21-year-old artist ARI represents the perfect paradox: soft and ethereal vocals singing from a soul cemented in strength. Making an impressive debut this year with her single “Nothin’ but a Monster”, she quickly established herself as a rising star in the making. Although often attributed to pop, ARI (née Arianna Hicks) has found her niche experimenting with alternative accents and R&B riffs that speak to her musical mystique. Her versatility is most visibly demonstrated throughout her debut EP IDIOT GRL, which tells the unfiltered story of ARI’s childhood. With deeply personal lyrics sprinkled with cynicism, ARI sets out to create an honest environment that she hopes listeners can relate to. Featuring production work by the likes of DeathbyRomy and Cambo (Doja Cat), IDIOT GRL has amassed over 1.5 million streams since it’s summer release. Never one to slow down, the former trackstar yet again surprises with her latest Halloween-themed EP Kiss Me, Kill Me. The three-track project, inspired by her fascination with the holiday, explores the darker facets of love, lust, pain, and heartbreak. Through haunting lyricism and spellbinding soundscapes, ARI narrates her experiences from past relationships within the framework of a horror novel. Kiss Me, Kill Me offers audiences a glimpse into an edgier side of the singer-songwriter’s music.