Emerging singer-songwriter Ari Lee talks the creative process & inspiration behind latest release ‘Cruel Lover’ + More

Photo credit: @bettyoxlademartin

Who or what ignited your passion for music and drove you to pursue it as a career?

The way that music is healing and has the power to surface all kinds of emotions is what ignites my passion for it. I have also always been a writer, and I love to tell stories through music.

How would you describe your sound in a way that sets you apart from the crowd, and why do you think it resonates with listeners?

My sound is a mix of psycho ex-girlfriend meets bittersweet lovergirl pop, with a sprinkle of indie/alternative elements. I like to tell stories inspired by my experiences in an approachable but interesting way. I think it resonates with listeners because of how honest I am, and how I try to pinpoint specific feelings within each song.

Your latest release ‘Cruel Lover’ is making waves on all major platforms! Can you take us behind the scenes of its creation and share the story or feelings that inspired it?

I wrote ‘Cruel Lover’ in one sitting with my producers Andrea and Lev back in May. It was originally for a pitch for a bigger artist that I actually love, but we didn’t hear back from their team and I realised that I really loved the song. I got attached and asked if I could release it for my own artist project. It was inspired by falling for someone that you know isn’t good for you and all of the conflicting feelings that come with that.

Out of all the songs you’ve written, which one holds the deepest meaning for you, and what’s the story behind its emotional connection?

At the moment, it’s ‘Cruel Lover’ because I feel like it expresses feelings that come from internal struggles really well, which I have a lot of in all aspects in my life right now. Sometimes I feel like I will overthink and run in circles until I die, but on the outside I am grabbing my knees and forcing my feet to keep going.

Striking a chord with your audience while staying true to your artistry can be tricky – how do you navigate that balance?

I’ve only been releasing music for a little over a year, so I haven’t really started to think too much about what my audience thinks other than how do I express this feeling in its purest form and build out this next chapter in the story? Because if I feel like this sometimes, surely someone else does too.

What has been the most unforgettable or career-defining moment for you so far, and how did it shape you as an artist?

Releasing my debut EP, “Trophy Wife In Training” in September was a huge feat for me. I worked on my EP for over a year, writing every single day by myself and then picking out my favourite songs that worked in the Stepford-escapee-type story that I created in my head. I’m really proud of it as my first body of work.

Photo credit: @kiakova

If you could pass on a single piece of wisdom to aspiring artists, what would it be, and why is it so important?

I would say to practice having tunnel vision and to not be so precious with your art. There is a lot of noise and when you first start, it is a vulnerable time. If you get good at blocking everything out, your intuition gets louder and easier to follow. It is also okay to make bad art, it doesn’t make you a bad artist.

What exciting projects or goals do you have on the horizon, and how are you preparing to level up your artistry?

I have a ton of singles from the archives, and I plan to release them regularly over the next year. At the same time, I am also writing my second EP. I find that art is a practice, which is why I am writing so much right now and with different people. That is how I refine my craft – by doing it.

Lastly, is there anything you’d love to share with your supporters or something on your heart that we haven’t touched on?

I will be performing at The Forge at The Lower Third in London on November 25th and would love to see you all there!

‘Cruel Lover’ is available now via all major platforms.

Connect with Ari Lee

Spotify | Instagram | TikTok

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