Electro-pop artist Aiko Tomi's music is equally comprised of M.I.A.'s manic hip-hop energy, the lush dream-pop sensibilities of Caroline Polachek, and the undeniable joy of an infectious J-pop hook. After a long hiatus from music, she's back with a brand new EP entitled For the Love and plenty of more new music on the way. I talk to Aiko about her new EP, the disconcerting rise in Asian-targeted hate crimes during the pandemic, and her unapologetic bubble tea addiction.