ARDA Artist Bio

There are at least two bands / musicians named Arda.

1) Russian melodic power metal band Арда

2) A singer / songwriter based in Cyprus. In her words:

“Hello and welcome! I always have trouble writing my own biography so I thought I’m just going to write the first thing that comes to my head and let it flow… so here it goes!

You see, I’ve always been very musical. As a kid, I’d pick up tunes very quickly. My parents thought it’s a good idea for me to learn the piano. So I started piano lessons at the age of six and continued till I completed Grade 8 of the Royal Schools of Music. While I was at school, I’d always take part in the school choir and dance group. I really enjoyed being on stage and performing.

After school, I went to study Accounting at the University of Hull in the UK. Some of my fondest memories of my student years involve going to Latin & Ballroom dancing competitions and rehearsing for various musical productions. The music, the beat, the excitement!After University, I started working at a bank here in Cyprus. There came a point where I felt the need to be closer to a place where things are happening in music. So I took a transfer with work and went to London. This was back in 2004. London gave me so man opportunities! I met producers Matt & Ville Leppanen of The Animal Farm and we recorded “Crazy Bridge” and a few other songs.

As a student, I had my summers free so I’d spend a lot of time writing songs on my synthesizer. I would take poems written by my sister and put music to the words. Actually, “Crazy Bridge” is one of the earliest songs I’ve written! I also worked with “less-is-more” producer Fran Ashcroft who had been like a mentor for me over the years. He did an excellent job mastering the finished tracks.

The greatest thing about London for me was the live music scene. I began playing gigs at venues such as The Hope & Anchor, The Comedy Pub, The Rock Garden, etc. It felt so good getting my music heard by so many different crowds and creating some kind of a following. Some artists that have influenced me are Sheryl Crow, Tracey Chapman, Michael Jackson, Cher, Elton John, Madonna, David Gray, Kate Bush, Texas, Tori Amos and KT Tunstall.

At the moment, I’m based in Cyprus and am collaborating with BRM Records, established by successful singer/songwriter Bruce Ruffin.

As for my music, well, I’d say it’s pop with a bit of rock and maybe even country influences…”
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