To all @skopemag readers worldwide if you have iOS and/or Android I ask you to try out the new @skopemag APP – you will love it – Search: Skope Mag. Plus I have my new rising artist of the moment – Ariza playing on Spotify on a gorgeous Saturday deep in the mountains of New England – USA. Artist-producer ARIZA’s third single of 2019, “Keep On,” is available now digitally and on streaming services worldwide. “Keep On” is a song written, recorded, and produced by ARIZA. ARIZA will release his fourth single of 2019, “Words,” on 14 June, 2019. So without time to waste get to know & hear Ariza – enjoy!
@skopemag: Where are we talking from today?
I’m based out of Sherman Oaks/Van Nuys California. Have a little recording studio setup here that I absolutely love.
@skopemag: What is the most current project that you are working on at the moment?
Right now, I’m working on a few projects. Besides my own music I produce for artists Maisy Kay, KOLE, OSTON, Christine Noel, and Miette Hope.
@skopemag: Got any music posted that we can stream and check out?
Definitely! On my Spotify, I released a song a month last year and I’m getting back to more of the same this year. I think at the end of the year I will repackage everything as compiled albums but you can listen to my music on your preferred listening platform!
@skopemag: When you began your journey in music were your family/friends supportive?
My parents have always been the most supportive. They both have enabled me and provided absolutely all tools possible to be able to work on this industry. Without their support I wouldn’t have been able to continue my career when I moved to Boston to study at Berklee.
@skopemag: What is it about music that you knew this was more important than all other artistic endeavours?
Music has been part of my whole life. My father used to play music all the time, from Pink Floyd to Miles Davis, to Queen. Music almost felt like magic. I’ve always loved all the arts in conjunction, and I believe visual art should always be married to music, but there’s something about music that has always moved me.
@skopemag: Would you say that your family/friends support your music Journey?
I believe they do! They haven’t told me to quit yet. I also have an extremely talented partner and she is extremely supportive of the journey as well.
@skopemag: What do you think makes some artist/bands resonate with the masses when others do not?
At this point I’m not sure. I believe there’s so much output nowadays, so many people releasing new music every single week, that what I’m adopting as a mantra would be basically to be honest and true to yourself. I’m not sure what the masses resonate to, but I’d love to provide honesty in the craft. That’s why I make music, because I really love to, and I want to get better at doing it.
@skopemag: What other bands/artists do you respect & inspire you?
The first names that come to mind are: Grey, James Blake, and John Mayer. There are always many more that I just obsessed with every now and then. I also always go back to my guitar heroes, Andy Timmons, Wayne Krantz, Mark Lettieri. In terms of expanding my vocabulary, and artists that completely inspire me are Jacob Collier, Brad Mehldau.
@skopemag: When you are not doing music what else do you enjoy?
Love movies and series. Visual art can be some of the most inspiring, spark inducing events. The combination of great writing, great cinematography, score, acting, can really be one of the most stimulating things. It’s also really interesting to see how many great series there are now. They are almost great bodies of work on their own, love The OA, Westworld, and movies like Arrival, Ex Machina.
@skopemag: How do you test whether your new song is a keeper or not?
I think I almost release everything I make. I try not to be precious about anything. Each song has its own thing. They’re all little snapshots of what the vibe was that day, what I was going through at the moment, and the great combinations when I add collaborators to the mix. Last year I was really churning out once a month, so I didn’t really stop to think, which I think it’s truly the best. This year I’m taking a bit more time but probably releasing more music than last year. I definitely send the works in progress to the people I respect, and take in what I like about what they say. I also believe you “feel it” when it’s not done. Kind of like looking at a sculpture that is still yet to get carved in certain places, but sometimes you gotta throw the chisel away and say, OK DONE.
@skopemag: How much time per week do you devote to music & social media marketing?
Eesh, not sure about this one. I’m on instagram a lot. It’s the go-to autopilot move, which is not great, should be more in the moment. But I feel like, currently, insta is where I promote my music the most. I like to make stupid animation overlays of mandarin oranges singing my songs. It’s very weird and fun. I also love to do solo transcriptions, guitar videos, and different interpretations of other songs. But that’s about as much as I do.
@skopemag: Should I feel guilt as an industry insider for paying $10 a month for Amazon Music Unlimited and having access to all music as I please?
This is a tricky one. The industry has been changing for a bit. It really is not what it used to be, I mean, they were making more money than they could print at the time haha. But maybe streaming is the future. It’s difficult to make people pay for something they haven’t paid for in a while. I believe there should be a better allocation of funds towards the creators, and streaming companies should share the pie with the people that actually make the music. Guilt is a trip. But maybe it’s time to get with the times, and see how we can make it work for the starving artist, while giving the people what they want. BUT, it’s not that easy.
@skopemag: What kind of environment & mood do you feel most creative towards your music?
I really enjoy working from my studio in Sherman Oaks. For me, creativity has always been somewhat of a muscle. Gotta constantly work to getting into that position where you open yourself up to be receptive, and get the ego out of the door. I feel like it’s very important to harness what you’re going through, because even if you’re having the worst day but you got to work, there will be some honesty in what’s conveyed through the music.
@skopemag: When are you most inspired to create music?
Anytime I’m collaborating with someone I try to get in the zone. Regarding exclusively my solo stuff, I try to have a direction I’d like to go to. With my latest single “Keep On” I wanted to do something more simple, yet explain what I’ve gone through in the past few months. But usually I’ll start producing something or just try to get blank and go into the wall throwing as many ideas as I can!
@skopemag: What is coming up for you & where you @ online?
Most recently have been producing for Christine Noel, there will be several tracks coming up in the next few months. Also at the top of the year, worked with Miette Hope on a very special project coming soon. Next Ariza single will feature romanian artist Elline, and is coming out June 14th!
Instagram: @musicariza
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/4hfAjEKTAFTmJvGQCGTED5
Apple Music – https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ariza/3642623
