We had the good fortune of connecting with Ariel J. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ariel J., why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve never really wanted to do anything else. Even as a kid, I knew what I was meant to do. I’m supposed to write. I’m supposed to leave something good for the world. I think I insisted on that dream so much that things have always aligned for me to do exactly what I do right now.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Growing up in Mississippi, like many Southern artists, I found my start singing in church. Throughout my teenage years, I served as a church musician, but eventually, I left that environment behind. At the time, I was weighed down by shame— about who I was and how I felt, so I would often try to pray my own identity away. That was all I knew. I didn’t wanna be queer. I didn’t wanna see and feel God differently than everyone else. I didn’t wanna be too different. But no matter how hard I tried to suppress it, my true self always found its way into my writing. I couldn’t escape it. Learning to love and accept myself was what ultimately led to me being able to create as freely as I do now. It wasn’t an easy journey, but it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve done. I think it’s my responsibility as an artist to confront and release my own shame, not only for my own growth, but so that others might feel empowered to do the same.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have an extremely talented, loving, supportive, creative community of friends to thank for just being who they are and for allowing me to be who I am. They keep me honest, grounded, motivated, and so much more. I can’t thank them enough.

Website: https://Arieljmusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arielj.music/profilecard/?igsh=MWhwOHMwMWU3b21vZw==

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@arieljmusic?si=81–HWVAkEnHkd1j

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@imarielj?_t=8rL0n8aOZBf&_r=1

Image Credits
photos by Ryan Garry

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.