Artist of the Week: Aria Wunderland

Our Artist of the Week is Aria Wunderland, a singer-songwriter from New York. Learn more about here in our interview below!

1. Can you introduce yourself to those who may not know you?

My name is Aria, I’m a singer/songwriter from Brooklyn, NY:)

2. How would you describe your music to people who have never heard it before?

I would say it’s primarily pop with urban and alternative influences.

3. What are you looking forward to most for the rest of 2018?

I’m looking forward to completing my EP and starting my local promotional tour with my band!

4. Who are your musical influences?

I’m influenced by new music every day. But growing up I was influenced by a lot of rock and hip-hop. So I loved Radiohead, Coldplay, NAS, Biggie, Nine Inch Nails, Eminem, Bowie, Freddy Mercury, No Doubt, Aaliyah, and Britney Spears, the list goes on… and in the most recent years I’ve been getting really excited over Sza, Khalid, Lana Del Rey, H.E.R., The Weeknd, Cardi B., Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone, Childish Gambino, Banks, and Lorde.

5. What about nonmusical influences?

I’m heavily influenced by art, fashion, and film. I love vintage fashion and going through Chanel, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent photo archives for inspiration. I will watch any movie by Guillermo Del Toro, I love how he can put a dark spin on fantasy, and his visuals are everything. I also love Wes Anderson films. As far as art, I find a lot of inspiration in surrealism. I love Dalí, René Magritte, and Picasso’s blue period.

6. If you could collaborate with any musician, who would it be and why?

I would love to collaborate with Sia. I’ve been a fan since before her commercial success and think she’s a songwriting genius.

7. What do you hope fans get from your music?

I hope my fans feel liberated and a sense that they’re not alone in their feelings. I was a lot younger than my siblings and the only girl. I spent a lot of time alone listening to music and would always identify with the lyrics. I hope my music and my overall themes in my artistry can do the same.

8. Tell us a little bit about your new song, “Super Fly.”

I actually got inspired by a classic book I love very much. It’s called the Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. It’s about a man who wakes up one day as a bug. While the book isn’t necessarily literal, that imagery has always stuck in my head. Super Fly is a play on words implying that the person you’re into is not only fly (as in cool), but he’s an actual fly that can bite, but it won’t hurt because you can take it. It’s about knowing you’re about to fall for the wrong person but choosing to anyway because you know you have a thick enough skin.

9. What is something that you’ve accomplished so far in your career that you are most proud of?

I have a few of them. My first proud moment was playing on the stage of the legendary NYC rock venue The Bitter End. It was my first performance ever and I felt very happy to have had that first experience on that stage where so many legends had played before. Having one of my songs recorded by J. Lo. While she hasn’t used it yet, it was very exciting to know that she liked my song enough to record it and consider it for her album. Another moment was being in the studio with Dr. Dre. I got to record background vocals. I most recently felt proud when I got to hear my song on Keeping Up With The Kardashians and on the trailer for the Bad Girl’s Club finale.

10. What is a song you wish you wrote and why?

There are a few but I would have loved to have written Chandelier by Sia.

11. What is your go-to drink from a coffee shop?

Matcha Latte with Almond milk or caramel macchiato.

12. What is your current favorite song?

Right now I’m loving Jump by Julia Michaels

13. What was the first concert you went to?

Mariah Carey! I was obsessed with her as a kid.

14. What is your favorite movie?

Pan’s Labyrinth

15. If you could create your dream tour, who would be on the lineup?

Oh wow great question I’d probably want to start off in North America. I’d have to perform at Radio City Music Hall since I’m from NY and that venue has such amazing history. I would want to have guest appearances by Kendrick Lamar, Lana Del Rey. Maybe have an alternative band open for me like MS MR.

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Delaney DeAngelis

Former Deputy Editor at Beyond The Stage Magazine

Delaney DeAngelis was Beyond the Stage’s Deputy Editor and was with the publication beginning 2014. She graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in public relations and now works as a marketing coordinator for a financial media company. When she’s not working or writing for Beyond the Stage, you can find her exploring Detroit, cooking, and rewatching New Girl. Her favorite bands include The Maine, Panic! at the Disco and LANY.

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