SMILEGOTH

Inspired by thought provoking art, films and music, Ari’s love for music came from her suburban upbringing outside of LA—going on drives with her brother listening to genres of music such as shoegaze, beats and indie.

What inspires you creatively?

Creatively I find myself inspired by thought-provoking art, films, music, which is a simple answer but it is quite true. For example, Dean Blunt and Nina released a new track a few days ago, and I've been listening to it on repeat. It inspired me to play around with guitar pedals and write music on my own, for myself. I am also constantly inspired by the environment (ocean, trees, any body of water) and its relationship to the more industrial city. I like taking photos of fences in natural settings. 

How did you find your love for music?

My love for music honestly came from my suburban upbringing outside of LA. I would go on drives with my brother when he was in high school, I was in middle or elementary, and he'd blast Blink 182, Boys Like Girls, We The Kings while he'd drive. This got me hooked on alt-rock, then from there I started to explore (this is now in high school) other genres of music such as shoegaze, beats, indie. I would trade mixed CDs with other kids in high school, we'd go to Low End Theory, take the blue line to FYF, go to house shows, music was just always around. 

Can you touch on Iranian heritage and thoughts on women’s right/overall zeitgeist of what is going on?

Yeah, the situation in Iran is obviously not a good one - but it has been very inspiring to see younger and older Iranians coming together to stand up for women's rights and basic human rights. Several of the rallies I've attended have been very beautiful in terms of the community organizing and the amount of love Iranians have for their culture, which is a culture that is ultimately rooted in peace, love, friendship, and community. 

“My latest zine "Angels Are Dreaming Of You," title taken from the Sonic Youth track "Cotton Crown," is featured and available at 2-3 Fair and Virgil Normal in LA. I will be showing a photo ("Industrial Swing") in Soho Photo Gallery's upcoming photo show in December 2022“.