Aries Deng – I Met A Metaphorical Boy

By starrymag | August 16, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I would describe my sound as very video game and anime influenced. It’s like a digital escape to a world of fantasy or dreamland of some kind. Sonically, it is filled with depth, percussive elements and emotions. Whether it is happy, positive, hopeful or sad, it is a raw representation of what I feel.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Classical piano is definitely one of my biggest musical influences. I grew up classically trained and is a crucial part of my creative process. It’s helped me transition into other aspects like turntablism, old school DJing and scratching. Japanese DJs and producers such as Nujabes and NIFANA have inspired me over the years. As far as current electronic music though, Porter Robinson, Madeon and Illenium are my go to artists. They do a great job blending the real and digital world, incorporating sounds that bring a very human element to electronic music. The element of feelings, thought and storytelling.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “I Met A Metaphorical Boy.”

 

A) This is one of the most important stories behind my EP. It is about how I met a guy once whom at first glance, was everything that I had pictured in my head when I was in high school. It was the most ideal and “perfect” guy that I could not believe was actually real. I was ecstatic. I had to approach and meet him. Everything was going to be perfect. However, after I got to know him, I realized he was not what I was looking for. The image that I had for him all this time was just a fantasy. He’s just a metaphorical boy that lived in my dreamland. The feeling of being “let down,” where this ideal guy was not what I expected in real life, was what inspired me to write this song. I translated this significant experience into the song you hear now, and it is exactly how I felt through all of this.

 

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

 

A) The fans can really connect to not only the video game and anime sounds, but the emotions and story as well. Once you understand the significance of the song, everything else only gives it more energy and feelings.

 

Q) Will there be a video for the track that plays into the message behind it?

 

A) Yes! There are visuals for it, hoping to take the listener to this dream world of mine.

 

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

 

A) I usually start everything on piano. I will work with some piano chords and progressions and then write the lyrics afterward. I do need music before I can write lyrics, but I usually do have a general idea of what I want to write about.

 

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

 

A) I produce 100% of all of my music. I use Ableton, Pro Tools and both analog and digital instruments to help me create. I play piano on all of my tracks. For songwriting, I usually work with songwriters and singers and from time to time I collaborate with friends, other musicians or producers.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Aries Deng performance?

 

A) Definitely lots of energy and cool visuals! I am currently working on interactive art as well.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) Yes!! The EP is coming at the end of August!

 

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

 

A) I prefer venues where I can be close and intimate with the audience. However, a place that significantly impacted me was performing at an EDM festival called Storm. The event was in Shanghai and it was my first big festival performance in my home country. It was such an unforgettable experience and so much fun being able to share my music with them.

 

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

 

A) If I could, I’d love to collaborate with Porter Robinson. He’s one of my biggest inspirations.

 

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

 

A) I’ve been listening to a lot of 1788-L lately. I love his sounds. They are really heavy hitting, but at the same time so clean and satisfying! It’s very different from what I would make but seeing him live was amazing. Thank you Brownies and Lemonade in LA for setting that up. I am a fan!

 

Q) You had a new single drop last Friday. How did you celebrate the release?

 

A) Yea! “Something Pretty from Afar” dropped last Friday! I’m super stoked! Can’t celebrate just yet. I’ll wait until my whole EP comes out!

 

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

A) In today’s world, we spend the majority of our time looking at our phones. So, with social media, I am able to connect with them on a personal level. I share what I love, what I’m feeling and how I live my life in hopes to inspire someone in the same way I was inspired.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I really appreciate everyone that takes any time to listen to my music. I’m still at a very early stage of my career and for people who show support towards me and my music. It really means a lot. It keeps me going and want to constantly improve. I hope I can keep bringing them the most authentic version of Aries and continue to share my life, thoughts, and experiences through the music.