An Interview With Aryak
A fresh single release from Aryak hits the 90's alt-pop sweet spot with chorus laden guitars and a slew of catchy vocal hooks and indie-rock tones.
"A Rock Star" is a warm and colorful track that features tons of great guitar work, harmonies, and combines a number of killer pop-rock styles into one vibrant and sonically beautiful track.
The song is like The Pixies, Beach Boys, and The Cure all came together to make something new, and it works a little too well.
The song has so many hooks it's hard to keep up with and damn is it a good time.
This single will have you humming the chorus throughout your day long after you last listened to it and it's energy is totally addictive.
It will give you a touch of nostalgia and you'll be sure to replay it once it's ended.
Vocal smoothness, layered guitar sections, and a massively poppy vibe all keeps a good edge as it plays through.
This is a familiar sounding track almost like you may have heard it before and it really keeps that 90's aesthetic nailed.
"A Rock Star" is the latest in a string of singles and EP's released from Aryak throughout 2020 and 2021 so far and it's clear the artist has a realy love for his craft.
With such a wonderful release, we wanted to have a chat with the artist to find out all we could about the project. Here's what happened.
TSWS: Okay so let's start things off with "A Rock Star". This track has a classic feel to it and an almost 90's alt-pop aesthetic and feel. Where did this track come from?
I like that definition. Indeed the origins for A Rock Star go to the music of late 80’s, early 90’s. One day I was listening to The Cure, something I hadn’t done for a long time, and I was thinking how brilliant songs they have: Boys Don’t Cry, Lovesong, Friday I’m In Love… A line from Lovesong stuck to my head: “Whenever I am alone with you, You make me feel like I am fun again”. I toyed it around with the everyday life I have and the lyrics started to emerge. The title came by accident. I was finishing the vocals for the final chorus and just off the top of my head I screamed “Rock Star”! Immediately I knew I had the title and the song nailed.
With music I was not trying to sound particularly ‘90’s alt pop, I probably would not have managed if I had tried. I mostly work intuitively and just try to get the best out of the song. I like how it eventually turned out, it does give a nod to that great era.
TSWS: I love "On Top Of The World" as well and I'm hearing some different styles and genres between your releases. What bands really influenced you?
Wow! So many bands and artists! From David Bowie and Alice Cooper to The Sex Pistols and Ramones. From AC/DC and Thin Lizzy to The Cure, The Suede and Oasis. And then again some. I just love music. When talking about influences I guess I feel most familiar with the guitar oriented music from the 60’s to the 90’s, but I really wouldn’t rule out any kind of music. For example some instrumental movie soundtracks are simply stunning.
TSWS: How did this all start for you?
I have played in several bands, none of them gotten anywhere. I hold myself at least partly responsible for that because I have always seen it as a top priority to write my own songs; one or two covers in a set are fine, but I have always been into writing songs, not just playing. I now understand not everybody sees it that way, so sorry guys, I probably was a bit too bossy!
With a band it goes as many ways as there are members. All in different directions. Now with modern technology I can do everything on my own. I miss playing together and combining ideas; when at its best a good band is like a gang, us against the world. I miss that, but it is what it is now and I concentrate on what I love doing – writing songs
TSWS: What things inspire you to write songs?
I don’t believe in divine inspiration, it may sound unartistic but I believe in work. I may have to force myself to work on music but I feel bad if I don’t do it. Sometimes I just play around with some ideas on a guitar, or by accident find a key for a new arrangement. Then I realize several hours have passed, I may not be any wiser but I have had a splendid time. The inspiration comes when I find how things click together, it’s a creative process where I come up with something I didn’t know I was looking for.
TSWS: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
Regular work. I work at the office of the top brewery in Finland. Over several years I have done different jobs there: three shifts in canning line, foreman for production… Now I am a manager in HR, also a system specialist and an office clown. I love the TV series The Office, but while laughing I have a nasty, nagging feeling at the back of my head: have I turned into Michael Scott?
TSWS: You've got a number of releases on Spotify. What advice would you have for other artists out there trying to get heard?
Go to The Sounds Won’t Stop! Besides that just keep on pushing, make music and have fun with it. Spend time on promoting, with each release try some new ways of doing it. Do social media! I am struggling with it, a classic case of Imposter Syndrome, I am terrified of giving anything of myself to the public, I think I will just bore everyone off. But I think you just have to do it to get noticed. Also be respectful and appreciate every listener and every stream you get. There is an audience out there, you just have to find it and give them a chance to find you.
TSWS: What's next for you as an artist?
More music for sure. There are moments I feel discouraged and see no point in continuing, but I know what I love to do and that is music. To me making music and being heard is an end in itself.
TSWS: Are you a guitar player first? It sounds like you've been playing for a long time
That’s true. I am not much of a guitar player but it is my thing. Nowadays I try to find different ways to approach songwriting and music, but quite often I eventually end up with guitar on my lap. I try to do it in different ways and try not to let the guitar dominate the sound, but with guitar I simply feel at home. Having said that I have times when I consciously leave the guitar out and work on the song with keyboards. It gives a different feel to it and I like that too.
TSWS: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Fans? Do I have any? Never thought of that. As I said already I really appreciate anyone listening to my music and I am astonished when somebody wants to listen to a song again. So I want to say thank you and, if you feel like it, please come back again.