Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel
Hi ARIEL, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Singing was my first love. From mimicking Destiny’s Child with my mom and sister in the car as a preschooler to singing in school choirs in elementary school, middle school, high school and college to being the recording artist I have dreamed of being since I was no older than six years old. Being a Disney channel-obsessed kid, you are exposed to plenty of other children who are professional performing artists. Watching these kids as someone who has music running through my blood (I have an insanely musical family), it was almost inevitable that I would quickly develop dreams of being a star myself. As a young girl, I made a promise to myself — I promised myself that I would always try to fulfill my dream no matter what. I glad I made that promise, and I’m hoping that little ARIEL is proud of the music I’ve shared with the world so far and believes in me just as much as she did over fifteen years ago.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino says a million times a day, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” Growing up, it was highly desired that I follow a path of financial guarantee. As the oldest daughter of four kids, I put an immense amount of pressure on myself to make my family proud and accomplish things that would give them crazy bragging rights. As a result, I spent my childhood playing on very competitive volleyball teams (which was fun until the seriousness of playing at the D1 level arrived) and building a resume appreciated by tech-industry folks. I was going to be an engineer, but unbeknownst to their knowledge, I was still going to give my efforts to the music industry as well. After my freshman year at Howard, I realized that if in some world I decided that I no longer wanted to sing, I did not want to spend my days coding. I began studying biology and got into medicine and research. Still, I had solid plans to go this career route and simultaneously be a singer. I did not realize how unhealthy it was to keep my biggest dream a secret. It affected my ability to properly exude my love for the arts. I finally sat my family down when I was a junior, and told them that I was going to be a singer and that was that. This story is explained in my second single, “Mama, I Know.” It didn’t matter what opinions anyone else had, though they are rooting for me and wanted me to succeed as a musician, telling them was the fuel that I needed to take off with a vengeance. I express myself more than I ever have because I let my passions fly free. I am happier than ever, and I get to make music. What a life.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a singer, songwriter, dancer, and music producer. As of November 1, 2024, I have released three singles under the titles “No Rules (No Regulations)” (pop, hip hop), “Mama, I Know,” (R&B) and “Name On The Dance Floor” (Experimental pop/R&B). I wrote each of these songs and produced latter two. I also have writing credits on “Bahamas” by Jordan Trickett, which I also sang on. When I sing, I rely on a philosophy taught by my voice professor at Howard: sing to express, not to impress. While technique is very important when it comes to healthily hitting notes that may be difficult to access, for example, music is soul food. Without lending your soul to the note, you have none to give. This applies to my writing and producing as well. I put my soul into my story, and share it through words and instruments. Though most of the time, I tell a story of my own experience, by lending my soul, I open a door for fans to experience it with me. That is why we all fell in love with music. As a dancer, I strive to engage my audience. I strive to paint a live-action picture and bring stories to life. Having taken classes taught by successful choreographers and a master class taught by the one and only Tina Landon (Janet Jackson’s longtime choreographer in the 90s), I learn what it takes to master this technique, and I still have much, much more to learn.
All of my songs are available on all streaming platforms, and you can see me dancing in my music videos on my official YouTube channel!
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
The DMV is home to people who look like me, but with a culture that you can only access in its neighborhoods. I am a Black girl from Los Angeles, and while Los Angeles will forever have a place in my heart, I am so blessed to have been able to live in the DMV for four years, and to be able to come back and visit annually. From the music to the famous crab boils, there is no place like it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/mynameis.ariel
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mynameis.ariel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mynameis.ari3l
- Twitter: https://x.com/mynameis__ariel
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mynameis_ariel
