Los Angeles is a city known for its glitz and glamour, a hub to artist who are looking for that big break. Aricka J is amongst the hopefuls, a star whose authentic and unpretentious style shows a future bright with cheer. This young singer/songwriter gave me (on behalf of Blogcritics) an all access pass into her life. We also discussed her debut album Welcome to My World in this exclusive interview.
What is it about music? What's the driving force that keeps you going?
I consider music to be a universal language. To me, it’s the only art form on earth that everyone has in common. Who doesn’t like to music? People may listen to and view different styles of music, but music is music. It connects all shades and colors of life. It’s a beautiful thing.
What keeps me going is my love for music. Music is my life’s passion. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to learn, be involved or surrounded by music. No matter what mood I am in, I can always find a song to match my emotions and or help me cope with a situation. So I guess it can also be a form of therapy in a way. Music is so inspiring to me on every level in every way.
Your album is said to "drop" soon, so I have to know which songs were the easiest to record or put together?
For me, the easiest songs to write are the ones I am writing as I am experiencing a particular situation. When in that moment, I could write five songs about the same topic in different ways. The lyrics just flow.
I wrote my first single, "Good Girl Gone Bad" in 15 minutes before heading out to the studio to record it. We created the beat the night before not knowing specifically what the song was going to be about. When I went to bed that night, the beat was fresh in my head. Immediately when I woke up, the lyrics just came to me and I grabbed a small note pad and started writing the words down. I headed out to the studio with about five to six pages of the note pads and recorded the song that day.
You've been chasing this dream since you were a child. How does it feel knowing your debut album, Welcome to My World, will soon be in the marketplace?
Article comments
1 - nan
Thanks for a great article on Aricka J. I can't wait to hear more about her! Where can I find out MORE?????
Impressive that she wrote "Good Girl Gone Bad" on her way to the studio! That's talent!
I found this online - http://youtu.be/tgb7rIiD0Mg - it's the whole video for the song she talked about in the article.
More, please!!
2 - Atb
I can't wait to by this album your story and work ethic is very inspiring and professional, keep going the actions you've taken will take you extremely far!
3 - Britney
Love it!
4 - Alyssa
Yes,,,,,,,,I'm 17 years old and I feel that this is a respectful, soulful artist that almost all ages can enjoy,, I will be one of first in stores waiting in line to but this album!
5 - Daniel
Why isn't there more beautiful and and spiritual wimple lil you in his world!!
6 - sTooooo
Most definitely one of the best up and coming artist.... Thanks for sharing! Its great to know someone before all the fame that will be there soon!!!!!! Beautiful incite.
7 - Gil-T
Aricka J rocks it, an up-and-coming star! Thanks Blogcritics and J.R. Leyvas for the great insight and interview. Check out iTunes for AJ's music.
8 - Amy Ramaswami
Never Give up.. and pursue your dream!!!! you are an inpiration to all~~~~ can't wait to hear more of your music!
9 - Dan
Awesome! She ROCKS!
10 - Tatiana
Your the best miss aricka j
11 - AS
Beautiful, talented girl! Love the article. There's more info on her website ArickaJ.com
12 - Judy Maddox
Its so refreshing to hear a new artist with such soul and to read about her convictions and her drive just gives me more desire to hear more of her music and to cheer her on! So excited, she has a facebook site...Facebook.com/ArickaJMusic
13 - J.R. Leyvas
As the writer of this piece, I feel it is my responsibility to direct fans to Ms. J. The best way to contact her is through social media. Her personal Aricka J Twitter account; she can also be found on facebook Aricka J on Facebook. Many thanks and pleasant listening.
Your friend,
J.R.
14 - Jonathan Murray
As an individual in the entertainment industry I feel that Ms. Aricka J is the next big thing. Society waits for stars after stars, and you're among a star, a shooting star!
15 - Jonathan Murray
This just inspired me, I'm 21 years old an hope to be you someday!
16 - Joy
I am so happy for you. You wouldn't have it any other way. You will rise all the way to the top! Congrats!