Aria Brooks – Am I Next?

By starrymag | January 15, 2021

By: Ashlee Dell’Arciprete

 

 

Q) How would you describe your artistic sound?

A) My sound musically is authentic. My music taste is a melting pot of different styles, so I bring a lot of those into my sound. Although I am a pop artist, I incorporate various genres like indie, R&B, and many more into my music.

 

Q) Who are some of the artists that you’re inspired by?

A) I love Billie Eilish and Melanie Martinez. I love their creativity musically, but mainly visually. I also love Ariana Grande and Brandy because of their vocals. I aspire to hone in on all of their strengths in my music.

 

Q) Congratulations on your new music and work as an actress. What is the meaning behind your new song, “Am I Next?”

A) I wrote “Am I Next?” in response to the brutality that black people were facing for the color of our skin. I was scared that I could lose my life for something uncontrollable. The song is expressing the fear that a lot of young people have about this.

 

Q) What was the process and inspiration behind making your music video for the song?

A) Although the song was expressing fear, I wanted the video to show more of the anger that I felt. I wanted actual pictures and videos from protests. It was less of me being scared and more of me being angry and wanting to take action. I wanted to keep the video pretty straight to the point. There is no way to sugarcoat this topic; I had to tell it like it is.

 

Q) You are very politically active at such a young age, and have spoken out on important human rights issues, spoken out against racism and more. How important is it for you to educate your fans and other young teens like yourself?

A) A big goal of mine is to be a role model for change. I think it is extremely important to educate yourself on what is going on around you. It affects all of us, believe it or not. Activism isn’t for everyone, but being aware and educating others helps.

 

Q) What was your audition process like for the “All That” reboot? 

A) My agent sent me a self-tape request for “All That,” which we were all super excited about because my family grew up on the original show. I had to come up with a few sketch characters and prepare the lines they gave me. I got called back to Los Angeles for a callback with the producers of “All That” and a screen test with the Nickelodeon executives. They told me shortly after the audition that I got the job.

 

Q) Have you gone back and watched episodes from the original “All That” series?

A) Before all of my auditions, I watched the original “All That.” It gave me an idea of what they were looking for. My sisters got hooked, so we watched a bunch of original episodes.

 

Q) What is it like being a part of the Nickelodeon family?

A) I love being a part of the Nickelodeon family. Everyone is so welcoming and extremely helpful. They are all so supportive and sweet.

 

Q) How do you balance being an actress, singer, and student all at once?

A) It is a lot easier because I do online school. My teachers are very understanding and helpful. When it is time for school, I have to be very focused so I can get it done on time. Normally everything else is unpredictable because my schedule could be empty one minute and then full the next. I try my best to organize everything and prioritize.

 

Q) You’ve talked before about the importance of having Zen in Hollywood. What tools do you use that have helped you along the way? 

A) I am interested in law of attraction and law of vibration. I use healing stones and crystals as well as manifestation practices. I believe that I can attract certain energy into my life as long as I believe I can. That has helped my Zen and allowed me to stay positive.

 

Q) At what age did you realize you wanted to be an actor and artist?

A) I have always enjoyed performing because I grew up around it. My parents are Performing Arts educators. When I turned ten years old, I realized that I wanted to perform on camera professionally and take it seriously.

 

Q) What type of projects in your acting and singing career do you hope to work on in the future?

A) I would like to be the main dynamic character in a film. I would also like to write and produce my own film. I want to have a lot more music out and collaborate with well-known artists. I’d love to work with Tate Mcrae, Billie Eilish, Issac Dunbar, and a lot more.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and your work?

A) I am so grateful for your continuous support of me and my dreams. Just know that whatever you want to do or be in life is possible. Even if other people don’t agree, it’s your life that you have to live. Just be yourself, and the miracles will follow.