Every revolution has a face. For AriaStar.net — that face is Aria Storm, the founder, editor-in-chief, and relentless force of nature driving the alt music scene across the Asia-Pacific and beyond. With a fierce eye for underground talent, a no-BS work ethic, and a personal style that fuses goth glamour with journalistic grit, Aria has built more than just a platform — she’s built a movement.
This week, we turn the spotlight on her. It’s Aria Storm’s birthday, and instead of staying mysterious behind the velvet curtain, she’s stepping forward to answer all your deep dark questions. From deep music insights and industry truths to the personal quirks, rituals, and favorite colors that make her her, this is your chance to see the woman behind the platform we all worship.
What makes Aria tick? What fuels the storm? How did she build Ariastar.net from scratch, and what are the non-negotiables when choosing who makes the homepage? It’s all here — bold, raw, and unapologetically real. Whether you’re an artist hoping to catch her attention or a diehard Rebel who’s followed every post, this Q&A is your inside pass to the world of Aria Storm.
So pour a black coffee, queue up your favorite underground banger, and dive into the questions that reveal the storm in all her brilliance.
🎤 AMA with Aria Storm — Music, Mayhem & More
🎧 Music & Industry
- What’s the album that made you start Ariastar.net?
Oof! There were legit so many, but I was obsessed with Show Me The Money 9 Soundtrack and just how talented all the competitors were and how amazing the songs an rap talent was, it really inspired me to want to promote and see these artists get popular in other places besides just South Korea. Show Me the Money 9 was an amazing season…it really pushed me to get back into writing and got my passion back for music. (Also Mushvenom was robbed, there I said it… he deserved to win) - What artist would you headline your dream alt festival?
MUCC hands down, followed by HIM/Ville Valo and Ghost. - What’s one underrated artist you think deserves global fame?
I have 3 artists because I can’t choose between them, as all three are so freaking talented, I would say Only U – Hes a phenomenal rapper from Japan, South Korean Rapper Reddy who I have followed for absolutely years now…one of the tightest and chillest rappers ever and Kizu… the most insane and amazing Visual Kei/ metal bands out there. So much talent! - What’s a track that instantly gives you goosebumps?
MUCC – 生と死と君 (Life Death and You) and MUCC – 99. MUCC pretty much gives me goosebumps all the time hahaha - What do you look for when deciding to feature a new artist?
I look for talent, how have they perfected their craft, and are they trying to do something different and be unique. If so then I will feature them. The ability to be yourself as well as push boundaries and do your craft well will always get you far. - What was your biggest “hell yes” moment in the music industry?
Reaching 1000 followers, I was so freaking excited! It keeps me going knowing there are people who are supportive of my work <3 - Who’s the most exciting artist of 2025 so far?
I mean for sheer amount of songs and artists released, its got to be Sik-K. The man is an absolute machine and is just so talented. He’s behind so many amazing artists and their releases this year. - What’s your biggest industry secret?
99% of artists project an image of being rich and bling central, but the reality is that musicians earn very little especially alternative artists. Instagram and M/Vs may depict them as rich, but the reality is most of the swag they have is either loaned, fake or given to them as brand endorsements. Unless you are signed to a large label who has plans for you, you will not make huge amounts of money as depicted in social media. Artists make very little money from streaming, and most of your income will be from how many shows and tours you are doing and how much merchandise you have. If you focus on those two aspects, you can make a comfortable life from your passion. - What’s one genre you never expected to fall in love with?
This is tough, why? because I love so many genre of music and am really open to new sound. I guess mumble rap is something I absolutely adore and never thought I would get into… but here we are and its one of my favourite genre’s. - What’s the best concert you’ve ever attended?
You are killing me with these questions. HIM at Soundwave Festival, Billy Corgan at Good Things Festival, Limp Bizkit and Ghost. I refuse to choose just one!
🖤 Aria Star Origins & Work
- What was the original vision for Ariastar.net?
The original vision for Ariastar.net, is still the same vision today really, to promote and cast a spotlight on all the amazingly talented artists in the alternative community in the Asia Pacific Region. I feel that the Asia Pacific region always gets overlooked when it comes to the amazing alternative talent out there, so I wanted to help hype up the artists and promote them by translating and writing articles so that they were accessible to western audiences. - How do you handle the pressure of running an alt music empire?
