In the dynamic world of electronic music, aariaa, a bass house producer hailing from Oklahoma City, stands out. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we shine a spotlight on aariaa, not just for her pulsating beats and bass house bangers, but for her journey as a woman carving out her space in an industry that’s historically been male-dominated.

Women’s History Month is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions and achievements of women. It’s a time to reflect on the progress made toward gender equality while also confronting the persistent challenges women continue to face. In the EDM industry, women like aariaa are breaking down barriers, and setting new standards for excellence and inclusivity.

Join us as we explore aariaa’s journey as a woman in electronic music, and uncover her perspectives on the role of women in shaping the future of electronic music. We explore the layers of her identity in a genre where women’s voices are increasingly pivotal yet still underrepresented. Join us as as we celebrate aariaa as she paves the way for more inclusive and diverse artistic communities. 

What has your experience been like being a woman in the EDM industry? 

On the basis of being female, I haven’t had too many challenges yet, luckily. I do see the challenges, although I think I may be a little too new to have really faced a lot of them myself, which is good. Also, you know, surrounding yourself with good people, other women is the most important thing. My closest friends, who are DJs, are all women and we have each others backs, because many other people won’t.

On the other hand, the scene here can be a little cliquey and there are some people who treat it as a fraternity. I haven’t had direct involvement with them for that reason, but when they do bring in women, they can sometimes give them less desirable sets, not take them seriously.

I think its undeniable on the larger scale that there is a massive gender inequality gap, just by taking a glance at almost any festival lineup. What is your perception of that?

For the bigger festivals, I can definitely see that there is a gap, albeit that it is getting better and I’m really happy about it. You’ve got one of my favorite inspirations Nostalgix now cracking into Ultra and these huge festivals. It’s felt very noted. It all seemed like it started shifting with Rezz and I really appreciate what she’s done to bring other women into DJing and producing.

How do you aid the gender inequality gap?

So like I said, all my DJ friends are women and we’re actually all part of the LGBT community. I’m at home with them. We are constantly trying to plug each other into stuff and boost each other up. LGBT and women’s issues in music have a lot of the same problems with the reputation and discrimination. On both fronts we are constantly fighting for each other.

I’m playing at a mural festival in June that is women and non-binary focused. I’m really excited to be a part of that and continue to try and push for more women-focused things. 

I would like to be an inspiration for women and queer people especially, and really try not to gate-keep for whatever reason because thats a huge problem in the music industry. 

Considering the challenges you’ve faced, what advice would you give to other women or LGBTQ artists trying to make it in the scene?

Surrounding yourself with people who wanna see you succeed and good people is imperative. There have been situations that I’ve been in where it was a little dodgy, and just learning what you need to do to protect yourself, learning how to say no to things.  

Theres so many problems in the music industry in general, but what I’ve found is to just be yourself and make what genre makes you happy. If people don’t like what you have to put out then they don’t need to listen to it. You’ll find plenty of people within the electronic music community who are friendly and willing to help you achieve your goals. 

I know PLUR isn’t as big as it once was but it still lingers and I find that most people are really accepting. They just want to listen to good music. 

Let’s switch gears now and dive into your music as you have a killer release coming out with us very soon. What artists inspire you?

It’s really Curbi and Nostalgix lately. Curbi has a lot of syncopated drum patterns and a clean sound that I admire. Nostalgix has whimsical bass house, almost, in a way. And then you have artists like Nero who is really up and coming now. They are my biggest inspirations with where bass house is at the moment. 

“Money Speaks” is dark, intense, and the vocal is killer; it’s a banger. What was the creative process behind “Money Speaks”?

With “Money Speaks”, I wanted something a little more punchy, instead of going in a very bass-like Habstrakt direction. Back in the day I was really inspired by Blasterjaxx and W&W. I loved the big room era. It’s funny because a lot of that big room inspiration finds its way into my tracks even now. And in money speaks, the first 16 bars, the first half of the drop does sound a little big-room like. Then I add that more bass-ey bass house in the second half of each drop. 

Funny enough, the song was totally finished, mastered and everything, and the vocals were just the last thing for me to just throw on top. 

What draws you to bass house?

It all started with Curbi when he switched from future house to bass house. There was that song “Redeem” that just sucked me in immediately and thats when I knew bass house was for me. It’s hard-hitting and intense, but doesn’t lose that house, four-on-the-floor energy. And, there’s a strong bass music scene here in Oklahoma City.

I just like the sound of bass music. When a bass house track can be basically dubstep but still be on that high energy four-to-the-floor, that’s my favorite. And, if its not melodic then its gotta crazy sounds and ear candy all over the place. Thats kind of what I tried to do with money speaks.

What can we expect from aariaa in 2024? 

2024 is looking like more bass house, some techno, and a move to Colorado!

Female producers like Aariaa are not just creating groundbreaking music; they’re also breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and inspiring a new generation of women to pursue their passions fearlessly. They help us understand the blend of resilience, talent, and determination it takes to rise in an industry that’s slowly but surely embracing greater diversity. Be sure to catch the full interview below, and stay on the look out for the release of aria’s new single “Money Speaks” premiering May 3rd.