French-American pop singer and songwriter Ariane speaks to champion the underdog. Combining Lorde’s powerful lyrical message and the dark and moody sound of Billie Eilish and Olivia O’Brien; Ariane creates a refuge for her listeners.
Her upcoming album ‘Original Copy’ touches on the pressures this generation faces with excess lifestyles coveted and honed by social media along with the glorification of the past heightened by trend.
Unheard Gems: We are really happy to get to talk to you on Unheard Gems! How are you?
Ariane: I’m doing great! It’s 2019 and I’m pumped!
Unheard Gems: Just for our readers to get a little bit of background on you, when did you first know you wanted to pursue music and what was your journey like?
Ariane: My relationship with music began when I was 8 and joined a church choir. For the longest time, all I did was lip sing. One day I was singled out and asked to sing solo in front of the choir. I didn’t know I could sing and was shocked by the positive feedback. I remember feeling so liberated through singing but the real joy was in moving others. As a shy kid, it was my way of sharing emotions and connecting with people.
Unheard Gems: How would you describe your sound and style as an artist, does it match you in your day to day life as well?
Ariane: My artistry is not an alter ego, it’s just me! My sound is dark pop, pretty similar to Lorde. I use my music to journal the way I’m feeling, my opinions of the things happening around me. I’m a pretty optimistic person for the most part but I refuse to be ignorant of what is going on in the world— I try to let that shine through in my music.
Unheard Gems: I love your single “Trust Fund Kids’. I feel like you have a really fun and fresh take in your music. What can you tell us about this single?
Ariane: Thank you, I’m so glad you’re enjoying it! My single is a reflection of my teenage years. I grew up around very wealthy peers who flaunted their privilege. In contrast, my parents raised me to be humble and modest. Naturally, I felt very out of place amongst my peers. But I am so grateful for that experience it propelled me to discover my own identity.
Unheard Gems: What about upcoming music? Are you working on anything else right now for 2019?
Ariane: Yes! I have a series of singles that I’ll be releasing throughout the year, accompanied by music videos. I’m so excited! My team and I have worked so hard and I can’t wait to share my music with the world!
Unheard Gems: You are originally from France but you moved to the US and are a graduate of Berklee. How do you think France and the US impacted you as an artist?
Ariane: Oh, gosh! Well I’ve always felt a bit like an outsider and a chameleon. I have no accent in either language so you wouldn’t know I was French if you heard me speak English and vice versa. I think that feeling of not quite fitting in either culture plays a big role in my music. I’ll always be an outsider but I kind of love it. At the same time, I can’t help but find myself dipping into both worlds to express myself. While most of my music is in English, I do have a French song coming out this year so keep an eye out for that!
Unheard Gems: What is one piece of advice that you are holding close as you work on your music, any life lessons you want to share with us from your experience this far?
Ariane: Yes! My aunt would always say to me: “Do your best and leave the rest!” I love that. We are all human and imperfect so just do what you can and don’t fret about it. The best results come from having a positive outlook on things and I’ve been applying that to my everyday life.
Unheard Gems: I feel like you have a voice that a lot of teen and young adult women and girls will love and will gravitate towards. Do you have any wisdom or things you keep in mind as a female artist trying to raise awareness of social issues and pressures of this generation?
Ariane: Thank you! I would say being proud of who you are and owning your differences. It can be so challenging to not compare yourself to others, especially in this climate of social media. But we all have something unique to offer and that starts with embracing who you are.
Unheard Gems: I love hearing what the artists we talk to are listening to. Who are some artists you think deserve more attention in the music industry and why?
Ariane: Lennon Stella! Ugh her voice, her melodies, the productions, she’s just amazing! Definitely check her out if you haven’t!
Unheard Gems: Lastly, for all of our readers, where can they find you and your music and is there anything else you want to leave us with that we didn’t talk about in our questions?
Ariane: You can find me on all platforms! Personally, I am more of an avid Spotify user but whatever floats your boat. As for a quick last note and spoiler alert; I am releasing a music video for ‘Trust Fund Kids’ very soon! Keep your eyes peeled or ears? I don’t know.
Interview by Hannah Schneider
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