Teen recording artist Ariel Franz proves she is anything but ordinary
By David C. Lannan For Country Music News International Magazine
Arizona native Ariel Alexis Franz may only be 13 but she has already achieved an impressive goal – being signed to an independent label in Tennessee. She has recorded an album with her new label and four original songs have been released this year so far. The songs have received airplay in the United States, Australia, and Italy among other countries, mostly on radio stations featuring independent artists.
Ariel, who has been singing since she was 4 years old in preschool, was invited to sing in Nashville at the Josie Music Awards in October 2023. She was singing at the Nashville Zoo along with other JMA nominated artists when Curt Ryle, founder of Clarksville Creative Sound, heard her sing “Mama.” Curt said he was mesmerized by her voice.
“She’s only 13, so she has plenty of time to mature as an artist, but I see Ariel being a huge star one day,” Curt said. “Ariel’s strength is her voice. Clarksville Creative Sound is proud to have Ariel as an artist and we have no doubt she will be very successful.”
Earlier this year Ariel spent time in Clarksville, Tennessee working with Curt on original songs which may be later released as a complete album. She recorded 12 songs in 4 days.
Her most recent release, “Over & Done,” is a fun, upbeat breakup song. “It Almost Makes Me Cry,” is her third original to climb the Euro Academy of Country Music (EACM) charts. The second song released, “Somebody,” and her first original, “I Will Remember You,” topped the same chart. The song, which also included a video, focused on remembering legends of music.
“Somebody” was released in May as part of a radio program with DJ Nik of Italy who interviewed Ariel as a featured artist. This song has special meaning for the young artist. She dedicated the song to a man who is largely responsible for her start.
“Ariel’s journey began with Ron Patterson when she was 6,” said Jeannie Franz, Ariel’s mother, “He’s been her guiding angel. He was such a blessing to our children, making dreams come true.” Sadly, Patterson passed away before he was able to hear the song in person at this year’s IPOP Awards Dinner.
Franz has earned numerous awards for singing, acting and modeling in her nearly 8 years with IPOP and even received the opportunity to do the voice over for the lead character in an animated series, “Justice Angel” in 2021.
“My favorite part of working with Curt Ryle is his knowledge of singing and recording as he does this himself. He strives to bring out the best in me and he’s very patient and smart,” Franz said. “I admire him for all of his work, he is a role model. We work very well together.”
Franz is no stranger to the music business though, having released pop originals with another producer when she was younger. She also has recorded a couple of songs with Dre Knight of Gem Factory which have yet to be released.
Her first public performance was at a pageant when she was 5, after taking vocal lessons from her preschool teacher, Wilitez Katie Poirier (A & W Studios).
“I was very nervous the first time in front of so many people,” Ariel said. She has participated in many competitions like National American Miss and IPOP. “IPOP has helped me tremendously with my self confidence and I appreciate the love and support of everyone there for the past 8 years,” she added.
Ryle and the team at CCS are helping develop new artists like Franz, writing songs and recording professional videos to release with the original music. Ryle is also working with a new network, the American Country Network (ACN) on a show called “Small Town Sound.” The show will center around Ryle working with the young artists on everything from songwriting to the business aspects of the music business.
“Ariel will make an appearance on our new TV show coming out on the ACN network in Nashville soon,” Curt said. “She will also do appearances at one of our venues, National Hall, in Ft. Worth.”
When asked what advice she would offer to others interested in getting involved in music, modeling or acting, Ariel said, “You can do anything if you want it bad enough and are willing to work for it.” She practices about two hours a day and sings pop and country music, though her recording career is going to be country.
“I love Country pop music as I can express myself through my music and it’s magical to see how music seems to bring out the best in everyone,” Ariel explained. “I love to feel the music and tell a story when I sing.
“My Mom says the world is yours if you continue to work hard, always stay humble and true to yourself,” Ariel continued. “Dad says work hard to accomplish your goals and strive to always be the best you can be.”
Her most recent originals are available for purchase as digital downloads at www.i2irecords.com. or can be found on most streaming services and her official website, www.arielfranz.com.