ARDA - New Music Spotlight, June 2010 Edition
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Super amazing with a powerful voice and solid sound Arda is a sure crowd pleaser. Our Webzine enjo...
Super amazing with a powerful voice and solid sound Arda is a sure crowd pleaser. Our Webzine enjoyed listening to her music and think she is one of the hottest female singer/songwriters that will have music lovers loving her music. In this spotlight with the artist, Arda spoke openly about her music and what fans can expect from her when they tune in; here is what formulated.
Isaac: Let's get started with this interview. When and how did you first become interested in music? How long have you been playing music?
Arda: It all began when I started piano lessons; I must have been around six. I would always come up with my own little songs and melodies. I loved playing things that were in my head, not written down in notes! As a teenager, I came across some poems written by my sister and began experimenting by putting music to the words. Before I knew it, I was coming up with pop songs and writing my own lyrics too.
Isaac: Who would you say are your biggest musical influences and why?
Arda: I grew up listening to Michael Jackson, Madonna, Elton John, Tracey Chapman, Roxette... though my music sounds different in style, I got my foundation from these artists because they engraved in me the idea of a strong melody.
Isaac: What has been the greatest highpoint in your career so far?
Arda: Having the opportunity to work and live in London for a couple of years and playing gigs in places like Covent Garden where you get people who are genuinely interested in your music. The vibe, the atmosphere...it's amazing!
Isaac: What has been the greatest disappointment in your career so far? What did you learn from that experience?
Arda: Recently I was signed to a record label but then dropped after a few months. I realized that there is no point in getting a record deal if the label is not going to make an effort to promote you. If it's a matter of simply posting mp3s on online digital stores, then you can do that yourself! I also learnt that when such things happen, you have to stay positive, lighten up and move on. Just keep doing what you love to do and not worry too much about how you're going to achieve what you've set out to achieve.
Isaac: What draws you to want to play the type of music that you do?
Arda: It is the kind of music that comes most naturally to me. I don't think too much when I'm writing, the ideas seem to flow most of the time. Also, this type of semi-acoustic, melodic pop is the one that moves me the most. I need to make an emotional connection to a song when I'm singing it, otherwise I just get bored!
Isaac: What do you feel it takes to play this type of music that you play?
Arda: You need to be true to yourself and honest with yourself and come up with songs that you believe in so that you communicate this to the listener.
Isaac: What do you think you will create that will make your performances and who you are stand out in the music industry?
Arda: Hmmm...this is a tough one...let me think! Well, I believe these days a lot of people are tired of superficial things. From attitudes that are way over the top to images that are too perfect or songs that get you moving but have no depth. When I'm performing, it's 'what you see is what you get'. I'm simply...Arda! There is no pretence. I talk to the crowd as I would to a friend over a cup of coffee. I say funny things at the risk of not being 'cool'! I think people who come to my gigs go away feeling that they made a genuine connection, they met someone and heard songs that say 'hey, I'm on your side'! I always try to have a positive message in my songs, even sad songs give the listener the feeling that it's ok to feel that way and in time, it shall pass.
Isaac: If you had the opportunity to do one cover, what cover would you do and why? How would you put your own spin on this cover?
Arda: I would do 'Black or White' by Michael Jackson. I love this song because the melody is so catchy and it also puts across a very powerful message of harmony amongst all people in the world. I would do a more acoustic, wistful version of the song, replacing the guitar riff with piano and I can imagine strings in the background. I might have to get another artist to do the rap part though!
Isaac: What does it take to be a good songwriter?
Arda: I once read in a book that all you need to be a good songwriter is emotional truth. This is so true. Other things such as structuring a song, creating forward momentum, contrast, etc can be learnt. However, you need to make your song believable to the listener and to do that you need emotional insight. It also helps to keep a good balance between the left side of the brain (logical/verbal) and the right (intuitive/visual).
Isaac: How difficult is it to juggle music, family and work obligation, and life in general? Explain.
Arda: It is NOT easy! Especially when you have a passion, like music, it is so easy to get carried away and put all your energy into this one thing because you love it so much. I've come to realize that it's always better to see the bigger picture. For example, my day job has nothing to do with music but at least it pays the bills and keeps me grounded. It keeps me in touch with normal, everyday life and situations which often end up in great songs!
When I get home, I stop thinking about work and try to switch my mind into artistic mode! The key here is to be flexible. There is no perfect time for every single thing. I have often come up with song ideas on my lunch break! As John Lennon has said 'Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans'. As for family and friends, you must always make time for them. After all, who will give you all the emotional support when you do end up becoming a superstar?! ;-)
Isaac: What is your definition of being an Indie artist/band?
Arda: I would say being totally independent to create your artistic vision as you feel it, hear it and see it.
Isaac: Where can fans access your music online?
Arda: You can find my music on www.myspace.com/ardamusic, www.ardamusic.net and www.sonicbids.com/arda. At the moment, I am working on new songs which will be available for download soon. I would be very interested to hear what you think so...do get in touch!
Isaac: In five years??...
Arda: Well, the way the music industry is, anything can happen in the next five years! I could be touring the world, promoting my latest multi-platinum album or still playing gigs down the local pub! Ha ha! Ideally, I will have written lots more songs in my own style and grown as a songwriter. I would want to have recorded at least two albums that I'd feel proud of and that were well received by my fans. Also, I wouldn't mind if by that time, I'd met a good manager. I really think that would help push my career forward.
