AYOKAY PREMIERES NEW SINGLE “BETTER WITH YOU”
L.A.-based artist/producer ayokay premieres his hypnotic new single “Better With You.” Accompanied by a beautifully surreal video that demands multiple viewings, “Better With You” is the Detroit-bred musician’s first release since signing to Astralwerks. Download/stream “Better With You,” HERE and check out the video HERE.
As the first new music from the Detroit-bred artist (born Alex O’Neill) since his acclaimed 2019 EP we come alive., “Better With You” marks the start of a bold new chapter in his ever-evolving career as an artist, vocalist, and highly sought-after producer. To that end, the song unfolds with a raw honesty as he pleads for a lost love to return, delivering an achingly soulful vocal performance wrapped up in radiant melodies. At the same time, ayokay offsets the song’s melancholy mood with the brightly inventive sound design he’s previously brought to hits like his gold-certified debut single “Kings of Summer” feat. Quinn XCII (a 2016 release that’s amassed over 125 million streams on Spotify to date).
“‘Better With You’ feels like the song I’ve been aiming to make since I started singing on my production, says ayokay. “It’s still the upbeat summery dance feel that has become a big part of my sound, but with a fresh take on the indie house space that is currently inspiring me most. All of that paired with lyrics written about a personal relationship story that I felt I needed to tell, I think the song is the perfect glimpse of what to expect from my upcoming project.”
Directed by Jonah George, the video for “Better With You” finds its protagonist driving deep into the woods at night, arriving at the home of a mysterious pink-haired woman who’s escaped from the outside world. In her solitude, she’s created an elaborate computer system that allows her to enter into another reality — a world that the protagonist soon becomes immersed in. Gorgeously shot and intensely thought-provoking, the result is a compelling meditation on isolation and human connection.
ayokay has steadily emerged as a dynamic force in the pop/electronic world over the past five years. Since breaking through with “Kings of Summer,” he’s racked up over 350 million global catalogue streams on Spotify, headlined sold-out shows at such notable venues as New York City’s Bowery Ballroom and The Roxy in L.A., and played major festivals like Electric Forest and BottleRock Napa Valley.
ayokay spent much of 2020 producing for artists including executive-producing Quinn XCII’s fourth studio album Change of Scenery II and working on forthcoming albums from Chelsea Cutler and Jeremy Zucker. His past work includes production/remixes for hitmakers like Carly Rae Jepsen, To date, ayokay has garnered over 350 million global catalogue streams on Spotify, and earned critical acclaim from outlets including Earmilk, Variance Magazine, and Billboard who praised his, “organic production and quirky sonic textures…” ayokay is currently at work on his new album to be released early next year.
About ayokay:
Detroit-bred artist/vocalist/producer ayokay, born Alex O’Neill, first burst onto the scene with his breakthrough single “Kings Of Summer,” featuring his childhood friend and frequent collaborator Quinn XCII. Arriving in summer 2016, the song has since amassed over 125 million streams on Spotify and received gold certification from the RIAA. After delivering his debut EP in 2017, ayokay continued his upward momentum by releasing his acclaimed full-length debut In the Shape of a Dream in 2018. Featuring collaborations with Jeremy Zucker, Nightly, Future Jr., and more, the album includes several tracks that find ayokay handling lead vocals for the first time. The following year, ayokay returned with we come alive., a six-track effort that ranges from festival-ready electro-pop to experimental anthems made for late-night drives. Shortly after the EP’s release he embarked on his first national headline tour, selling out such notable venues Bowery Ballroom (NYC) and The Roxy (Los Angeles). A sought-after producer/remixer who’s worked with hitmakers like Carly Rae Jepsen and Grouplove, ayokay has garnered over 350 million global catalogue streams on Spotify, and earned critical praise from such outlets as Billboard, Earmilk, Variance Magazine, and more.