Interview: X. ARI

Mallory Turner

X. ARI is an electro pop/alt singer-songwriter from Toronto. She is a very vocal mental health advocate, and uses her art to spread empowerment and emotional healing. On June 27, she will be releasing her new EP titled 'Uni-Fi'. We can't wait to listen to it! In the meanwhile, we were able to catch up with X. Ari and talk about her creative process and self care.

What inspired you to start making music?

It started with singing. I always loved to sing because of the way it made me feel, which is great! I started taking singing lessons around 7 years old and then joined my first band at age 11. I found my way to music at a young age and have always been in music in some shape or form since then. What inspired me was hearing the big voices of Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Tony Braxton. I was enamoured of those divas and just wanted to have a strong and powerful voice like them. 

Can you think of a time when music (whether it be your own or someone else’s) has helped you out?

Music has been there for me numerous times. There's this one song that's about 9 minutes and it's called "Konstantine" by Something Corporate. When my parents were getting a divorced and I was having a hard time in high school I'd play it and allow myself to cry the whole time. It was my go to cry song and was therapeutic for me. 

We all have different ways to cope with stress. Self care is important! What is something that helps you alleviate your own stress?

I meditate almost every day, sometimes twice a day. I find it extremely helpful for balance and ease. I also do affirmations every morning in the mirror. I have a whole morning routine I do each day with several things like gratitude writing and intention setting. This ritual helps keep me grounded. I also love my crystals and doing reiki on people. 

Have you ever started working on a track and gotten stuck? 

Most definitely. It doesn't happen often, but it has before and it's not a big thing because something always eventually comes. 

What advice can you give to any aspiring singers or songwriters?

Dig deep to find what makes you YOU and amplify whatever that is by being the most authentic you possible. Your biggest strength is that no one can be you, but it's up to you to define that and make it relatable so people connect with it. Write your stories from an open and honest place and allow yourself to be vulnerable. 

Check out X. ARI's latest single "La La La" below!