top of page
.jpg)
The Workshop at WP
An online publication made for creatives, by creatives.
Aryana León:
The Perfect Blend of Creativity and Cause
By Sophie Shomaker | Monday, February 19th, 2024
The Seattle music scene in 2024 is a melting pot full of bright, young, and up-and-coming talent. Though the industry is tough to catch a break in, many still pursue careers in the arts to satisfy the need for creative expression. One of those artists is half-Persian, half-Venezuelan singer and songwriter Aryana León.
Originally from the DMV (Washington D.C.-Maryland-Virginia), León has been creating music since 2019. With inspirations from Shakira, Doja Cat, Noname, and Jessie Reyes, León has successfully blended an alt-pop, neo-soul sound through a mix of piano, bass, and sax. Her smooth sound pairs perfectly with her powerful, influential lyrics about current events and navigating life as an adult.
León is passionate about equal rights for all, especially for BIPOC and Queer folks, as well as education reform. Previously, León was a middle school math teacher before she moved out to Seattle, where she currently resides in Capitol Hill.
Her music is a large reflection on her views, with hit singles like “Fed Up,” “20s in 2020,” and “Lavender Clothes.” She is not afraid to discuss difficult-to-swallow issues through her lyrics, while still maintaining an upbeat and addictive sound. “If you have a mic in your hand, it’s a privilege to be able to speak to a room full of a hundred people,” León stated in her interview with The Workshop.
When asked about how she copes with the stress of performing and creating, León explained how she thinks of her audience as her friends. She wants them to feel
connected to her through her music, and thinks relatability through lyricism is important.
Before she goes on stage, she warms up with a hype playlist, planks, vocal warm ups, and tapping her face to wake up the muscles. Her dream venues include The Paramount in Seattle and The Capital One Arena in Washington D.C., where she grew up watching many of her favorite artists. Though she has only lived in Seattle for a few years, she has already worked with some talented, well-known local artists, including Chelle, IaMcHaMeL, and Mercy Lewis, of Marshall Law Band.
The singer-songwriter said the number one things she cannot live without include her mom, Sandra, and access to songwriting materials, since that is a vital creative outlet for her.
A message from León to artists that are starting out in the industry is to slow down and take the time to do it right. “To make quality art takes time,” León concluded. “It can get a little slippery when you set dates to goals.”
Aryana León has a new single coming out on March 14th called "TBYL (Thinkin’ Bout Your Lips,)” as well as a show at High Dive on March 21st. You can find her on Instagram at @aryanaleonmusic or at aryanaleon.com.
Interested in being featured on The Workshop? Use the contact page to inquire today!
bottom of page