Ari K Makes Her Explosive Debut With “Whatchu Wanna Do”
BUZZ LA- Aug 3, 2019
- 4 min read
Ari K is a pop and R&B singer/songwriter raised in Indiana, and has currently been living in Chicago for the past 10 years. Singing since the age of 6, Ari K started to learn how to write music at the age of 12. When she moved to Chicago, she decided to study acting at Columbia College Chicago, where she received a bachelor of arts. Ari has done multiple independent acting projects and still has a love for acting, but her true passion has and always will be music. Ari started working with producer, Chris Chem, in 2013, after they met on a music video set she modeled for. They have created multiple songs together, but "Whatchu Wanna Do" was the song that they decided was the best fit for her sound and first debut single. Ari K is continuously writing and recording new material so that she can create her first EP.
Running deep with R&B flavor, "Whatchu Wanna Do" boasts the happy-go-lucky feeling of being undeniably down for someone. Ari K’s vocal range and enthusiastic lyricism make this a contagious hit! "Whatchu Wanna Do" spreads a message of love, desire and happiness and we can’t help but vibe along. Ari proves her talents to be authentic to the core through her expert lyricism, powerhouse vocals and lively delivery of every word. "Whatchu Wanna Do" is produced to perfection with just enough pop/R&B, and soul to keeping us grooving along. So get up, grab your one and only, and dance alongside the brilliant sound arrangements of Ari K and Chris Chem. We can't wait to see what’s in store for Ari K! Stay on the lookout for this captivating diva.
Check out "Whatchu Wanna Do" here and read more below in our exclusive interview!
Hi Ari K! What advice would you give to your younger self now, when you first started writing music?
I would tell myself that patience is a virtue. You are going to get frustrated, it's going to be a lot of long hours and little sleep but in the end it's all worth it. Follow your heart, continue to write and express yourself even if it makes others uncomfortable. Never be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and always go with your gut. In the end, your vision is what matters the most.
Can you tell us about the meaning behind the lyrics in "Whatchu Wanna Do"?
Well, I've been in a lot of situationships in the past. They are heartbreaking, complicated, exhilarating, frustrating, and mysterious all at once. You honestly never know wtf is going on and there is always miscommunication on both ends. Yet, there is something that still draws you in to that other person, at least in my experiences. When I say "whatchu wanna do?" that is me saying are you here to ride with me or naw? In the pre-chorus, "Take me off my track I get higher" is the feeling I have, and I hope a lot of people have and can relate to, of an overwhelming sense of confidence and empowerment that no matter if this person chooses to be with you or not, you will continue to elevate in life and be the amazing human you are.
What was the writing process like? What inspired the song?
The writing process for this song was a lot of fun! I went to my producer's studio and he played me this beat and I immediately fell in love with it. I was like, "Ok we are writing to this beat RIGHT NOW!" We started sipping on some Jameson, as we usually do, and then the melody and lyrics just started flowing. It honestly felt so natural and easy writing with him to this beat, I knew that this song was meant to be my debut single. The inspiration behind this song? Well my friends can testify that I have been dealt with a number of difficult cards in my dating life. When I say that, I mean I have dealt with too many fuckboys. haha! I know most of that is my fault because I chose to put up with a lot of bs. This song felt like the right time to give myself and women a voice and a sense of power. I wanted women, and really anyone, to feel that power and self confidence when they hear this song.
Who are your biggest musical influences and why?
I would say my bigget musical influences are Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Demi Lovato, Ariana Grande, Kehlani, Ella Mai, and Jessie J. These women are such a force to be reckon with in the music industry. They are strong, resilient, and extremely talented musicians that have impacted the pop and r&b world for years. Their music is incredible, their voices are incredible, and they continue to come out with hits that top the charts.
What are your career goals for 2019?
My goals are to continue to write more music so that I can finish an EP by 2020. I just finished filming a music video for this single so I'm looking forward to releasing it before the end of this month. I'd like to do more shows in the Chicago-land area! And I'd love to build a bigger fan base.
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