Music spotlight: Aya Ito

Aya Ito is not someone to be messed with. Whether it’s as a musician or through her many philanthropic acts for non-profits, her call for more equality through her music videos, her mission to educate and uplift American youth or just simply through her lyrics. She’s the definition of a musical activist.

We got to talk to Aya about her inspirations, personal experiences and what she’s doing in her life to fight for the causes she believes in. Kinda makes you want to shout GIRL POWER before even reading it, right?

What sparked your initial interest in music?

Honestly, I was probably too young to remember the initial spark. I’ve been told that I was singing before I was speaking. I always had a passion for singing ever since I can remember. I loved how people could convey so many different emotions through music and how it can also make the listener feel those emotions.   

You experienced being homeless with your dad at a really young age, how do you think that has shaped who you are today and also your music?

I think it helped me appreciate the significance of those you surround yourself with, and the insignificance of material things. The only reason I was able to get through those times was because I had so many loving, caring, and giving people in my life. I had friends and family who were willing to house me or my family, friends who gave me rides to activities, teachers who continued to help me realize my potential. I lost a lot of things during that time, but it’s not important because those people who were there for me are still very much a part of my life. That time in my life definitely made me lean into music more. It served as an escape for me and was also a way for me to express myself. 

When the video of you singing on the train went viral, how did you feel?

I was shocked! I couldn’t believe so many people enjoyed it and shared it. I read the comments and they were all so positive. It made me feel so great that it had such great responses from complete strangers.  

Tell us about the album, what were your inspirations?

The album is a multi-lingual, multi-genre, diverse yet cohesive work.  At least that is my goal! I took inspiration from many different parts of my life, experiences, relationships, things that are happening in the world, and music I enjoy. I love all types of music and listen to non-English music frequently. I speak Japanese and Spanish, so why not incorporate the languages and culture in my music?      

Your video of the song ‘Don’t Take My Life’ has a strong message about equality, what does unity and seeing an equal society for men/women and also a racially equal society mean to you?

Unity means embracing and appreciating everyone’s individuality, while at the same time working towards a common goal; which right now I believe is, or at least should be, equality. In an equal society, there will be no wage gaps between genders and race; there will not be impoverished neighborhoods that are disproportionately Black and Brown; there will not be Black people incarcerated at higher rates or racial profiling. We have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. 

What other women inspire you?

My Godmother is one of my biggest inspirations. She has shown me what a hardworking, loving, giving, proud woman should be like. If I can be half as good as her in my life, I’ll die knowing I was a good person.  In the music industry, my inspirations are definitely Rihanna and Beyonce. I love how they are not only musicians, but also businesswomen and embrace inclusivity. Other inspirations include Audre Lorde, Angela Davis, Michelle Obama, Nina Simone, and Betty Davis.   

If you could collaborate with any other artist right now, who would it be and why?

My answer to this question is always Stevie Wonder. He is the GOAT! I absolutely love his music and voice. I actually also covered his song “Someday At Christmas” for the holidays, so go check it out!

You work closely with multiple non-profit organizations to help mentor children, what made you first start volunteering and is shaping the youth of today important to you?

Ever since I reached an age where I could volunteer, I would tag along to various volunteer events with my Godmother.  I saw how much of a positive impact she had on complete strangers and I wanted to do the same.  I love working with children, so I have always made it a point to work with youth.  The children are the future. I want them all to succeed, so if I can be a part of helping them get there, why wouldn’t I? I want to be a role model for them, and if they see me volunteering, hopefully it will inspire them to do the same, just like my Godmother did for me. 

Do you think there should be more light shed on the importance of identity consciousness (both in and outside of music)?

For me, I feel like musicians have done a pretty good job about expressing their identity through their work. I know music has been a very important tool for me and figuring out who I am. Regardless of what industry one is in though, I think we all struggle with figuring out our identity and it’s something that is revealed with time.  

What has your experience been like as a woman (but also as an Afro-Asian woman) in the music industry?

Being a woman in the music industry is not always easy as it is a male-dominated field.  Almost every band I have played with have been all men.  Every producer and engineer I have worked with have also been men.  As a woman in the music business, you do have to worry about a lot of things men don’t really have to.  Unfortunately, for our own safety, we have to be very cautious when working with strangers. I’ve heard countless stories of male musicians acting inappropriately towards women or making false promises because he has other objectives other than working together.  Being Afro-Asian in the industry has been interesting because I have been able to weave my two backgrounds together in my music. I’ve also had the opportunity to perform in Japan and work with artists over there.        

When is the new album released and how can we listen?

The new album is set to be released either by the end of the year or right at the beginning of 2021! You can check it out on all streaming platforms under Aya Ito.