Last week, Mic Drop had the pleasure of chatting with LA based DJ and producer, aiii, ahead of the release of her brand new EP, MOTION SICKNESS. The two track EP out on Mi Domina blends heavy basslines, sultry beats and smooth synths bringing listeners into the world of aiii. “MOTION SICKNESS,” the title track, is a diss track to the haters watching you thrive from the sidelines. “FOTDF” is a funk focused dance track with a hypnotic rhythm and cheeky vocals guaranteed to have everyone on the dance floor moving. We got to talk to aii about the creative process and inspiration behind the EP along with what the rest of 2026 holds for the multitalented artist.
How did you challenge yourself creatively while working on the MOTION SICKNESS EP?
The most challenging part of creating this EP was knowing when to stop. The A side I made really quickly, it was basically done in a few hours (minus the vocals which took a few sessions.) Certain tracks flow out of you and everything just works cohesively without much effort, but then you reach a certain point where you’ve heard it a million times and you start to have self doubt. I find it really hard to let go of tracks sometimes and let them out into the world. Once it’s playable I test and tweak and that’s usually where I struggle because it’s basically like my child at that point in the process. When I release, sometimes I feel like I’m sending my first born off to school haha, so definitely trying to let go and let the music have its own full life outside of my control is the biggest thing for me.
Which artists, past and present, inspired the sound of this project? Who did you look to for inspiration visually and aesthetically?
I’m inspired by a wide variety of art across many mediums. Fashion and paintings are two big visual inspirations for me. I think of what an era will look like and what matches the sonic identity of the vibe. MOTION SICKNESS is playful and sassy to me. I’ve always been colorful and lean into Y2K and 90s styles, so that influences the aesthetic of my project as well.
Two amazing artists’ work that visually inspires me are Trulee Hall and Evelina Silver. I am so lucky to own a beautiful piece by Trulee Hall and it’s my favorite thing I own in the entire world. I love looking at her every day! Evelina Silver I found through her recent series Dirty Minded, which I relate to so much. I highly recommend you check them both out. There’s way too many amazing artists that inspire me to name, it’s so hard to choose! But if you’re asking, some of my influences sound wise have to be Miss Kittin, Skream, Evie, Jazzy, Paul C, TSHA, Sorley, Boys Noize, and of course Nala, who signed the EP to her label Mi Domina. I love UK sounds and minimal glitchy drums in opposition to some grittier and more punk/riot grrr elements. I have a wide range in my sound, so I love artists that have that versatility too.
Did you work with any collaborators on the MOTION SICKNESS EP? If so, who? How did they help bring the project to life?
I had the help of my dear friend, Tony, for the mastering process, shout out AM:PM! We had a great time in the studio fine tuning the EP together. Otherwise it’s all me, writing, production, mixing, vocals, the list goes on. I always joke that I’m a one woman band. My dream collab would be JT, oh my god I love her. We would eat on a track together I know it. She’s on a track by Shygirl I’m obsessed with called “SLIME IS BESTIE.” Matter of fact let’s get Shygirl and Sega Bodega in here too.
Are there certain moments you recall while working on the EP that you were extra excited about to play for people in clubs?
Honestly I don’t get excited about it until I’m there putting it on in the club. I don’t think it feels real to me until I’m playing for others. FOTDF I made for a sweaty sexy room, but other than that I envision my music going off to bring energy to it, but it’s more like a meditation thing for me.
What clubs, venues and dance floors come to mind when you hear the title track and “FOTDF?” While making the EP, did you find any inspiration out on the dance floor?
The track was inspired by stories I’ve heard about Ibiza from the 80s and 90s. There was a raw, sexy, club driven sound born out of the era that really excites me. Pair that with living in LA for the past 6 years, seeing the feral energy at the clubs and shows here, and a horny anthem was well overdue from me. I hope I’m not encouraging the crowds too much though, don’t get arrested haha. Hopefully I get to hear it at Space in Miami or obviously in Ibiza would be awesome! Destino, Amnesia, DC10, Hi, UNVRS, so many amazing clubs there!
What’s your favorite memory from making the MOTION SICKNESS EP?
I played the EP for some other DJs one night out and I remember the reaction being so insane. That’s when I really felt like I had something special. It’s hard to remove yourself from the equation when you’re making something, self perception will always be there. You literally can’t be unbiased with yourself in the process, so having a visceral reaction from peers that you respect and that know their stuff gives a little more confidence. If I can give a little sage advice to the other femme and queer producers, it’s that you have to believe in yourself viciously, because people will project their negative beliefs or assumptions on you. You have to fight for what you create and protect it. Don’t listen to others if it feels like something to you. There’s been many occasions where men who have never released a track in their life offer me feedback I never asked for, and it’s usually with music that’s already signed. On the flip side of that, it is a beautiful thing to have a track hit with people who you look up to. Just don’t let the unwarranted opinions get you down!
What does the rest of 2026 look like for aiii?
I have my first Insomniac Radio guest spot on Wenzday’s radio show, Everyday is Wenzday. It’s airing 9/9 at 3pm pst on Analog if you wanna tune in! Wenzday is so talented and dope, shoutout to her for having me on. I’ve got some releases I can’t announce just yet, but I’m making a lot of new music. You will be hearing from me later this year and early 2027 for sure. I post all my shows and updates on my instagram, so that’s the best place to look out for what’s new! @aiiisound everywhere <3MOTION SICKNESS is out now on all streaming platforms.
