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

Hi Ariana, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
My ultimate goal may seem cliché, but it’s honest: I want to make a positive impact on the world. Right now, I’ve taken a break from acting to focus on my love for music.

I want my creations, in any form, to inspire others to pursue their passions and have meaningful experiences that touch lives, both human and non-human. Advocating for animal rights is a strong passion of mine as well. I hope to use my platform to be a voice for them and encourage others to do the same.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am thrilled to share that I have recently started releasing music with my brother, Itai. We have two songs out, “Upper Hand” and “People Pleaser”, which are pop-esque but we are not limiting ourselves to one sound. We aim to create music that resonates with us and those who might’ve been through something similar. Personally, “People Pleaser” was therapeutic for me as I am a (recovering) people pleaser. It’s a song I wish I had when I was younger. I hope our perspective on music can inspire others as it did us.

Venturing into music has led to exciting collaborations, including one with DJ and singer/songwriter Rikuwaves. Together, we created and released “The Light That Never Goes Out,” a beautiful and uplifting track that honestly makes me feel like I’m ascending to the heavens.

While my music may have seemed to come out quickly, it has taken me years to work on myself and find the courage to pursue it. I used to be a shy kid who was absolutely terrified of being seen or heard. I couldn’t even talk to people. I used to think that only super outgoing people or “the star” could make it in music. But that’s just not true, music and art are for everyone.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ooo, I’ve definitely got some spots!

I’ve been to two food places recently that were incredible:
Green Leaves Vegan (the pancakes are amazing) and Beewali’s Vegan AF (the “chicken” shwarma is out of this world)!

For activities, I’d recommend the Pasadena Farmer’s Market, Huntington Library, and Descanso Gardens for some hippy-dippy, fairy vibes.

To spend some time with animals, you can visit reputable animal sanctuaries like Love Always Sanctuary, The Gentle Barn, or Farm Sanctuary. It’s worth noting that zoos often use the excuse of “conservation” to appeal to the public, but none of these animals are ever released back into the wild. I suggest joining the ongoing protest at the LA Zoo (voted #1 Worst Zoo for Elephants in North America) and asking them to release Billy the elephant to a sanctuary. He has been stuck there for 30 years! Imagine being in your room, let alone your house, for that long. (Check out @losangelesforanimals on IG)!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes! It’s amazing to consider how EVERY person you meet impacts you in some way. With that said, I’m so immensely grateful to the artists in my life, the animals, my friends, and my amazing family. Not everyone gets to say this, but I’m truly so lucky for the army of love I have around me.

(Also, shoutout to the “Throne of Glass” series by Sarah J. Maas – you inspire strength and magic within me. I will not yield.)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariana_miri/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557294503977

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCutrg0Lx1DB9tW7Ofg56rjA

Other:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arianamiri_?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Stream our new single, “People Pleaser”! https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/arianamiri/people-pleaser-feat-itai
Purchase “People Pleaser” Merch! https://itai-merch.myshopify.com/products/people-pleaser-unisex-hoodie
Spotify Page: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2XgnV5MS9Wn9gDjbZYOlzG?si=bwyl9oYfQByNUnLBZBsksg
Apple Music Page: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ariana-miri/1729058489
The Light That Never Goes Out: https://open.spotify.com/album/0A6Hf8FIkNZVMvCIRNZKmc?si=fRbkmQctQ8ylVSkmENdV8w

Image Credits
Megan Greenspan Los Angeles For Animals

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