HAHAHAAHAHA HANDLE? I dont handle it at all but my Anxiety disorder and Autism makes sure that everything is done at the right time 24/7, it never lets me rest. I work long hours up to 15h a day most days and I dont sleep a lot. Also having self care time helps, I play a lot of Nintendo Switch Games which also helps. - What’s the weirdest job you had before starting Aria Star?
Hmmmm I didnt really work weird jobs, I guess when I was at Uni, I worked selling subscriptions to help the Wilderness Society. I did really well selling subscriptions, for some reason people wanted me to sign them up. I only worked for 2 months cos I had to go back to uni study. - How has your taste in music evolved over the past 10 years?
Yes and no. Ive always been open to so many genres, so I have a very eclectic taste, and yet im still obsessed with some artists from when i was a teeny child. I think its natural to evolve your like and dislikes. But I still like the same things, metal/rap/edm. - What advice would you give your younger self when first starting this journey?
Keep at it, its a slow process, it cannot be rushed, doing a little every day will get the wheels moving. Just do the things! - What’s one article you’re most proud of publishing?
Dude I’m proud of all my articles. They are all my babies. - What keeps you going on the hard days behind the scenes?
I like to look back on just how far I have come from sheer willpower. I also try and take some time off to sort my head out. I like to watch tornado chasing livestreams, and documentaries to clear my brain. - What’s your ultimate dream for the Aria Star brand?
I really want to get the Starchart Awards televised or streamed, and I would love to get a touring festival up and running full of cool and amazing alt artists. I also want to get our fashion like up and running. - If you could build a physical HQ anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Seoul, Tokyo or Taiwan. I would be happy with any of these places, they are all absolutely gorgeous. - What’s your favorite part about connecting with fans?
Finding out they love the same bands I do and are just as excited as I am!
🎮 Personal Faves & Fun Stuff
- What’s your all-time favorite movie?
A Chinese Film called ‘Green Snake’ (1993) its a Romance Fantasy! Its so beautiful. I also love Twister series, Practical magick and The Labyrinth. - If your life had a soundtrack, what would the opening song be?
Dangerous by Roxette. - What’s your favorite video game to escape into?
Currently Its Mario Party World. But I adore Animal Crossing and the Pokemon Series. I also LOVE the Yakuza Series and Majima is Bae - What color do you feel most powerful wearing?
I mean it has to be black, its the best colour ever, casual, classy, or elegant black never lets you down. You can dress down or accesories and style up. - Describe your perfect day off (no work allowed!).
My perfect day involves, trying to win at the claw machines, hiking through forests and visit temples, stargazing, and eating amazing foods. Spending time with my friends and going on adventures. - Are you a morning storm or a midnight hurricane?
What about both???? Hahahahaha! I sleep at 4am and am up at 9am so I would say both, but I do my best work at night. - What’s a food you could eat every single day?
Roast Pork Belly. Roast Pork Belly is happiness in a bite. - Who’s your biggest fashion inspiration (past or present)?
Goth Women everywhere, they are so damn hot and sexy. I adore them all, and they inspire me with new looks to try. - What’s a trend you secretly love but never admit to?
Frosted light purple lipstick - What three things are always in your bag?
Perfume, giant keychain with a billion keys and chains, crystals normally haematite or a hagstone.
💀 Fashion, Style & Identity
- How would you describe your fashion aesthetic in three words?
Gothic Romantic Punk - What’s the boldest outfit you’ve ever worn?
I use to wear a punk styled school uniform with blue hair and crazy makeup to Law School - Is there a signature perfume or scent that defines “Aria Storm”?
Juliet Has A Gun – Mad Madam - What’s your most treasured accessory or piece of clothing?
I have two items that are my absolutely treasured pieces, I have a long faux fur black coat and I own a Velvet and Lace Long Cloak. Both are statement pieces and also super practical and I always get complimented when I wear them. - Who is your fashion icon in the alt scene right now?
The DPR boys!!!!! Those guys always have the most on point fashion and totally understand Suit Game. They always look so goood! - What’s one makeup product you can’t live without?
Revlon Colorstay Limitless Matte Lipstick in colour 011 Fire Off, One of the best red blue lipsticks out there! - Do you have a personal mantra when you’re getting dressed for battle (aka the day)?
Keep them scared and intimidated. - How has your look evolved over the years?
