vai5000 is an electronic artist who is the best embodiment of what the current “hyperpop” scene is. As more and more artists move away from the sounds that took over soundcloud in 2020, vai is the perfect encapsulation of where the scene stands as of today. Her work is constantly pushing the boundaries of electronic music in a way that is so gratifying to see as a fan and listener. Working in a way that pushes the vai5000 project as a whole with every release, she states that she doesn’t even know what genre she’s making and more tries to follow the aesthetics of the character. Making more and more ethereal music, with ambient soundscapes with drowned out lyrics to match. Every part of being a musician in modern times influences her work. Seeing her take inspiration from the vai5000 character and put that into the music, and vice versa, it is so refreshing to see an artist care so much about every aspect of what she’s putting out. Not only does vai’s sound and work ethic so vehemently reflect what’s currently happening in music, so does the way she views collaboration. Even though the last 2 projects have been entirely solo, vai’s work with others has revitalized the community time and time again. Crediting early blisscord compilation tapes as a huge reason she is where she is. Introducing her to people and helping her improve her own music, vai has turned around to show to the community the same love it showed her. Bringing musicians together to create amazing pieces of art and continuously push each other's limits. Recently even making a video game where multiple members from the community are bosses in the game. vai5000 is an artist whose talent and dedication knows no bounds, and someone who will continue to push the community to do even bigger things. Read below to dive into her mind and then dive into her discography after.
What's the worst thing you've ever eaten?
Probably these pancakes with fried chicken and maple syrup at this one place? It sounded wild so I gave it a shot one day when out with friends but MAN it was off. It legit made me feel sick. I was bedridden for like a day or two after. I don't know if it was the pancakes or the chicken but nah it was terrible, I don't think I've actually had pancakes since.
What animal do you think would have the best twitter account?
Maybe an emu? I mean they don't have hands but they're evil fuckers. I'm sure they'd fit right in. I doubt anybody would be able to tell the difference between a blue checkmark or an Emu tweeting. Plus the inner workings of an emu brain must go crazy.
What pranks would you play on people if you were 3 inches tall, living in someone else's home?
I don’t know what a 3 inch person could even do. But like what if I snuck inside their garden gnomes and walked around and shit. Made them think they had evil gnomes living with them. I could follow them around inside a gnome to keep them paranoid and on their toes. Unrelated but I could also just put glue everywhere. Glue is always funny. I could glue shoes to the floor or doors shut or something. I can combine the two, I'll glue a goddamn gnome under a bedsheet or something. I guess I could also make to-scale recreations of the house and put them places but make them look like crime scenes. As if they were like house voodoo dolls or some shit.
What's something in nature that you think best reflects your music?
Probably the sky or clouds. It’s something I feature heavily in cover arts generally without realizing. I think the vastness of the sky and the general colours and vibes reflect what I try to make.
If you could send one thing back in time to cause the most damage to the current timeline, what are you sending back and to when?
The glaive MGK song, to the start of 2020 end of 2019, I don't think I need to elaborate further.
Are there any movies that you think everyone should watch?
I can’t lie, I haven't been watching many movies recently. I did really fuck with ‘Dragon Ball Super: Broly’ if that counts. That movie goes sooo crazy. It's hype as fuck. Plus some of the best animation and choreography I've seen. It's so fire.
If you were an alien going around exploring other planets that had sentient life, what part of their culture would you be most interested in experiencing?
Either the music or the food, as of recent more so the music. That shit would sound crazy. Which would be fire. The closest we have here is Nettspend (shoutout Nett.) Food would also be interesting too. If it was actually edible for us. I'm sure aliens could cook up some crazy shit.
If you were transported into the Toy Story universe what toy do you think you would be?
That slinky dog thingy 100%. purely cause I fuck with slinkys. They're fun and I could totally be a slinky dog. Probably a corgi instead of a weiner dog though just cause they’re funnier.
Say fruit were given brains and arms and legs. Which fruit do you think you could beat in a fight?
I could 100% take grapes any day. Probably oranges too. Pineapples would kick my ass though. They’re too spikey, those things are weapons already. Apples are kind of basic but I think it depends on the type. Granny smith I could probably take but I don’t know about red delicious.
What artists do you think people reading this should check out?
I would say definitely shoutout blissom and that whole community because without them I probably wouldn’t even be making shit right now. Shoutout nujioh he's the goat, and also Micah Callari, josa, and halo they always help give me feedback on shit and work with me creatively, so much love to all of them.