An Interview with Anair
We caught up with Anair, a neuroscience researcher who’s been chasing a lifelong dream of writing and releasing music. While music might not be her full-time career path, she’s carving out space for it as a creative pursuit—and thanks to new tools like AI, she’s finding fresh ways to share her songs with the world.
Hey, thanks for chatting with us. Tell us a little about yourself.
I work in neuroscience research, but being a singer-songwriter has always been a dream of mine. I don’t know if I’ll ever make it a full-time career, but I’m definitely hoping to keep music as a hobby, side gig, or creative outlet.
Who or what inspired you to start making music? And, when did you start?
I started writing lyrics in middle school. At first, it was just parodies—taking songs I loved and swapping the lyrics while keeping the melody. Eventually, I began writing my own lyrics from scratch and singing them over instrumental tracks I found on Spotify. Once I learned some piano and guitar, I used simple chord progressions to back my songs. Now I use Udio to create instrumentals and even handle the vocals. I did about a year of vocal training, but I don’t feel fully proficient enough yet to call myself a traditional singer-songwriter.
What is your biggest challenge as an artist?
It used to be figuring out how to share my music when I didn’t feel confident enough in my singing or production. Now, with Udio, I can create full tracks, but the challenge has shifted to figuring out how to release and brand them. There’s also the stigma around AI in music, so I’m still working out how to present myself as an artist who uses those tools.
What is your favorite project or single you have released?
I haven’t released much yet, so I don’t have a favorite out in the world. But I do have a few unreleased songs I really love. Honestly, it changes all the time which one feels like my “favorite.”
Who are your inspirations? What artists or bands are you listening to?
Some of my biggest inspirations are Avery Lynch, Sadie Jean, UPSAHL, saad Alex, shy Martin, Sody, Maise Peters, Alexander Steward, ROSIE, Clinton Kane, GAYLE, JORDY, Billie Eilish, Camila Cabello, Ashley Kutcher, Ashe, Carobae, JP Saxe… and honestly the list goes on.
What’s the process behind working on a song like?
For me, the lyrics always come first. I usually write when I’m processing a feeling, emotion, or thought—and sometimes it’s just because I hear a song I relate to and it sparks an idea. Once I have the lyrics, I use Udio to build out the production and vocals, and from there the song really takes shape.
Tell me about your upcoming music and what inspired you to create it!
The first music I’m planning to release is a series of EPs inspired by a recent breakup. It’s been a way for me to process everything, and I’m excited to finally share that with others.
What are your plans for 2025?
My main focus is to release 2–5 EPs and then combine them into a full album by the end of the year. Before that, though, I want to lock in my branding and figure out exactly how I want to represent myself and my music. I’m pretty happy with what I’ve been able to do with Udio so far, so I see myself sticking with AI-produced songs for the time being.
Balancing research and songwriting isn’t easy, but Anair is proof that creativity finds its way. With plans to drop multiple EPs and an album in 2025, she’s leaning into her passion while carving out a space for AI-driven artistry. One thing’s clear: the next year will be a big one for her—and we’re looking forward to hearing what’s next.