I use to wear more colour when I was younger, now I wear different shades of black and I wear pieces that flatter my body more, whereas I use to wear clothes that would make people double take. I feel like I look prettier the older I get. - What’s your go-to outfit when you want to feel powerful?
I have a black body con dress with a slit up to my hip on the side. I love this with my Faux Fur coat, black heels and Paired with Rose Gold jewellery and my Grucifix (Ghost Crucifix). I have naturally long legs so this really emphasises all my good points. I get so many compliments! - What’s the biggest style risk you’ve taken?
Dying my own hair…. when I was younger I absolutely adored dying my hair the coolest craziest colours. It was so much fun! But my gods did it destroy my hair so badly. I use to have super short hair to counteract the damaged hair. Nower days, I dont have that problem, and my hair is super long and thick and I’ve managed to cut most of the damage out. I stick with black no.1 hair dye and thats its.
🧠 Final Deep Dive
- What’s one thing about you that would surprise people?
I am vision impaired, I dont have a lot of vision left. It makes life difficult. I also have a VP Shunt installed in my brain which needs to be replaced every 10 years. - If you were a cocktail, what would be in it — and would it be dangerous?
Long island iced Tea…. Demure, classy, subtle….then hits you for 10 when you least expect it. - What’s your go to Mario Kart Character and Kart set up?
Princess Peach/Baby Peach and the Cute Scoot - If you could only listen to one Album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Smashing Pumpkins – Judas O - Which Visual Kei band do you think would survive a zombie apocalypse ?
Dexcore would survive by screaming at the Zombies till their heads explode. - What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever screamed at your computer while editing a post at 2AM?
I dont normally scream at 2am as I dont want to wake the house up. Honestly Im not really a scream at my computer person. If something frustrates me, I go get a cuppa tea and remove myself from the situation. - If you could hex one annoying music trend forever, what would it be?
The need for every song to have 20 dance videos of the same dance, with differnet people. You dont need to have 20+ dance videos with cringy fake dances with other artists. Let your talent speak for itself, not how many tiktok dance videos you can make. Its so cringe. - What’s the weirdest fan DM you’ve ever received (you can redact the names to protect the guilty)?
I had this korean Rappers super-fan reach out and ask me for pictures of them (like what the fuck? I dont have pics and would never) which I found super weird, and then they tried to sell me crypto coin. It was the weirdest exchange. Couldnt get pictures so let me sell you some shill coin. - If Aria Star were a fragrance, what three chaotic notes would it have?
Pink Pepper, Rose and Oud. - What’s your “oops I accidentally stayed up till 4AM again” snack of choice?
Decaf Coffee. I dont eat after 12am - Which artist would you invite to your goth-themed birthday party — and which one would you force to bring snacks?
I would invite Tatsuro from Mucc, and I would make the band Trash bring all the snacks, cos Ive seen their videos and they eat the most delicious food! They would have the food aspect covered. - If your eyeliner had a personality, what would it say to you before a meeting?
Less is more…. also have fun drawing stars on your face. - Which emoji best sums up your entire adult life? (You can only pick one.)
The shocked Emoji hahahaha - Name 3 albums you are taking with you to your grave when you die?
The Smashing Pumpkins – Judas O
Ghost – Impera
HIM – Razorblade Romance - What completely useless skill do you insist is your superpower?
The ability to pick artists that are going to explode within 2-3 years. Every time I pick it, they get big. Its my special skill. - If Ariastar.net had a theme park ride, what would it be called and how terrifying would it be?
It would be fully terrifying and it would be a super tall and fast roller coaster, you wont know whats hit you once you go on it!, Exilerating and scary all at the same time.
🔮 What’s Next for Aria Star?
As Aria Storm embraces another chapter, Ariastar.net continues to rise — not just as a blog or a music review site, but as a living archive of rebellion, sound, and style. In the coming months, expect expanded coverage across genres, more affiliate drops from CDJapan and Ticketmaster, and new series celebrating everything from Visual Kei fashion to emerging Thai rap collectives.
The heart of Ariastar.net remains its refusal to play the mainstream game. Under Aria’s leadership, the platform stays committed to raw passion, authentic journalism, and championing the overlooked, the loud, the strange, and the brilliant. Whether you’ve been here since Day One or found us through a viral reel — you’re part of the rebellion now.
So here’s to Aria Storm — the storm we follow into every sonic uprising. Happy birthday to the queen of the underground. May this next year be the loudest yet.
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