Q&A: AriBella on Her Latest Single “REPEAT” and Showcasing Vulnerability in the Electropop Genre
CAUGHT UP IN AN INFUSION OF DISCO POP AND ELECTROPOP BEATS — singer-songwriter AriBella’s latest release, “REPEAT,” is an ode to her true calling and authenticity as an artist. Having started out in New York City and later moving to Los Angeles to pursue her career within the music industry, AriBella’s artistry saw a latent transformation from R&B to alternative pop, to an ultimate progression to electronic pop.
Inspired by one of the lowest moments in her life, “REPEAT” may surprise listeners with a multitude of juxtaposed emotions, as the contrast of upbeat electro-instrumental fuses with lyrics charged with emotion and profound sentiment. This is the work of a true artist committed to her vision within the electropop genre. “REPEAT” has been carefully curated to showcase an artist’s vulnerability while they are living their life to the fullest. It is this sense of divine optimism that is echoed and championed throughout “REPEAT” and AriBella’s unapologetic vision as an artist.
Read below to learn more about AriBella’s latest release, “REPEAT,” and their upcoming projects for the year ahead.
LUNA: Hey AriBella! Huge congrats on the release of “REPEAT.” Can you tell us a little more about your journey in the music industry and how your music has evolved since you first started out?
ARIBELLA: I first started my music journey out in NYC, where I would try to connect with as many creatives as possible. I moved to NYC to go to a dance school where I was more tapped into that world than music, so it made it difficult to make industry connections. Eventually I made my way to LA, where I quickly learned the music industry was booming out here and this is where I needed to be to make the music I always longed to make with creatives alike. My music has evolved many times. I first started off making pop-R&B music then moved into soft pop, but then I finally found my true calling with my version of electronic pop. Inspired by the legends of Lady Gaga and Britney Spears from the mid 2000s, I channelled their energy and infused it into my own unique sound. This musical era holds a special place in my heart and it's where I truly shine and flourish.
LUNA: Were there any particular inspirations, such as moments in your life or certain songs or artists that have influenced “REPEAT”?
ARIBELLA: “REPEAT” is based on an era of my life where I was freshly brokenhearted hitting the streets of NYC like a wild animal. It was a time where I had never felt so low but also I had never felt so high and truly lived my life to the fullest. [I was] embracing every moment with myself, my friends, strangers, and the madness of New York City. I wanted this song to feel like a mashup of all those feelings, and I think we did a good job tying it all up.
LUNA: Sonically, “REPEAT” replicates the sound of electric/alternative pop. What does the process look like when forming the instrumental part of the song?
ARIBELLA: With this song I went to my producer already with the lyrics in hand. I described what I wanted the song to feel like, which was a chaotic dance track that amplified the feeling of early Lady Gaga records. We first recorded the chorus only, which was giving hints of a disco element, and it wasn’t until months later when we revisited this track we really gave it that electric pop sound, with ear candy that brings you right back to 2008. From there I let my producer create the magic he did with this one — shoutout Tito Seccuro!
LUNA: “REPEAT” encourages us as listeners to unapologetically express ourselves and let go, to dance the night away! Relating to these feelings and emotional undertones in the song of “setting ourselves free,” are there any challenges you have in eliciting these emotions through the electric pop genre when often the sonic element can dominate the song, instead of the lyrical element?
ARIBELLA: I personally love doing a contrasting track. I find songs like this one are very true to how I am feeling on the inside, where the music is high energy but the lyrics can be speaking on a more emotional level. I tend to always have a smile on my face when I am going through something, so tracks like this feel true to who I am. I also like giving the listener an opportunity to either jam out to this song and have the time of their lives or, if you listen close enough, you might find yourself screaming this song at someone because they left you in the dust with your guts spilled out on the floor. But since the beat is so uplifting it encourages the listener to pick up their shattered pieces and dance through the pain. Grab your girls and head downtown because there’s nothing like dancing the night away to heal yourself. You might find it's even more exhilarating than being in love.
LUNA: Can you tell us more about what influenced the dreamy visuals and aesthetics of the song?
ARIBELLA: The influence behind these visuals was that big pop star energy that “REPEAT” gives off. Since it was based on a time in my life where I was reinventing myself into the woman I wanted to become, I really wanted to go full on “glam pop star” with it. I love incorporating vintage-inspired aesthetics together with futuristic elements. Because this song is so dance-heavy, I wanted to give it a disco theme where essentially I am the disco ball. I am lucky enough to work with two very talented designers, Arturo Jr. & Cristina Padilla, who sat down with me to design this look which really transformed me giving me that big pop star moment.
LUNA: Are there any upcoming projects you have for the year ahead?
ARIBELLA: Yes! Lot’s more singles are headed your way. I’m planning to drop every six weeks so stay tuned for the next song!
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