Agnes Azria Chases a Fleeting Reality in ‘You're Not Real’ [Q&A]

Power femme energy is our morning coffee, and if you want to wake up with drills for eyes and concussive beats for breath, with maybe a little demure, then Agnes Azria is your answer, and her latest release, You're Not Real, is your caffeine. With a very stylized, provocative but mysterious vibe, we decided it best to go to this independent artist and producer to get the pure tea on her latest release, reality, and what to do with all our hormones. 

OnesToWatch: Who is Agnes Azria?

Agnez Azria: I’m a little Ableton junkie, and a stubbornly independent hermit at her computer playing with sounds and noodling on her guitar all the time. 

Besides a reminder on ontology, what is You're Not Real all about? 

Well, that’s very much it isn’t it—ontology. But the project also delves into mental health (mainly my own) and various societal issues such as suicide, betrayal, technological warfare, and beauty standards. In a similar vein to my previous two EPs, I aimed to find some form of resolution (self-help at its finest), and this time it manifested as You’re Not Real. This title serves as a broader exploration of the idea that emotions are fleeting, problems are temporary, and that we shouldn't take everything too seriously because life is short. But, specifically, the title track in the EP critiques social media, highlighting how many people focus their energy on maintaining a fake persona which increasingly validates the sentiment of the show Black Mirror

Are we real, is this happening, if so why? 

I DON’T KNOW ARE WE? WHO ARE YOU? WHAT'S HAPPENING RIGHT NOW.

 Any collaborations or features? Who produced the EP? 

I produced everything from start to finish which is why I’m proud of this project. In the future, I’m excited to focus on features.

How would you describe your sound? 

Electronic grunge with a little demure.

 Can we expect more of this style in the future? 

I will forever keep everyone on their toes. But just here I’ll share that a secret drum and bass single is on it’s way. 

Besides this excellent EP, what else should we be on the lookout for? 

I am excited to follow up this EP with an immersive visual experience called a music video.

What's inspiring you right now outside of music? 

I'm not lying umm not much. But that’s because I’m an independent musician who’s also managing myself, and there is so much work that comes after the music. I think it’s important to build an immersive world and aesthetic around your music that’s relevant and/or helpful to someone. So I’m constantly analyzing social media trends, sourcing from books, other artists, staying updated with the news, trying to think ten steps ahead. I AIN'T GOT THE TIME FOR MORE DAVID I'M JUST INSPIRED.

Best activity suited to enjoying your work? 

When your hormones are raging, or someone pissed you off and you are manically driving in the middle of the night blasting music loud enough for the streets to hear it, and you with no clear direction of where you’re going but you have snacks and a Big Gulp. I’ll be your soundtrack. 

Who are your OnesToWatch?

I think The Dare is doing an amazing job prioritizing culture and community and joy that music should bring. And I hope Chappell Roan never has media training because she’s funny as hell. 

Related Articles

EKKSTACY Switches Gears In Visceral Soul-Stirrer “mr. mole”

EKKSTACY Switches Gears In Visceral Soul-Stirrer “mr. mole”

October 2, 2024 “mr. mole,” while sparing in lyrical matter, is direct, focused, and successful in its attempt to say a lot in a few words.
Author: Grace Holtzclaw
Jaz Karis Is Ready to Reintroduce Herself to the World in 'Safe Flight' [Q&A]

Jaz Karis Is Ready to Reintroduce Herself to the World in 'Safe Flight' [Q&A]

September 26, 2024 One of R&B’s best-kept secrets is blooming out of the bag.
Author: Jazmin Kylene
R&B
The Criticals Deliver a Sleazy, Intoxicating Single in "Adoringly Drunk"

The Criticals Deliver a Sleazy, Intoxicating Single in "Adoringly Drunk"

September 26, 2024 The Criticals channel their infectious energy into a picture of drunken sexual tension and seemingly one-sided affection.
Author: Alessandra Rincon