The keen will gladly remember New York-based artist Ariel Díaz. Writing about ‘Might As Well’ earlier this year, we celebrated the rising artist as “a talented troubadour with a passion for evocative synthpop cuts and optimistic imagery.” Díaz has showcased time and time again his gift for catchy lyricism and uplifting, bold pop anthems. ‘Got Me Fucked Up (Una Galleta)’ is the perfect evidence of that, a track that pulls a plethora of cross-genre influences and blends them together into an unapologetic, relatable record.
In it, Ariel enjoys swapping languages between Spanish and English, as well as delving into playful, introspective territories, almost tongue-in-cheek, if you will. The overarching production is rather electrifying and contemporary, firmly bathing in mainstream and synth-pop territories, yet with darker, brooding undertones.
Intrigued by the record, we caught up with Ariel Díaz to learn more about his artistry and future goals… Interview below!
Hey Ariel, thanks for chatting with us! Most of my interviews take place with artists on a more alternative/moody spectrum, so I am eager to look at your project from a poppier and more positive lens. The project appears to be quite eclectic and dynamic, and you don’t seem to be overthinking your sound too much. I suppose you grew up listening to a bit of everything? Are there any crucial influences that have shaped the way you see music as a whole?
I have this philosophy where, as a musician, every song I’ve ever listened to or enjoyed has left traces in me and lives in me. With “Got Me Fucked Up,” I wanted to make a song that best embodied that cocktail of influences. One group I can name off the top of my head that has pushed me to step outside of predefined boxes more recently is Planta Industrial, my contemporaries in New York City.
And actually, this song tricks you into thinking it’s “positive” because of its tongue-in-cheek chorus, which I designed to be sort of anthemic. But once the bilingual lyrics are deciphered, you see there’s a sort of angst there. I like the contradiction of making something danceable out of frustration.
Doubling down on the same theme, is there anyone or anything that’s played a pivotal role in your music education? Where does the motivation to write songs come from?
When I was in college, studying film of all things, I spent hours and hours and hours devouring music found in “greatest albums of all time” lists. I didn’t know it then, but that was my school. But the motivation to write original music didn’t come till I experienced heartbreak. I suppose love is the greater teacher.
‘Got Me Fucked Up (Una Galleta)’ marks one of your latest singles, a slice of unapologetic, eclectic, bilingual pop goodness. Are you proud of how the track turned out?
It’s funny because of all the songs I’ve put out so far, this one has been the most polarising. But I couldn’t care less – it’s the song I’m proudest of, exactly for that reason: I wanted to be unapologetically me. With my previous work, I was playing it too safe.
Compared to ‘Might As Well’, which we reviewed back in March, the new single feels decisively more kinetic and euphoric. Would you say that this is a mood that suits you? 🙂
I’d say it’s a mood that suits me for the moment. I had a surge of adrenaline and inspiration that needed an outlet. It was coming from the state of politics here in the U.S., news stories surrounding various tragedies and crises related to ICE and the protests in Minneapolis. Believe it or not, I wrote “Got Me Fucked Up” originally as a break-up song. But after seeing the unrest in the country, I reworked it as a sort of “break-up” with the status quo and with a government that has failed its people.
Delving deeper into the lyrical message that propels ‘Got Me Fucked Up (Una Galleta)’, I appreciate how you are able to layer such an electrifying instrumental over meaningful and personal songwriting. What does the new single mean for you?
I wrote this song and worked with the incredible Enrico Tiberi in Berlin to craft the production. My aim with this song was to solidify who Ariel Díaz is as an artist. I want people to expect music with a message from me; music that surprises you; music that isn’t confined to languages, genre or expectations. “Got Me Fucked Up” was born from that desire.
I have noticed that your songs tend to exist between the confines of introspection and human emotions quite often… how cathartic is the act of songwriting for you?
Songwriting is cathartic because it helps me memorialise a moment in time or a fleeting emotion. And by turning a private moment into something communal, it helps me give meaning to a situation that maybe I thought was in vain.
‘Got Me Fucked Up (Una Galleta)’ has now been followed by another bilingual release, a pop wonder that tells me you have been working hard on your music career. Let’s also remind the reader that this is, in fact, your debut year! There must be an album or an EP coming, am I correct?
I have some ideas for a larger project that I hope to realise by the end of the year. It’s still in the works, so I don’t want to say too much. But this is going to be a year full of introducing myself to the world. You can expect more genre collision, exploration of bilingualism and, of course, honest feelings. I want to keep surprising myself.
Lastly, I am curious to know if you feel more at home singing and writing in English or Spanish? Do you adapt your phrasing and imagery when switching between them?
I feel more at home singing in English. However, someone close to me told me that when I sing in Spanish, it sounds like an alter ego; there’s a certain power and beauty in my Spanish songs that show themselves more naturally. So singing in Spanish might not feel as at home for me, but maybe home isn’t where I need to be right now.