Arietta follows ‘Coded Dreams’ EP with ‘Pt. 2’

When the New Times last spoke to AZ drum and bass artist Arietta, the 2019 release of her “Coded Dreams” EP proved to be half-prophetic in its inspiration regarding digital conspiracies, politics and culture; especially with how today we are constantly targeted by the corporations around us.

Five years later, the New Times sat down with the elusive drum and bass maven to report on her latest EP and its stark inspirations.

“With ‘Coded Dreams, Pt. 2’ now out in the world for a few months, I’m grateful for the overwhelming support and connection that fans have felt through my exploration of digital politics and culture in that series.”

Focusing on the inspirations of intel and information systems (as well as the appropriately named “Echelon and Tempest,” two of three NATO-affiliated espionage operations) on “Coded Dreams Pt. 1,” “Coded Dreams, Pt. 2” shifts the former EP’s derived dreamscape from digital politics and culture to two new tracks which reflect our present bleak reality. The brighter-sounding production values on both “Wake Up” (featuring The Colonel) and “Cyberflow” (featuring Sophia Bavishi) contradict pt. 1’s aural portrayal of the slog and slush of the present we trudge through. 

“In these trying times of rampant discrimination and immoral leadership, it’s heartening to see the power that music has in bringing people together and fostering important discussions. Through the journey of creating that EP, I’ve been reminded that even in the darkest of times, we can find solace and inspiration through art.”

The Colonel helps mold “Wake Up” into this aforementioned brighter contradiction, portraying the darkness of the present, but simultaneously rallying folks together for “the good fight.” The serious themes of the lyrics and the flow of the rap fit well into a genre where some of the best tracks do not contain vocals. 

“Cyberflow,” featuring the virtuosic vocalist Sophia Bavish, flows through the melody with international production values, giving it a “Kylie Minogue meets James Bond” feel. If either of these tracks had to be chosen as the most radio-friendly single, “Cyberflow” would be the one; the track wastes no time getting straight to the point, and also delights the listener with a rarely-seen, actual bridge in the year 2025. While “Wake Up” talks directly to the listener, “Cyberflow” feels more like a world-building track, setting the vibe for a world yet to come or that has already arrived. 

“I’m also looking ahead to my next release — my first full-length album that delves even deeper into the world of drum & bass and jungle,” Arietta told the New Times. 

Arietta named off a slew of talented and storied future collaborators, while dishing out her thanks, noting Sophia Bavishi, who sang on “Cyberflow.”

“I’m thankful to have some incredibly talented and renowned collaborators join me, such as Jason Lindner (David Bowie’s last keyboard player), Currency Audio (a live drummer signed to Exit Records), Panagiotis Andreou (a Grammy-nominated bassist/vocalist), and Sophia Bavishi, who also lent her captivating vocals to ‘Cyberflow,’ as well as rising talents Rainforest from Mexico and Lavander from the Phoenix, AZ dnb scene.”

The multigenre producer noted this follow-up full-length album would pave a more personal, autobiographical path than the meta-statements made on her duo EPs. 

“This album is a culmination of my life experiences over the past 4-5 years, encapsulating transformative moments, ego deaths, and the healing power of a lot of therapy,” Arietta chuckled. 

“I blended a lot of live instruments and electronic elements in hopes to create a sonic landscape that shows my background: EDM, jazz and work music. It’s a deeply personal exploration of growth and self-discovery. I can’t wait to share this very different but vulnerable part of myself.”

Arietta says that an official release date for the album will be announced by the end of this year.