Singer-songwriter ARIEL (@mynameis.ariel) shares debut EP, Exhibition A, which is a bold introduction to an artist unafraid to push boundaries. Fusing Pop, R&B, hip-hop, Arabic pop, electronic, and dance music, ARIEL tells Remixd Magazine that she sought to create a project that reflects the depth of her artistry. She describes the process as freeing, allowing herself to embrace the myriad of sounds and stories that flowed naturally. Out of all the songs she created during this period, she selected the tracks that best showcase her range. This EP is an exhibition of who she is at this moment, though she acknowledges that her sound will continue to evolve over time.
Get to know the singer-songwriter
Her name itself carries a story. Legally named Ariel Finch, she was named after The Little Mermaid, her mother’s favorite princess. Though she cherishes her last name, which comes from her grandmother, she always dreamed of a mononymous stage name, inspired by her childhood idol, Beyoncé. Wanting to stand out in a sea of artists with the same name, she chose to capitalize “ARIEL” to differentiate herself on streaming platforms.
ARIEL says that studying legends like Beyoncé and Janet Jackson have played a significant role in shaping her approach to music. Her admiration for Janet Jackson began at 19 when she discovered a performance from The Velvet Rope Tour. She was mesmerized by Jackson’s ability to communicate through movement and expression, forging deep connections with her audience. Beyoncé, on the other hand, was always a part of her life.
“My mom loved Janet Jackson growing up (she even used to dress like her at school),” ARIEL says. “But around the time I was born, Beyoncé was that one it girl of the moment that she always found herself jamming to.“
Raised in a household where Destiny’s Child and B’Day were on constant rotation, she credits Beyoncé with awakening the performer in her and instilling a hunger to execute her artistic vision with passion.
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ARIEL on experimenting with her sound
Taking risks is inherent in experimental music, and for ARIEL, the true challenge wasn’t in creating but in releasing such a diverse body of work. At times, she wondered whether sticking to one genre might have been more strategic, but ultimately, she refused to confine herself.
“Creating the experimental music wasn’t as much of a risk as putting it all out was,” she continued. “Creating was freeing, and releasing so many different sounds on one EP was nerve-wracking at times. There were moments where people would say ‘I can’t describe your sound. It’s so unique.’ And I would feel complimented for my successful execution. A few minutes later, I would wonder if they liked all of the sounds I brought to the table.”
The songs on Exhibition A reflect her journey toward personal and artistic freedom. Tracks like “No Rules (No Regulations)” celebrate uninhibited self-expression, while “Mama, I Know” stands as the most personal song on the EP. It tells the story of a difficult conversation she had with her parents about pursuing music instead of a traditional career. This a moment she describes as even harder than coming out as bisexual.
“They had a difficult time dealing with the fact that their daughter who was getting a degree in biology had no desire to use her degree in the long-term,” ARIEL expressed. “But, they’ve seen how hard I have been working as a singer and they see how it has manifested into a happy glow.”
Over time, they have come to support her dreams. Moreover, her father even helped film one of her music videos.
What’s next for ARIEL?
With Exhibition A, ARIEL hopes listeners take away one key message: be free and be yourself, unapologetically.
“As for me, I plan to take the freedom I found, and am continuing to find, and make another project,” she concluded. “Maybe even an album, who knows! I am performing to promote my EP, so while I’m writing for the next chapter of my music career, come catch me singing live! I would love to see everyone.”
For those eager to follow ARIEL on her journey, she can be found on Instagram and TikTok @mynameis.ariel, on Twitter @mynameis__ariel, and on YouTube. Exhibition A is available for streaming on Spotify and Apple Music.
