Check Out Ariel J.’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel J..

Ariel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started singing as a kid. Growing up in Mississippi, I was always surrounded by music— at home, at church, and at school. I’ve always known what I wanted to do. I wrote poems and would give them to my teachers; thankfully, I had educators all throughout my schooling who encouraged me to keep writing. I became a church musician when I was 13, and began to write and perform as Ariel J. when I was 18. I left the church shortly after at 19 years old. Now, I’m focused on continuing to sharpen my skills as a writer, performer, and musician.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I struggled to be myself where I grew up. I wanted to fit in with people in my community because I admired them in many ways, but I was different than what people expected of me. I’m just really glad I grew into myself. Outspoken, adventurous, nonreligious, queer, a girl’s girl. I’m proud of that now.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a writer because life is too complex sometimes and writing is the only thing that makes the world make sense to me, even for a little while. So I just write things the way I see it. I complain, I cry, I pray and I affirm myself, hoping that it’ll provide some relief to myself and to listeners. I’m trying to use my spiritual awareness in my art as a way to navigate this physical experience better, as opposed to escaping it.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arielj.music?igsh=MWhwOHMwMWU3b21vZw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@arieljmusic?si=kEHci5YLS7kOhc4O

Image Credits
Photo 1: Alexis Cee

Photos 2&3: Ryan Garry