Unveiling her excellence with the flick of a wrist, New-York based singer-songwriter Aria Wunderland shines in her new music video for “Starbound.”
Since the song’s release in January 2020, the track has amassed over 134k streams on Spotify. Co-written with Aaron Edwards, polished Aria croons in this alt-pop track about where’s she’s off to: star-bound. Aria is already familiar to the stars, as her music boasts features on shows such as The Bad Girls Club and Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
This brand spanking new video is a galactic utopia. “Starbound” has got us thinking – maybe being down to earth isn’t all that.
We spoke to Wunderland to learn about “Starbound,” the origins of her moniker, perfecting her sound, and what she would call her own galaxy.
First of all, how are you feeling right now considering the current political/pandemic situation?
The first few weeks of quarantine were an adjustment. I’ve figured out a different routine in this new normal. I try to stay as creative as possible while also being gentle on myself… Overall I remind myself to be grateful to have a roof over my head, food and water. There are others really suffering who are much less fortunate right now.
Why the moniker Aria Wunderland?
Aria is a family name. Wunderland was a bit more intentional. When creating my brand I really wanted to build a world that went beyond just music. Also, I’ve always been inspired by how whimsical the story of Alice in Wonderland is.
If you were the ruler of your own galaxy, what would you call it?
Wow, great question. Maybe ‘Orpheus’ Nebula’ since Orpheus is a badass musician/hero in Ancient Greek mythology. It would have to be a galaxy of music, of course.
How did you hone into perfecting your sound?
I am always aiming to evolve; I listen to a lot of music. I think I’ve gotten to a really honest place with myself where I can really gauge when I write something that’s not great. I try to really push myself and not just follow through with every song idea that comes to mind.
Now I’d like to delve into the universe of your new music video/track. Why a cosmic title like “Starbound?”
There were a few factors that inspired me and Aaron Edwards (co-writer/producer of ‘Starbound’). In general, the concept of being Starbound is about being destined to reach the stars. It’s a song about dreaming big and having this inherent desire to accomplish something extraordinary, somehow knowing that you’re destined for greatness. At the time we were writing a lot in this very galactic-like recording studio in Los Angeles called OHM. It has this magical spaceship vibe to it and I do believe it leads our creativity in this cosmic direction.
The visuals of the music video match the aesthetic of the song really well. Could you tell us more about your visual brand / your aesthetic?
Thanks! That’s what we were aiming for. I’m very inspired by the past, especially the psychedelic and groovy aesthetics of the 60s and 70s. I try to incorporate that into my brand. For this music video I worked with my good friend and creative director Uly Gold. She dug up some awesome references from that time period that we wove into the video.
One of my favorite lyrics from the track is: “I’m posted in the present working on some bigger things.” How do you know when you’re destined to move on to bigger and better things?
I think a lot of us can relate to that moment when you assess your day to day life and realize you’re destined for something more. For me, I was working a full-time job that wasn’t my passion. I felt strongly that you have to love what you do, life is too short.
What’s the writing process for a song like “Starbound”?
[“Starbound’s”] writing process was really easy and fun. Aaron sent me an initial solid idea he had. Then we went to OHM studios… This one was written so quickly and effortlessly. It was like all the stars fittingly aligned that day. It was great vibes.
Your lyrics in this song feel really genuine. What or who is it that inspires you and makes you want to keep going?
I try to always keep all of the content I put out as genuine as possible. I feel like people can smell when you’re being inauthentic. I have a deep passion for music since I can remember (sic.). And while I still hope to do what I do on a larger scale one day, I always remember that I once dreamt of being where I am today. I’m so grateful that I get to make music and I never take that for granted. This is what essentially keeps me going every day.
Are there any final things you’d like the readers of EUPHORIA. to know?
I really enjoyed these refreshing out-of-the-box questions. I hope your readers enjoy discovering me and my music! I plan to keep writing and putting out music… we all need some art during these difficult times. I should be doing some live shows on my IG as well so follow me to get updates: @ariawunderland.