Ari Abdul

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ARI ABDUL
releases
new album
CCTV

Photography Liam Bundy
Creative Director Deborah Ferguson
Stylist Yasmin Sabri

Interview by Juan Marco Torres

Back in 2021, Brooklyn-native Ari Abdul released her single Babydoll, for which she earned over 20M views on TikTok. After landing a deal with Slumbo Labs and RCA Records, the recording artist is now fresh-off a sold out transatlantic tour, with her newly released project, CCTV. For her sophomore EP, we hear a more reflective Abdul, with her signature, entrancing dark-pop beats and emo lyrics. We had the pleasure to chat with Abdul about her most recent adventures, her outfits during tour, and her favorite Shakira and Lana songs.

Cardigan Maison Margiela, shirt SRVC, Tie and Shoes Dolce & Gabbana, Trousers and brooches Paul Smith, Cuff bracelet Retro Chic

You just released your new album, CCTV. Tell us about how the lead single, BURY YOU, came about.

Before BURY YOU was even written or recorded, I knew I wanted a song that felt crazy both lyrically and in production. I wanted something more fast-paced and upbeat than my other songs but still have those classic dark lyrics. I’ve had the word “bury” in my notes app for a really long time and it worked perfectly. BURY YOU is about being so infatuated to the point where you wish you could just be with someone forever, whether they like it or not.

Coat, Stockings, Shoes Dolce & Gabbana, Sweater Maison Margiela, Knit Briefs Simone Rocha, Cross Necklace Robert Wellington, Earrings Retro Chic

Did your family play a part in your choice of a career?

Honestly, not really, but they are super supportive now. What I do now was my happiest accident. I just hung out with my best friend at the studio he worked out of and ended up making a song. If two years ago you were to tell my family or even me what I’d currently do, we wouldn’t have believed it.

Your most recent work is emotionally-heavy, and a lot of the songs deal with things like regret or heartbreak. Were you working through anything in particular?

I experience so many emotions and they definitely do reflect into my music. I really do feel what I sing. However, I also like to create stories influenced by those emotions and make them more psychotic.

Suit Kenzo, Cropped blazer Dolce & Gabbana, Necklaces Robert Wellington & Fraser Hamilton

As a Brooklyn-native, how has the city shaped your music?

The city has definitely taught me to just do what I want to do and not worry about what others will think. That’s exactly what I do in my music. NYC also has a very gloomy, yet cool energy that I feel radiates into my sound. There’s also so many scenes out here that I’ve experienced that influenced some songs. For example, the alt-scene, the punk scene, the club scene.

Coat, Stockings, Shoes Dolce & Gabbana, Sweater Maison Margiela, Knit Briefs Simone Rocha, Cross Necklace Robert Wellington, Earrings Retro Chic

You just came back from your first-ever (and sold out) tour starting with a show in Toronto and finishing in London. I read you were mostly looking forward to your London performance. How was that show?

Tour was one of the best experiences in my entire life so far. The opportunity to see so many people who support and believe in me truly means a lot to me. They are the reason I’m here and the fact that I get to go to so many places I had only dreamed of visiting was insane. The London show sold out first, I remember it was the day after I announced the tour. Honestly, I had no idea if people would come because everything is so new to me. The energy London brought definitely makes me emotional. We also celebrated my birthday on stage at that show, so it was definitely very special to me.

Shirt Rundholz, Boots Simone Rocha, Earrings MM6, Ring Robert Wellington, Necklace Fraser Hamilton, Gloves Dolce & Gabbana, Trousers Han Kjøbenhavn

Tell us about one of your favorite memories from the HELLGIRL tour.

Before most of my shows, I was able to go outside and hangout with anyone that was there early. It was so fun getting to meet everyone, see how they’re doing and to just connect through music. All those interactions were definitely my favorite.

Cardigan Maison Margiela, shirt SRVC, Tie and Shoes Dolce & Gabbana, Trousers and brooches Paul Smith, Cuff bracelet Retro Chic

Suit Kenzo, Cropped blazer Dolce & Gabbana, Necklaces Robert Wellington & Fraser Hamilton

What did you wear for your performances?

Funny enough, I wore exactly what I wear normally. From tank tops and black pants to button downs and shorts. Every outfit was something I’ve definitely already worn. My reason for doing that is I wanted to come out on stage as myself. Something important to me is being authentically me.

Where would you want to perform next that you didn’t have a chance to get to this time?

Quite literally, everywhere I haven’t been. This tour had eight show days, mostly in Europe, so next time I want to do more shows in more places that I haven’t been.

You’ve described Shakira and Lana Del Rey as some of your biggest influences. Can you share about one of your favorite music videos or songs from these two icons?

For Shakira, it’s going to always be the La Tortura music video. I remember being about three or four years old and it was the first music video I could remember seeing. Revisiting the song and video as I got older just made it so much better. For Lana, I truly can’t choose a favorite song, it’s always changing. Her music means so much to me. I also draw so much inspiration from her. The Ride music video is probably my favorite based on the iconic monologue.

Shirt Rundholz, Boots Simone Rocha, Earrings MM6, Ring Robert Wellington, Necklace Fraser Hamilton, Gloves Dolce & Gabbana, Trousers Han Kjøbenhavn

How do you feel you fit into the landscape of current pop singers?

I feel like what is considered pop is definitely changing a lot. My sound is probably dark pop. Overall, I just want to create a sound that’s authentically me and I want to reach people that feel connected through that.