Aradia – No One Can Stop You

By starrymag | June 10, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I usually keep it very general and say “alternative pop.” Sometimes I describe it as 80s-infused synth-driven pop with thoughtful lyrics or I use artists I’ve heard my music compared to, like Empire of the Sun, Ellie Goulding and Marina.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) To be honest, I don’t know exactly who’s influenced me. I know what I listen to most, but that music isn’t reflected in the music I write. I listen to *a lot* of Brazilian Jazz, Exotica, Chill Out Lounge and obscure electronic music. I’ve never figured out why I write straightforward pop songs, but I’ve given up trying to escape that!

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “No One Can Stop You.”

 

A) This song came about as a result of my own personal journey and a focus on exploring what it means to be mixed raced, as well as understanding my own femininity and what it means to be a woman in the world today. I was always “one of the guys,” had tons of guy friends and had no idea how much I was ignoring (and sometimes even putting down) the feminine aspects of being. My personal growth in that area coincided with things like the “Me Too” Movement and with my realization that I never fully owned being mixed. Through that journey of discovery, I finally faced the pain and isolation I felt as a result of dealing with racism, sexism and abuse at different times throughout my life. It was a total transformation that led to my full acceptance of myself. I’ve always written encouraging music and I wanted to share what I’d found within myself in a song. It was the first time I’d ever actually sat down with the clear intention to write a song and to compose something on a particular topic.

 

Q) How did the 80’s synth vibe for the song come about?

 

A) Well, I’ve always found the sound of vintage synths – whether analog or digital – super delicious. I didn’t make it sound 80s on purpose. I just chose or created sounds I liked and that matched what I heard in my head while writing it.

 

Q) The song is being likened to that of Cyndi Lauper or Madonna. How does that make you feel?

 

A) That’s a HUGE compliment! I mean, we’re talking about two of The Queens of pop history. I’ve always admired both of them for the power and vulnerability they share through their music and if I ever accomplish close to what they have, I’ll die very happy.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think maybe it’s a timing thing. I think the song reflects how certain tensions have heated up in recent years and this feeling that we’ve had enough and that we’re inspired to do and be better and to inspire others to do the same. We live in a time where, despite how some people are fighting and being destructive to one another in the physical world and social media, there are so many people cheering one another on. That’s what we need more of. And this song is literally meant to cheer on girls & women, but also anyone who’s ever felt marginalized in their own context.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) [laughs] The video was really something I just put together to have some visual to go with the song. I tried to make it interesting and artful, showing different aspects of my personality and my music through the images I included. But the goal is to make a real video that truly tells the story. Hopefully, that will be soon!

 

Q) How did your time with Three For T help you evolve as a musician?

 

A) Three For T fed all the cravings I had to play indie rock, since that’s not what comes out in my solo work. It was a great way to practice songwriting collaboration too, since I’ve written alone for most of my life. The guys would write almost all the instrumental parts and I’d write the topline and sometimes we’d all contribute to the lyrics. The biggest area of development it led to though was becoming a better live performer. I’ve been performing since I was a kid, but I always had paralyzing stage fright. I mean, I’d always work to put on a good show, but in my head I was suffering through a trauma every time. The band played out so much, though, that I had to just deal with it and I even caught myself having fun on stage with the guys a few times before I remembered I was supposed to feel terrified! Playing with them was a great study in the difference between singing and playing an instrument on stage and actually performing. It helped me get my chops up. I didn’t get rid of my stage fright that way, but that did magically disappear about a year and a half ago.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

 

A) I don’t really have a process when it comes to the actual writing of a song. What usually happens is that I’m walking my dog, I’m cleaning my house, I’m on a plane or it’s 3am and BAM! A song appears – instrumentation, lyrics and all. And I have to drop what I’m doing and run to my computer – or my voice recorder app – and get down as much of the song as I can, describing the sounds I’m hearing and sometimes using song references as reminders. Then, it’s a matter of creating the arrangement in my DAW and recording all the instruments, vocals…everything.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music? 

 

A) I do everything except the final mix and master. I create and play the drum beats, the synth sounds, the orchestral sounds – all the instrumentation and vocals. I write all the parts and all the lyrics and create the whole arrangement. I think of mixing and mastering as akin to editing a book. You don’t want the author editing, too, even if they can.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Aradia performance?

 

A) A lot of Energy! A lot of, “YEAH!” When I’m on stage, I’m sharing my energy with the audience. I’m putting myself and my music out there because I want people to feel good, or at least like they’re not alone and that someone understands them. And I want them to feel energized. So, I dance a lot and invite people to dance with me. I put everything I am into my live performances and I also love expressing my sense of fashion as part of being on stage – so expect wild (or at least fun) outfits and expect me to talk you into dancing!

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you? 

 

A) Hands down the most amazing place I’ve played so far is Theatre Paradoxe in Montréal. It’s a stunning converted cathedral with a delightfully professional staff and killer sound. Another beautiful venue I played at is the Columbia City Theater in Seattle. It’s gorgeous and I’d definitely love to play there again.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Sia! She’s one of my heroes for sure. And I’d really love to work with Jody Wisternoff, too. I can’t get enough of his music and when I met him in person briefly, he was wonderful.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) I’m currently in love with Roosevelt. His music is just nostalgic enough, just Summery enough, and just swishy enough to put me into a state of bliss. So, he’s on repeat.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) I mean, it’s the most necessary way to connect. Artists have to meet a hundred thousand people online to meet ten thousand fans in the real world. It’s the only way for indie artists to get their music heard by people who might fall in love with it and become a true fan. BUT, social media is important to me personally because I’m all about connecting – the human connection is what makes life worthwhile (and if there are no humans then dogs are just fine!). Seriously though, we need each other. And as someone who spent a lot of life feeling lonely and isolated, I never want anyone to feel that way. So, I share my journey and what I’ve learned on social media in hopes that it will speak to others – either because it’s just what they need to hear to help them feel better or because they know exactly what I mean.