Aria Fenix Sweeps Us Away With New Single, "tornado"

Colombian-born country-pop artist Aria Fenix stirs up a storm with her latest Spanglish single, "tornado."

Named one of Symphonic US's Top 10 Artists to Watch in 2024, Aria Fenix is breaking barriers in the country music scene. Her unique blend of Latin soul, pop, and country has earned her spots on major playlists and charts, proving that her mission to introduce country to new audiences worldwide is already in full swing.

With "tornado," Aria Fenix continues to push boundaries, crafting a love song as powerful and unpredictable as its namesake. The track showcases her ability to seamlessly weave English and Spanish lyrics into a cohesive, emotionally charged listening experience.

Jumping into "tornado," Aria's emotive vocals sweep us off our feet instantly. The song's metaphor of love as a tornado is cleverly woven throughout, with lyrics like "You wrecked my expectations, struck my fears," painting a vivid picture of a love that's both thrilling and all-consuming. Aria's delivery shifts effortlessly between tender vulnerability and powerful statements, reflecting the unpredictable nature of love's storm.

What sets "tornado" apart is its seamless blend of genres and languages. The country-pop instrumentation provides a solid foundation, while the Spanish lyrics add a layer of authenticity and passion. With its catchy "Na na na" hook, the chorus is bound to get stuck in listeners' heads.

Get ready to be swept away by Aria Fenix's "tornado," now available on all major streaming platforms. This is one storm you won't want to escape.

Welcome to Buzz, Aria! We love the energy of "tornado." What inspired you to use such a powerful metaphor for love in this song?

Hola, thank you so much! I’ve always been fascinated by the power of nature and how it transforms entropy into evolution. I think nature is such an incredible teacher because, just like life, the biggest shifts often come out of chaos. Love is the same way; it tends to strike when you’re less looking for it. Sorry if this sounds a bit geeky - science girl here. I'm also a medical doctor, but that’s a story for another time.

I wrote “tornado” three years ago when I met my (now) husband. I had just come out of a tough relationship and was deep in my single, party, rebel era - then suddenly, this amazing guy walked into my life. I had two choices: reject this honest, real love knocking on my door or surrender to the unexpected and step right into that “tornado.” At the time, it really felt like a storm surrounding me - yet somehow, it was also warm and safe. That paradox is what inspired me the most.

The night I started writing it on the piano, I remember a storm was raging outside my window. It was a beautiful moment of introspection and connection with nature.

Your blend of country and Latin pop is truly unique. How do you approach combining these genres in your songwriting process?

As weird as it might sound, that blend feels the most natural to me. I grew up listening to pop and country hits, and I believe the music that “raises” you during your early and teenage years becomes a core part of who you are - and how you express yourself as an artist. Plus, being Colombian, that Latin flavor is just in my veins, haha…

For a long time, I felt the need to hide parts of myself because people kept telling me I was “too much” or “too rare,” like I wouldn’t fit in anywhere. Now, I see that as my biggest strength. As an artist, I’ve finally reached a point where I can fully be myself, and during the songwriting process, I invite all my different “colors” to play. That’s what makes every one of my songs special - some might lean more on pop, country, or Latin, but they all come from a place of acceptance and creative freedom.

The Spanglish lyrics in "tornado" flow so naturally. Was it easy for you to write in both languages, and how did you decide which parts would be in English or Spanish?

“tornado” - much like its name - went through a beautiful evolution, with stages and everything. That rainy night I wrote the first half, which the only spanish it had, was the little hook after the chorus. Back then, I still felt a bit insecure about mixing languages so unapologetically, haha. At the time, I was signed with a label in Colombia, and this song was bold - so different from the sound they wanted for me. But since it wasn’t created with commercial intentions, I think it carries a special kind of honesty.

I knew “tornado” would have to wait, so the piano demo sat patiently until I went independent. Earlier this year, I finished the song with my friend and insanely talented artist/songwriter, Rachel Siegel. Then, in the studio with Stefano Manrique - who’s both my incredible producer and, well, the tornado - we added more Latin sass. Stefano has always inspired me to embrace everything I am fearlessly.

I’ve been singing and writing in both languages since I was a kid, so switching between them feels natural for me. It’s funny - people don’t even notice when I switch sometimes, haha! What once made me feel like a misfit has become such a gift.

How does "tornado" stand out from your previous releases? What makes this song different?

This song feels and sounds like me. It might sound cliché, but the truth is a lot of artists have to create songs to please their team, the industry, or even their fans. I believe the ultimate blessing for an artist is to be able to swim freely within their own identity and authenticity. Being bold when you’re starting out is scary because there’s no clear roadmap - just a pool of artists who inspire you.

No one has walked the exact path you envision, and when you’re a trailblazer, people either love you or hate you. You become a target for being “uncategorizable” or sounding different from what a genre expects. Even though I’m just getting started, I’ve already experienced some of that. But I know that’s the wild side of originality, and I’m ready to embrace it.

So, let's play breaking down “tornado:" The vocal arrangements are mostly pop, the harmonies (with acoustic and pedal steel guitar and piano) lean country, and the beat and bass carry rhythmic Latin patterns. A book inspired me to push boundaries: Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon. “tornado” is like an homage, a blend of every great artist who has ever inspired me. And that admiration goes beyond genres and cultures.

What do you hope listeners take away from "tornado"?

I hope listeners walk away more open to the surprises life throws their way. “tornado” is also a call to be bold and unapologetically yourself. Not fitting in is okay. Feeling like a misfit means you’re innovating.

A Latina artist-songwriter-dancer who sings pop-country and went to medical school… isn’t it a bit too much? Yes, it is. But I’m loving every second of it! My ultimate goal is to create the Aria Fenix universe, bringing together music, movies, media, wellness, dance, storytelling, and immersive experiences. I want to offer my fans more than just a song. Let’s be it all, bold, and let’s break the rules!

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