Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ariana Miri. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ariana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

After dedicating 11 years to acting under the name Ariana Azoulai, I recently made the decision to pursue music professionally under the name Ariana Miri. This new name is a heartfelt tribute to my late great grandmother, Miriam, as it merges my first and middle names in honor of her.

Music has long been a passion of mine, one that I’ve always kept hidden. I remember singing quietly in my room so I wasn’t heard, cherishing moments alone where I could freely express myself through song. This transition from acting to music has been one of the biggest risks I’ve taken, as I’ve been committed to one path for so long. However, I’ve never felt more liberated and confident that I’m on the right path than I do right now. While I’m not leaving acting forever, I’m taking a much-needed break to focus on my music.

Ariana, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I come from a musical family background; both my parents are talented musicians, and my brother is also an exceptional musician and sound engineer. It’s safe to say, I’ve been surrounded by inspiration from the very beginning. However, my influences extend beyond my family; artists like KT Tunstall, Ariana Grande, Harry Styles, and Hozier have also played a significant role in shaping my musical journey.

With over 8 or 9 years of experience playing the ukulele, and singing for as long as I can remember, music has always held a special place in my heart. Only in the last couple of years did I start posting online. I started by posting snippets on platforms like TikTok, gradually expanding to other media platforms.

Encouraged by the positive feedback, I decided to finally take music seriously. Collaborating with my brother on our debut single marked a significant milestone for both of us. Our song, “Upper Hand,” is a killer alt-pop anthem that’s reminiscent of the early 2000’s. Ultimately, I think our songs will resonate with people from all walks of life, regardless of where they’re at.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Beyond pursuing my dreams for the sake of art, I’m deeply motivated by the fight for total animal liberation. As a vegan and animal rights activist, I strive to utilize any platform I have to advocate for them. Having personally visited slaughterhouses, including those labeled as “humane” or “free-range,” I’ve witnessed firsthand the traumatic journey and treatment these animals endure. No matter where they come from, they’re treated as mere objects and ultimately face the same fate.

These experiences have taught me that animals, no matter the species, share the same desire for life and love as our cherished companion animals. They truly inspire me daily to amplify their voices and advocate for change.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The unexpected connections with people I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise have been a huge reward in my artistic journey. How cool that music, a blend of sound and frequencies, has the power to heal and unite people.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariana_miri/
• Other: Stream “Upper Hand”: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/arianamiriitai/upper-hand Linktree: https://linktr.ee/arianamiri_?utm_source=linktree_admin_share TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arianamiri_

Image Credits
Megan Greenspan The Hendry’s