( ENSPIRE Music ) “FWM” Music Video Directed by MOM Featuring Dram
ENSPIRE Contributor: Gabrielle Maya
Aryeè The Gem is a multifaceted R&B singer-songwriter who has released a new single and music video called “FWM,” which features R&B Atlantic Recording artist Dram. Born in Milwaukee, WI, raised in Mobile, AL, she now resides in Atlanta, GA, where she creates music that expresses art and healing. Aryeè has battled with her mental health throughout her life. “FWM” is a soulful personal love song for herself about finding true love.
At a young age, Aryeè was in elementary school choirs and at the collegiate level. Some of her inspirations of sounds were Neo Soul and R&B. Artists such as Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott, Tina Marie, Vivian Green, Alicia Keys, and Brandy were part of her musical influences. Her music combines R&B and hip-hop elements, adding high, eclectic frequencies. In addition to “FWM” leaving an impression, her second single, “Mornings with You,” received over 200k streams on Spotify. Aryeè speaks about her music journey, R&B, and Neo Soul influences, songwriting strategy, mental health, and healing.
Tell us how you started your music journey, from singing in choirs to writing your own music.
My first musical memories were created when I was in elementary school. I remember taking violin lessons and being in chorale classes; it was the best part of school. From there, I stayed in the choir, learning to play the saxophone and read music. That foundation of understanding music made it easy for me to transition into recording music. The summer of 2016 in Mobile, AL, was where I wrote and recorded some of my first songs. A friend invited me to be a part of the song he was making at the time, and from that moment, I fell in love with the process of creating music. I learned what I could about engineering, producing, and songwriting in a small bedroom with my friends.
What about Neo Soul and R&B artists and music influences drew you to the genre?
I love road trips because when I was younger, my mom and I would always travel to different places, and we would have the best time listening to music. She had this pocketbook of CDs, and we would listen to full albums of legendary Neo Soul and R&B artists. I didn’t realize back then how much that would impact me, but as an artist today, it allowed me to express myself thoughtfully and intentionally. It helped me approach music in a very mature manner and how these albums were the very soundtrack of my mother’s life. I knew I wanted to be a part of making the type of music that grew with people and could connect with people of any generation.
What is your strategy when writing music, and how do the songs resonate with your personal experience?
My strategy when writing music is to trust the process. A lot of pressure can come with creating something unique on the spot. I’ve learned through working with the producers at Saint and Citizen that the development of a record is an art form that must be respected and approached with a willingness to surrender. Being a part of the cultivation of each record, from production to songwriting, is important to me because, ultimately, it’s up to me to bring the record to life. The songs resonate with me because I’m telling my story through them. These songs are sonic evidence of moments in my life, and it’s always so beautiful to me how interconnected we all can be through sharing our stories.
Please share your mental health journey and how writing music has brought influence and healing.
Growing up, I struggled with feeling worthy, lovable, beautiful, and confident. I didn’t realize that the root of my not loving myself was from childhood abandonment wounds. In 2017, I was dating someone at the time, and the situation started to turn toxic, but foolishly, I didn’t realize that the relationship was ending. When we broke up, it sent me into a depression and a profound spiritual awakening. At that time, I became clear about my purpose and knew it was time to invest my whole life into what I was passionate about music. So I moved to Atlanta with my siblings and learned a lot about meditation, shadow work, and how music could be a tool to keep me focused and allow me to feel and say some of the hard things that came up. That was a pivotal moment because it taught me to look within and trust in the innate talent and gifts I was born with to align me with everything that was for me.
We’re eagerly awaiting your 2024 EP this summer. Could you give us a sneak peek into what listeners can expect?
This is not a traditional R&B project, so you can expect to be inspired by the fusion of R&B with different genres. No matter what stage of a relationship you’re in, there’s a record to connect with. You’ll feel the passion, the intimacy, and the intense emotion that comes with opening your heart to another person. There are unique features from prominent voices in hip-hop right now, but most importantly, listeners will grow with me as I step into the next phase of my womanhood.
The music video for “FWM” was produced by Black Dog Films and directed by MOM. In addition, Aryeè has recently signed to the independent music label Saint & Citizen. Aryeè will release her debut EP in the summer of 2024 alongside the label Saint & Citizen Music.
Follow Aryeè The Gem on Instagram and TikTok for updates on new songs and events by her. You can stream “FWM” on Spotify and other music platforms. Follow Dram here to see information on their music collaboration. Watch the music video on YouTube. For more information on Aryeè, please visit https://www.saintandcitizen.com.
Related Articles: Stonebwoy Releases Sensual Summer Hit “Your Body,” Natalie Shay Releases “All The Time” Single Accompanied with Music Video
