HAAi, the Australian-born, London-based producer and DJ knows how to make us move. Known for her high energy sets electric production, the artist today releases her new album HUMANiSE. Exploring what it means to be human and the radical act of creating with humanity at the forefront in an increasingly digital, robotic age, HAAi has created her most intimate, tender and emotionally-charged music to date. Collaborating with artists including Jon Hopkins, Alexis Taylor, KAM-BU, and the the Trans Voices choir, she's crafted what she calls “a machine with a human heart.” We spoke to HAAi about how she chooses her collaborators and what's next:

How do you think that you have evolved as a producer through making this album?

I feel I’ve evolved so much, both as a producer and a writer. A lot of it comes from allowing myself to work with other people and learning from them, without being intimidated by their skills. I used to hold myself back, especially as a woman in music, feeling shame over things I wasn’t accomplished at, like instruments I couldn’t play. With my last album, I was proving I could do it mostly by myself. This album was about collaboration, bringing the best out of the music rather than proving myself. I put my voice upfront, but for production and technical aspects, I was ready to be a sponge and learn from others.

How do you choose collaborators? How do you know someone is right to come into your world and help shape your sound?

They’re heavily vetted, but most are friends. For example, Jon Hopkins and Alexis Taylor - we’ve been close friends for years before working together. They’re clever, gentle, free from ego, and focused on the music rather than fame or success. I also collaborate with choirs like Trans Voices, connecting instantly with people like ILĀ on both a personal and musical level.

I really like how you described your collaborators as gentle. That must create a safe environment to work in.

Absolutely. In music and the arts, ego can be rampant, and I value spaces where people aren’t competing or trying to dominate. It allows for authentic creation. I’ve never had this kind of experience with any of my collaborators—they’re the right people for this work.

Did you make the album in London?

Yes, mostly in the studio here.

Does being from Australia influence you in any way?

Yes, definitely. I have many musical friends there, and when I return, I love working with them in the studio. People like Jono Ma, an old friend from an incredible band called Jagwar Ma, have amazing musical brains. Australian electronic music has its own heartbeat and sound, different from here and I find that inspiring even from a distance.

Is there a song on the album you’re most proud of, or one that was a huge challenge to finish?

That's so real. One of my favourites is Go, which is very personal. It reflects growing up queer in a small town and trying to escape. Shapeshift is also special because it represents me: hyperactive, exciting, starting soft and ballad-y and moving into something bold. Satellite is meaningful for its extensive work with a choir and the collaborative energy that went into it.

Which artists have you been listening to that inspire you?

Ethel Cain, Montell Fish. There’s a song of his that was played to me in Barcelona with naive, minimal lyrics that are clever in their simplicity. Cat Power is another influence; her album You Are Free inspired me to start singing in the first place.

What’s next for you?

I’m coming home for a tour, including Meredith [the festival], which will be my biggest tour yet. I’m also working on a remix album for HUMANiSE, which is a way to bring the music to the dance floor. This process has been fun. Istarted it out of curiosity and now I’m really enjoying reimagining the songs. I also realised that I rarely play my own music when I DJ, and this gives me a chance to do it in a way that excites the audience.

The album is amazing. It's very thoughtful and full of detail.

Thank you so much. There’s definitely a lot of heart in it, so I appreciate that.

Listen to HUMANiSE here.

@haaihaaihaai