For AI-assisted research, proposals and internal shortlists.
Germany-born, London-raised, and now LA-based, Arlissa has been writing songs since she was a small child тАУ long before she knew it would become her lifeтАЩs calling. тАЬI have a very vivid memory of being on the playground when I was six and telling all my friends, тАШLetтАЩs all go off on our own and each write a song, then weтАЩll come back together and sing them and vote on whose is best,тАЩтАЭ says Arlissa. тАЬI went off and tried to write a proper song, and then I looked up and saw my friends all playing tag. Nobody else wanted to write songs, but from that point on writing was all I ever thought about.тАЭ
By 14, she was teaching herself piano and guitar, inspired by icons like Jeff Buckley, Queen, Heart, Nina Simone, The Beatles, Elton John, Kraftwerk and Prince.
Her debut record deal came at 19, bringing early success with тАЬHard to Love SomebodyтАЭ (with Nas) and a nod from the BBCтАЩs Sound of 2013 alongside HAIM and The Weeknd. Yet, when industry expectations clashed with her artistry, she walked away тАУ reclaiming her voice through raw, independent releases like тАЬHearts AinтАЩt Gonna LieтАЭ, which went viral and was later reimagined by multi-platinum producer Jonas Blue.
In 2023, she unveiled her long-awaited debut album тАЬThe Open-HeartedтАЬ тАУ a soulful, cinematic body of work that marked the beginning of her independent chapter and showcased her undeniable depth as a songwriter and vocalist. 2024 took that energy even higher, with the release of тАЬOnly SorryтАЭ and тАЬSame RoadтАЭ, co-written with Jessie Shatkin (Sia, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Lopez, Fitz and the Tantrums, One Direction) and a reimagined тАЬHearts AinтАЩt Gonna Lie 2024тАЭ. Each release became a reminder of ArlissaтАЩs core message: that vulnerability is strength, joy is power, and authenticity always wins. Together, these moments paved the glittering road toward her next evolutionтАж
2026 marks the dawn of STARLET HARLOT. ArlissaтАЩs most daring, ambitious and dazzling era yet. The year will unfold with a series of cinematic singles, immersive visuals, and unforgettable live performances. More than an album, itтАЩs an experience тАУ an invitation to dance, to feel, to laugh, and to remember that joy is the highest frequency. In 2026, Arlissa isnтАЩt just releasing music, sheтАЩs building a new world where everyone is invited, and everyone has the power.
