Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Ari Abdul has been living and breathing music for as long as she can remember. Between her mother’s love for Latin music, her father’s affinity for classic rock, and her brothers’ hip-hop and metal tastes, there was no genre that she didn’t explore by the age of 14. Citing The Neighbourhood and Lana Del Rey as influences, Abdul’s artistry is perhaps best described as dark alt-pop — though it truly cannot be put in any boxes.

From achieving viral success with her debut single “BABYDOLL” to performing at Lollapalooza and embarking on her first tour, she is rising at an exponential rate — and there’s no doubt why. Her new EP, “CCTV”, solidifies her position as one to watch, telling a horror story through narrative lyrics, intense production, and a bold soundscape.

Ahead of the EP’s release, we spoke with Ari Abdul about signing with RCA, her sold-out tour, and the life-changing moments of her career thus far.

Stream “CCTV”…

Read the interview…

How did you first become interested in music, and who were your earliest influences?
My interest in music started when my mom would blast the radio when I was a baby so that I could adjust to loud noises as I grew up. Then I remember at about 7 years old, I would obsess over Lady Gaga and started my fangirling era. Gaga and her style has definitely influenced me. The Neighborhood, Lana Del Rey and Arctic Monkeys (who I discovered in middle school) definitely influenced me the most in the sound I create today. 

Could you share the story behind your hit “BABYDOLL” and your reaction to its viral success?
It was around the pandemic that I would start hanging out at this studio my best friend worked out of. Thomas LaRosa and I pretty much listened to music all day and, at the same time, I building somewhat of a platform on TikTok. It wasn’t until late 2021 when Thomas asked if I wanted to make a song. Honestly, I was really confused why he even suggested it because I never sang prior and didn’t think I could sing — I grew up hating my voice. Eventually, I figured it would be fun and nothing would really happen, so I did it. That’s when we made “BABYDOLL”. We both posted it on TikTok and no one batted an eye. It wasn’t until December 2021, when I was seeing all these sped up songs and I decided to speed up my own song. The next day it was massively viral. To this day, I still haven’t processed it and I don’t think I will. After it went viral, Thomas, Isabel and I finished the song and now it’s my biggest song yet and I never want to wake up. 

You recently signed with RCA. How has this partnership influenced your music career, and what can your fans expect from this collaboration?
I’m really content and happy with all the support my label and team gives me. I feel so lucky to have a team that cares so deeply and just gets me. Prior to signing, I was using all my creativity and just being me — and my RCA team has allowed me to do just that but with even more backup. 

You have some exciting events lined up, including a tour with many sold out concerts. What are you most excited about in these upcoming performances?
The entire tour sold out and I’m so speechless that I get to play for rooms full of people who enjoy my work. I’m most excited to meet my people and do my very best for them because they mean the most to me. 

And what do you hope the audience takes away from your live shows?
I hope they have a good time and see how much appreciation I have for them. 

Can you describe a moment in your career that has had a significant impact on your music and personal growth?
Every single stream is honestly a moment for me because it means that someone out there is listening and I just want to do more. 

What themes and musical direction did you touch on in “CCTV”?
The direction of this project is very much a horror/slasher vibe. I wanted to create an openly interpretive narrative that the audience can take as they want. It has very dark themes but really cool beats that i’m so excited for. I’m also really amped about this one bridge I did that is in spanish, which touches my hispanic roots. 

How do you approach the creative process when writing and producing your music?
My mind is a very interesting place to say the least. I usually go in every session with a vision in my head and emotion and take it from there. I also have my influences that play a big role in my sound. 

Are there any specific rituals or routines that help you get into the creative zone?
Listening to music at concerning volumes. 

What are you looking forward to the most in the future?
More tours and more music.