Aria Wunderland – Starbound

By starrymag | March 3, 2020

By: Courtney Groom

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I think my sound is genre neutral. So, it’s definitely a fusion of a lot of different music I was exposed to growing up. Overall, it’s described as alternative pop but as the years go by the lines within genres are being blurred so, eventually, it would probably just be considered pop.

 

Q) What musicians and artists inspired you to become a singer?

 

A) I was inspired by so many different artists: Gwen Stefani, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Sia, Shakira, Nas, David Bowie, Britney Spears and Kanye to name a few.

 

Q) How do you feel your sound has evolved since releasing your first single to now? 

 

A) I definitely think my music is becoming brighter and a bit more accessible since my first release.

 

Q) How do you feel that “Starbound” shows your growth as an artist? 

 

A) “Starbound” is a new direction for me for sure. I collaborated with Aaron Edwards for the first time. He’s a very talented songwriter and producer and definitely challenged me to step in a new direction melodically and lyrically. I feel the lyrics are a bit more relatable and less cryptic than my songs in the past.

 

Q) What was the inspiration behind your song “Starbound?”

 

A) I have lived in Los Angeles and overall spend a lot of time there. This song was written in LA and we attempted to capture that dreamer-undertone that the city has. “Starbound” is about not being afraid to dream big and desiring the extraordinary. It describes that moment you realize you might be destined for more than the daily routine you’re living and you ultimately end up taking a leap into the unknown.

 

Q) How long did it take you to finish the song?

 

A) We finished writing this song in one day and recorded it the next. It was written pretty quickly.

 

Q) What is your creative process like? 

 

A) My creative process varies depending on the song. Sometimes ideas are formed and revised over a few writing sessions, and then other times the song is written in five minutes. I usually start off by listening to music or watching a music video from the past for inspiration.

 

Q) Do you need music before you can come up with lyrics?

 

A) Typically, I’ll come up with music and melody first but very often I have song title ideas stored in my phone to build on.

 

Q) Realistically from coming up with a song concept to finishing the recording how long does it take for you to complete a song?

 

A) It depends on the song. Anywhere from five mins to a few months. But I can typically set out to finish and record a song in one 8-hour day.

 

Q) Were there any challenges you faced when writing and recording the single “Starbound?”

 

A) Not at all this was one of those effortlessly written songs. There was magic in the air that day.

 

Q) What message do you hope listeners take away from the “Starbound?”

 

A) I hope they can take away that it’s important to dream and to not be afraid to go in the direction of what’s calling you, even if it might be scary. All of us in some way are starbound.

 

Q) How important are music video concepts to you and how did you come up with ideas for the “Starbound” music video?

 

A) Visuals are very important to me. Sometimes I aim to film something conceptual other times I just want to capture a simple easy to digest vibe. The music video for “Starbound” is a bit more conceptual since the song itself is. I decided to collaborate with other creatives on this one. I worked with Uly Gold (stylist/creative director) and Christopher Parsons (photographer/film director). We came up with something really incredible and I cannot wait to share!

 

Q) What is your favorite line/lyric from “Starbound” and why in particular does that line stand out for you the most?

 

A) My favorite lyric is in the last verse:

 

“Doesn’t matter where I started if the end is now in sight, I’ll keep climbing till I get it, doesn’t matter how high.”

 

I Iove that it captures perseverance and understanding that where you are right now is okay, you just have to have faith and continue to work hard until you accomplish your dreams.

 

Q) Your music has been featured on “Keeping up with the Kardashians” and “Bad Girls Club.” What did it mean to have your music on those shows?

 

A) For me, it meant a way to finally monetize my talent as there was a time that I was working very hard on my music and felt that there was nothing really coming out of it. I have always loved the process of making music but it was nice to finally get a check. It was a turning point for me.

 

Q) Who would your dream collaboration be with?

 

A) I would love to collaborate with Kendrick Lamar. I’m a big fan, love the depth in his lyrics and what he represents. He’s incredibly talented.

 

Q) What drew you to the music industry and wanting to become a singer?

 

A) I had a piano growing up and was really attracted to it ever since I was a baby. I studied piano and later discovered my singing voice and started to combine the two skills. That was when I really wanted to write songs. I was never really drawn to the music industry. I loved music and wanted to share my art with the world. When you make a career out of your skill and love for music, you’re kind of planted into the industry by default.

 

Q) What do you want to accomplish as an artist in 2020? 

 

A) I hope to continue to build my platform. I’ve started off the year performing and I’m looking forward to doing more shows and even planning a small tour next fall!

 

 

 “Listen to “Starbound”