet for me, preferably chocolate!
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Stage outfit, laptop, red lipstick, comfy shoes and my neon!
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Sure thing, I have it all!
YouTube
Facebook
Instagram
web
