Artist Introduction
What’s your name and where are you from?
Whattup Waffles! I’m Aryeh-Or. Born and raised in Los Angeles, still holding it down for Cali.
What’s the story behind your stage name?
My stage name is actually my real name. Aryeh-Or means ‘Lion of Light’ in Hebrew.
My parents clearly understood the assignment! With something that powerful on my birth certificate, I’ve never felt a need for a stage name or pseudonym.
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
I was exposed to every possible genre and flavor of music from a very young age. As I began to write and record my own music, I was very compartmentalized and would try to isolate in one genre or another, rarely blurring the lines. That never felt right in my soul, so I grew into a “fuck it, I’ma do me” mentality and fully embraced the blending of musical styles and creating something that feels fresh, free and authentically mine.
Fan Engagement
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
‘Let Chu Know’ came about as I was close to finishing my debut album “Warrior Medicine”. I was listening through and even though I rapped on many of the tracks, I realized that I didn’t have any songs on the album that were just straight bars. I’m a killer MC and I wasn’t fully showing it off, so… I started cooking the beat and the whole concept just came spilling forth. I didn’t set out to pen such a raw and vulnerable autobiography. That’s just what showed up when my pen hit the paper. It kind of surprised me, and I couldn’t be prouder of it.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
My aim as an artist is to INSPIRE, UPLIFT + EMPOWER individuals and the collective consciousness of humanity as a whole. There are lot’s of messages that I put into my music, but some of the central themes are: The power of love. Relationship with divinity. Self-awareness and taking bold action. Fighting against hatred and division. Lofty stuff, I know, but I think we need a lot more of that and less trap rap and whiny indie rock.
Behind the Music
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
Self funding! I think that’s one of the major obstacles for lot’s of independent artists. It’s all on us. All the time. I personally refuse to compromise on excellence so I’m not skimping on any part of the process, and that inherently means I’m comin out of pocket. I wouldn’t say I’ve overcome it, I’m just committed and investing in myself knowing the returns will be 1000x.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
Sheeeesh. Stevie Wonder. I think he’s one of the greatest musical minds to ever live. Period. Would love to get one in with Stevie while there’s still time. Beyond Stevie, I think Bruno would be my runner up. He’s got that genre bending, IDGAF attitude and a swag to match. He and I will get some great shit in, of that I have no doubt.
Future Aspirations
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
Records in regular rotation + touring with a full band. That’s the aim of the game. Oh, and the fuckin Grammys. Yea, see you there!
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
Honestly, the next step is really functional and logistical. It’s about time for me to open up to management and play a team game to help me accomplish more than this fiercely independent track I’ve been racing on.
Recent Work & Contact Info
Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?
All my recent tracks are on all the streamers. I’m self-directing full music vids for everything this year and you can find them on my YouTube page (under my name). Also, IG: @aryeh_or to for the day to day visuals.
What is the best way to contact you if fans want to give feedback or if other artists/producers want to collaborate?
My personal website: www.aryeh-or.com or just on IG: @aryeh_or … Fair warning tho, I can be bad at getting to my DMs. Website x email is def the best way to get at me.
