ARDN - Are U kidding (Single) + 10 Questions
Photo Credit: Megan lp
June 2, 2023…Today, rising rapper ARDN releases the single “ARE U KIDDING,” the third record from his debut EP The Bronze Age, which will be out via Capitol Records/Motown Records UK.
“ARE U KIDDING” is a reflection on ARDN’s determination to succeed and his perspective on his current life experiences, which -- despite the barriers he has faced -- he describes as “Pinch me moments”. The chorus repeats, “Are you kidding?” to emphasize his disbelief at those who underestimated him. He is joined by Chicago rapper femdot. who delivers a complimentary verse of what it’s like to defy odds.
Just off a Canadian/European tour with Isaiah Rashad where he captivated audiences, the Canadian raised, South African-born singer/songwriter paves his own lane through honest storytelling and melodic flow. Influenced by the likes of J. Cole, Smino, and Anderson .Paak, ARDN got his big break when a snippet of “Til The Morning” went viral on TikTok in 2022. Since then, the newcomer has garnered more than 10 million TikTok views and soundtracked over 240K “creates.” His music quickly spread across the internet and ARDN now boasts more than 461K monthly Spotify listeners as well as more than 22 million total streams across platforms.
For ARDN, the title of Bronze Age has multiple meanings. His given name, Ardon, translates to “bronze” in Hebrew, and he likes the historical parallel, referencing the period of ancient history when civilisation went through a huge technological shift. “I want The Bronze Age to be revolutionary” he says. “I want to have the same impact musically.” ARDN’s years spent experimenting and honing his craft behind closed doors before he let the world hear his music, have given him a steadfast belief in himself as he takes to stages to perform around the world, and ushers in the beginning of his own new era.
ARDN sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I’ve always loved music since childhood, and in my teenage years gravitated towards playing instruments like drums and guitar. Although that didn’t last long, my interest in music stuck with me and around 2015 when I first watched the “Love Yourz” music video by J.Cole I was so inspired that right there in that moment I told myself I’m going to become an artist. From there I purchased a home studio starter kit off amazon, and haven’t stopped recording since.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
As previously mentioned, J.Cole is the reason I even became an artist, but besides him I take heavy influence from artists like Kendrick Lamar, Smino, Anderson Paak.Chance the Rapper, and Drake. Honestly the list goes on but these are the people I’d say have the strongest influence on my sound.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
I’m currently working on a mixtape called, “The Bronze Age”. That should be dropping sometime this summer and once that’s out I’ll be locked in on starting the process for my debut album.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Genreless. I like to break barriers and do things most rappers wouldn’t do. My sound is a culmination of various styles and genres and I’ve been told it’s hard to put a finger on exactly what it is. I’d also say authentic. While I do take a lot of inspiration from my favorite artists, I think I do a good job in making it my own and creating a sound that’s 100% me.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Touring Europe is my proudest moment right now. I just came off a month-long tour in Europe as the supporting act for Isaiah Rashad, and that still doesn’t feel real when I look back on it.
Especially considering how when I first started off as an artist I avoided performing and booking shows altogether in the first year, because I had too much anxiety about getting up on stage.
I’ve come a long way from those days and definitely feel like that’s a moment I gotta pat myself on the back for.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
The number one thing I always tell people is to bet on themselves. Don’t count on anyone to get you where you want to be. It starts with you. People will only invest and believe in you as much as you do yourself. Besides that I’d say remain true to yourself and never be afraid to be vulnerable.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Recently discovered this artist named Oble Reed, while scrolling through tik tok. His music is refreshing and more people should know about him. Also got put on to Bloody Civilian an afrobeats artist from Nigeria. Definitely keeping my eye out for her to blow up really soon.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
I’ve mostly been listening to, “NEVER ENOUGH” by Daniel Caesar. That’s my vote for album of the year. Also “FORWARD” by Jordan Ward is a special project that deserves all the recognition.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I love traveling and exploring different countries/cities and diving into different cultures. I enjoy nature activities, but more specifically hiking. I play a lot of basketball. That's always a good way for me to clear my mind and I also enjoy downtime with the homies playing pool or video games.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Always gotta have some tea on deck, that’s essential. Some snacks to keep my energy up cause I’m usually in there for long hours. And some LED lighting to get in the right mood for whatever I’m recording that day.