FEATURE
Aria Wunderland talks about her style, musical influences and more
What suggestions do you have for other artists like yourself?
I would suggest staying as true to yourself as possible. It’s easy to lose sight of why you fell in love with music in the first place when you get into the business side of things. Learn as much as you can and do as much as you can on your own. As an indie artist, I’ve had to learn publishing, music production, video editing, etc. I still have so much more to learn!
When did you first discover your love for music?
When I was a baby I was always attracted to a piano we had in our home. I later studied classical music while also falling in love with rock, hip hop and pop music that was on the radio at the time.
What made you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
I think it was my first performance at a rock venue in NYC called The Bitter End. It was my first time ever singing my original songs in front of a crowd and the feeling was so exhilarating. I knew I wanted to share my art with the world for the rest of my life.
When did you know that you were going to make music a career?
I’d say it was after high school that I really decided I wanted to attempt to make a career out of this. It was a tough time in the music industry when I first started. It wasn’t as indie artist-friendly but I was determined to do what I loved.
To what do you accredit your sense of style?
I’m very inspired by the past. I study fashion from the ’60s and ’70s. I like to combine vintage fashion with some modern touches. I love rich jewel tones and texture.
Would you prefer to be independent or signed to a major?
Right now I’m really enjoying being an unsigned independent artist as the climate is so perfectly tailored to us right now. I am however never opposed to signing to a major as long as my vision doesn’t get compromised and I still stay true to my mission.
How do you feel about the present state of the music industry?
I think the music industry is in a much better place today than it has been in the past. It’s become a very fluid industry as there is more space for unique artists and it’s not so genre-specific as it used to be. There are still areas that need to be improved, women are still underrepresented and I think there still needs to be some revising with respect to how songwriters get paid in this world of streaming.
What musical influences did you listen to growing up that helped to mold you into the artist you are today?
I listened to a lot of rock, hip hop, r&b and pop music growing up in the ’90s. That paired with my classical background really influenced my writing and molded me into who I am today.
What do you think your “biggest break” or “greatest opportunity” has been so far in your musical career?
My greatest opportunity was definitely writing with my very talented friend and Grammy-winning producer Tristan Boston. He allowed me to collaborate with him on some projects he was working on and I achieved my first tv placements. More recently I was invited by iHeart Radio to come into their offices for a private show. I played for the entire staff and even got a live shout out on the radio later that day.
What are your greatest challenges as an artist, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic in the studio?
My greatest challenge sometimes is that I love so many genres and sometimes it’s hard for me to stay specific to one. But I really try to create a hybrid sound of what I love and stay consistent with that. My greatest attribute I’ve been told is that I’m very trusting of the process. I am extremely open-minded when I collaborate and like to come up with different unconventional approaches to sounds and overall songwriting.
What do you feel distinguishes you “an artist’s” from just a musician?
I believe that my musicianship is one aspect of what I do and represent. I like to embody a lifestyle, overall brand and message. This could be anything from what I’m wearing, what stories I’m telling through my visuals to what topics I’m discussing on my platform.
Today’s music seems to be about collaborations with the “hottest” artist out. Who would you want to work with on a project? And why?
I would love to collaborate with Kendrick Lamar I think he has a lot of depth and is extremely creative. I would love to join forces and create something fresh and meaningful.
What impression would you like listeners to be left with after hearing your music? what will people be able to say about you as an artist?
I would like for them to hopefully find something in my music they can relate to. I want them to feel they can listen to my music and escape whatever hard times they may be going through. I hope people will say that my project has some depth and meaning.
If you had the opportunity to change something about the music industry what would it be?
I would change the fact that women are still underrepresented in the music business.
Do you have other interests or talents you would like to share with us? How do you like to enjoy your relaxation time away from the music?
I like to relax through other forms of art. Either going to an art museum, watching a great foreign film. I also love to cook!
What image do you think your music conveys and why did you choose this type of image for your music?
I don’t really choose an image to convey. I didn’t set out to create an image for myself but rather try to be as authentic as possible in what I do. Really who I inherently am at the core is what my music is and who I project onto the world. I would like to think this is what people see 🙂
What projects do you have in the making currently and what are your plans for the near future?
I’m currently working on an awesome visual/music video for my current single, Starbound. I’m really excited because I collaborated with Christopher Parsons, an amazingly talented videographer and photographer as well as Uly Gold, an equally talented stylist and creative director. I’m also planning to start doing some more shows!
What is your ultimate goal at the end of your career?
My goal is to try to reach as many people as possible and use my platform for a greater good; something bigger than music. I am very interested in giving back to the community and one day using my resources to help teens in the inner city.
How can potential fans find you?
My handle is @ariawunderland on every social media platform. You can also go to my website www.ariawunderland.com
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I would like to thank everyone on my team that invests their time and resources into my project. As an independent artist, I could not do what I do without them.
Socials: Website | Instagram | Spotify | SoundCloud
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