Ariadni Kidonis

Hey ARIA, thanks for taking the time for this session. You recently reached 330k followers on Instagram - so one could say, things are going pretty well for you, right? Your journey into music production is somewhat fascinating. Can you share with us how you first discovered your passion for music and what led you to become a sound engineer and producer?

Thank you so much. I have always loved music since I was really young, all about it made me fall in love with it. From the lyrics to the melody to what each song would make me feel. I decided to become an artist and a producer, because I realized the impact that music has in people's lives, and I wanted to help others. It's always been my dream to encourage people, to make them feel seen and understood and I feel like music is probably one of the best ways to do so. I still think it’s amazing to be able to create something that isn’t tangible or visible to the eye but that makes you feel so much in a matter of seconds.

Were you initially an artist or songwriter before venturing into music production, or did all these elements develop simultaneously for you?

So when I was really young, probably around 10 years old, I started learning to play guitar and piano while simultaneously singing. That's when I started working on my own songs, writing some lyrics, and playing them live. Later on, I realized that I could hear in my head exactly the way I wanted them to sound like once they would be produced, but I felt like I couldn't express that the best way back then so I decided to do it myself. And that's when I taught myself to produce my own songs, and eventually, I ended up doing that for other artists as well. Audio engineering followed after that. I went to school for it and I fell in love with all the technical aspects of music as well.

It shows your journey eventually took a turn from being a solo artist to discovering the joy of producing others. What inspired this shift, and how did you find your footing in the production world?

I just fell in love with the process of creating a song, a project. And I realized that I was able to understand other people's visions the way I wish somebody could've understood mine when I was younger before learning to produce and coming up with it myself.

My favorite part is when the artist listens back to the production or mix and they say “This is exactly what I was looking for” or “This is what I could hear in my mind when I wrote it”. That's the moment I know I did something right. I think having empathy and also understanding the artist’s perspective helps a lot with the process.

Reflecting on your diverse projects, do you have a favorite project you've worked on? What made it stand out for you?

Wow, that's a hard question. I actually have lots of projects that I'm proud to have been a part of. I've worked with labels before, and I have a big release coming up with a major label too, but to be completely honest with you, my favorite project has been one that I’m about to release with BMG and it's my first christian worship EP. I did everything, from the writing to the singing to the production to the mixing to the mastering for this one. Some of those songs, I've written with tears in my eyes, and I feel like people can relate to them in so many ways regardless of their religion. I have a feeling that this one will touch lots of hearts soon.

As a woman in the music industry and as an influencer, we can only imagine you've touched on encountering sexist comments. How has your experience been overall, and what steps do you take to address these challenges?

Oh, haha, trust me, that's always been there. Even when I go to engineering events or conferences, people sometimes look at me like, “What is she doing here?”. Some people have in mind that engineers and producers have to look or behave a certain way, and they're not open to understand that that's not the case sometimes.

The way I deal with this challenge is by letting my work speak louder than my words. When people ask about my work, I'll show them what I've done rather than tell them what I've done. Quality and creativity are my main priority and there's nothing funnier than seeing their faces look all surprised because “some girl” made a record that sounds like that. I've worked wiith many major male artists and producers, so I've dealt with this a lot, but once you gain their respect, nothing can take that away from you. They’ll keep calling you. Just keep your head up and be proud of your craft. Your sound will speak louder than any words out there.

How do you use your platforms to inspire other women to pursue careers in the music industry?

The music industry is tricky, especially for women. Some producers, engineers or A&R's will ask you to do certain things that compromise your body and/or your name. I personally don't take those kinds of opportunities. They have been offered to me before, but I would never wanna think that I made it up there because of that reason. When I make it, I wanna know that it was because I was able to do it myself, not because of “favors” that led to favors. But because of my own sound, efforts and accomplishments as a professional.

You can do as you prefer but this is my opinion and advice. I have also met men in the industry that were pretty respectful to me and told me that they really appreciate this aspect about me and that it's not common out there. So if you think the same way as me, then, trust me, the industry sees it, respects it and appreciates it. Just be you, stay professional and enjoy the fruits of your hard work.

Considering your influence as an artist and influencer, how do you navigate the balance between being a public figure and maintaining your artistic authenticity?

I always like to be as real as possible with my followers. At the end of the day, my artistry represents who I am as a person. My songs represent the feelings that I might have felt at some point. Sometimes, even if I'm having a bad day, I’ll post about it and let people know and understand that it's normal and it’s okay. I like to talk about how to overcome those feelings, how to grow within those moments and how to use them to your advantage to keep becoming a better version of yourself. I believe that being real to others means not only showing the good times, but showing your vulnerable side as well. That’s what art is all about right?

ARIA, with your substantial following, what impact do you hope to have on your audience, especially on aspiring young artists?

That anything is possible. It's a matter of how bad you want it and how much are you willing to sacrifice for it. I've been alone in this country with no family since I was 16 years old, and I never gave up on my dream until it became my reality. It wasn't easy but I believe that if I could do that, then you are capable as well. If you're passionate about something, then the sacrifice is worth every second. Do not leave any room for doubt. Do not be discouraged by the “No’s” and learn to see your worth. You have to be able to see your worth before anyone else can see it within you.

Balancing multiple roles as an artist, producer, and influencer can be challenging. How do you manage your time effectively to excel in each aspect of your career?

Yes it’s a lot haha. Lately, I've been trying to become better at it. I keep a to-do list with me at all times and I try to give time to every aspect of my career. Every day I have certain tasks that will fulfill each aspect (my artistry, preaching, modeling, engineering, worship leading, etc), and my goal is to make sure that I can fulfill as many as possible. Setting small goals helps the big ones to be accomplished.

Can you share any specific challenges you've faced in the industry and how you overcame them, particularly as a young woman making waves in a competitive field?

As I mentioned before, there's gonna be a lot of people who are gonna say “No”, but there are also gonna be a lot of people who will gladly say “Yes”. Now those are the ones worth waiting for and that will take you places. It's a matter of believing in yourself, and trusting that your work has value.

It’s also good to remember that your true and only competition is the person that you see in front of the mirror every morning. Don't worry about the rest. Focus on yourself. That's what's gonna take you far at the end of the day.

One last question, if you don't mind. Would you like to share with us: Why do you chose Black Rooster Audio plugins for your mixes?

I’m personally loving Black Rooster’s plugins. The other day I worked on a whole mix only using their plugins and I got a call back from the client right after sending it saying they loved the mix and that they had no revisions at all.

One of my favorites to use by them is Magnetite. It’s a tape simulator that left me in shock. The harmonics it creates are so warm and true to the analog sound. Now it’s gotten hard not to use it. I love it especially for my R&B and Rock mixes.

I also really liked their RO- 140 Vintage Plate Reverb. If you know me and my mixes, you know how much I love a good reverb. This isn’t the typical sounding reverb, their vintage simulation is on point. I also like how much it lets you modulate so you can create the exact sound you need for the mix.

I haven’t tried a single plugin by Black Rooster that I didn’t like so far. If you are looking for that nice, crispy but warm analog sound and you're looking to have it all in the box, then you are in the right place. I highly recommend them.