Rock Music According To Aziya

Words Notion Staff
Photography Leila Afghan

September 22, 2023September 29, 2023

Superstar in waiting Aziya creates the ultimate guide to rock, from the power of Blondie to finding beauty among the chaos of System of a Down.

When Kanye West famously said, ‘Rap’s the new rock’n’roll’, in an interview with Zane Lowe, everybody laughed at him. Ever since, Ye’s braggadocious musical manifestation has grown in credibility, as hip-hop continues to dominate mainstream charts and award shows worldwide. Yes, the likes of Guns’N’Roses, AC/DC and Foo Fighters remain some of the biggest and best-supported acts, but in mainstream music, few artists have broken through pushing the genre into new realms… until now.

Bringing it back with vengeance, Aziya is taking rock’s tropes and making something more panoptic. The rising star first picked up the guitar aged 10 and began writing shortly afterwards. Honing her craft at school, she eventually cemented herself as an all-rounder, encompassing a range of contemporary sounds alongside her love of crashing drums and rage-worthy riffs.

The artist’s second EP ‘Lonely Castles’, a fantastically alternative display of modern guitar music, is due to drop this month. Standout single ‘atomic’ is both moody and mystical, revelling in a spooky grace akin to The Cure. Having already supported rock trailblazers Nova Twins and bands in the calibre of Florence + The Machine, she’s also become an adept performer. Screeching into mics with popstar prowess, the bonafide rock chick is a serious one to watch as the rest of 2023 goes on.

Ahead of its release, Aziya creates the ultimate guide to rock music and her place within it. Tap in below.

What’s the biggest misconception about rock as a genre?

That rock is dead.

What’s the truest stereotype about rock?

The venue floors are sticky.

When did you start getting into the genre?

When I was six and I heard the band No Doubt in the car. My mum had the Tragic Kingdom album on CD, which she played every single journey.

Can you tell us about a memorable or emotional time in your life, and a rock song that got you through it?

I think it was the first time I understood the lyrics to a song. I was 10 and I heard ‘Lonely Day’ by System Of A Down. I didn’t really know what it meant but I could relate to the chorus. At that age, you have a lot of emotions and you don’t really know what to do with them.

Who are some new rock artists (or songs/albums) we should get to know?

Yves Tumor, Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds). Nova Twins, of course. When I went on tour with them, ‘Choose Your Fighter’ was my personal favourite live. They would split up the crowd and get them to mosh on the chorus. Suicide’s self-titled debut too.

@itsaziya_ i would RATHER not go #duet @борщец ♬ original sound - Aziya

What would you change within the rock world?

Awareness of June Millington and a band called Death.

How much do you draw from rock in your own music?

I draw about 60% from rock music. The other 40% from hip-hop, punk and alternative music.

What influences – rock or otherwise – were on your sonic mood board for your new project.

The Cure, Santigold & Blondie, of course.

What about visual references?

1980s rock album covers were something else. Their DIY spirit is what I aim for with my artwork.

What fashion designers, images, movies or other visual references go hand-in-hand with rock for you?

Work by designers like Dilara Findikoglu & Alexander McQueen inspire me to go through my own visual transformation. I can go into secondhand shops and hunt for pieces and looks that help create who I am on stage.

Rock Music According To Aziya

Listen to 'LONELY CASTLES':