Performing artist ÆYDRA has been elevating her status in the local music scene … literally. Thanks to a knack for electronic earworms, catchy pop productions and a stunning live show complete with aerial acrobatics, Aydra J Swan, the artist behind ÆYDRA, has become adored across the desert. Melodic synths, pitch-perfect vocals and dance-y beats combine across her discography, giving glimpses of Lady Gaga and Madonna, as well as more psychedelic artists like Tame Impala and Melody’s Echo Chamber. If the music wasn’t enough, her eye-catching stage show often features sparkly outfits, energetic performances and spinning, high-flying action on rings and ropes (while she’s still singing!). For more information, visit instagram.com/iamaeydra.
What was the first concert you attended?
It was Paula Abdul. I’ll never forget my mom coming into my room while I was doing my hair at 9 years old and surprising me with the news that we were to see her show at the Cow Palace.
What was the first album you owned?
I always remember having Joni Mitchell on CD, Court and Spark, from an early age. Tori Amos, Under the Pink; and Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?, The Cranberries.
What bands are you listening to right now?
Not as many bands as artists and vocal EDM producers like Lane 8, Forester, and Elderbrook. Freya Ridings has a cool new album. I love Le Youth. Also, I recently discovered Mojave Grey.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
One thousand percent country. Sorry, Stagecoach-ers!
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
I’m pretty obsessed with The Weeknd, honestly, or, of course, Lady Gaga. I’d love to see some classics like Steve Winwood or Tears for Fears or Pat Benatar.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
Pop music: Taylor, P!nk, and definitely KPop Demon Hunters’ “Golden.”
What’s your favorite music venue?
Hard one, but being a Joshua Tree local, I’m going to have to go with The Palms in Wonder Valley. I just had a show out there, and the sound, stage and vibes are just everything, plus you can’t beat the food and bev prices
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
Honestly, Kylie Minogue, “Can’t Get You Out of My Head,” lol.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
It has to be Evanescence. When she broke out, it changed the entire way I perceived music, writing and women in music.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
Maynard James Keenan: How do you balance music and winemaking full-time?
What song would you like played at your funeral?
I’m thinking “Radio” by Lana Del Rey on Born to Die.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
I’m gonna go with Tragic Kingdom, No Doubt.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
My new single, “Predictable.”
