We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ariel Sherman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ariel below.

Ariel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

As a female DJ, we are often over scrutinized and objectified before ever spinning a record whereas men can just show up often with less skill and receive quicker recognition. Female DJs also have to work harder to develop and retain a fan base in comparison to male DJs. We have to not only have skill but also a polished image to even be noticed. I personally received backlash as well when stepping outside of certain norms within the religious entities I was affiliated with aka church folk. The same condemnation I received when it became more public of the records I was spinning, events and venues I was booked in became null in void once I reached a larger platform. Those same people that criticized my decision now want to be my best friend and want backstage/VIP access. I’m the full representation of what it means to be Righteous and Ratchet. I know a lot of us can relate that, one moment I might Knuck if you Buck, while Praise is What I Do in another. No longer do you have feel misunderstood/misinterpreted, I do this for us.

Ariel, 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?

Hey y’all, I’m Dj Arie Spins! A New Orleans native and resident, from uptown New Orleans to be exact. Primarily I DJ but that doesn’t fully describe what I do. You won’t hear traditional spinning during my sets. You’ll hear MCing, musical blends and even some singing and dance all through the performance that’s more like a musical journey. I feel my approach to music and ability to captivate any multi generational crowd is what sets me apart all while looking amazing as well.

My approach to my performances comes from a combination of my musical background in piano, vocal music and conducting. I hold a Bachelors of Arts in Music from the University of New Orleans and spent several years with secondary music education.

If you’ve seen my content many of you have even hinted at me disguising myself as a DJ lol here’s your answer.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was to refrain from feeling like I had to perfect my craft before putting myself out there and gig. Growing up as a pianist I was taught you will never fully know everything about your instrument. Being a musician means committing to a lifetime of learning and growing. I had to apply the same theory to DJing. There are still a lot of skills I need to strengthen as a DJ but if I would’ve waited to put myself out there I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish as much as I have so far or see the fullness of my potential and raw talent that I’ve already developed.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is being able to live out the very messages I’ve taught to former students and inspire those who grew up with a strict religious background but desire to break free of traditional norms.

During my undergraduate career, I was often discouraged by some elders, friends, and those I never solicited advice from not to pursue a degree/career in music. They felt it wouldn’t lead to a stable career or lifestyle. I continued my studies and went on to teach generations after me through music education that it is possible to have a great career and the lifestyle you desire through music. After years of lecturing them in a formal classroom, they now get to see my dreams unfold right before their eyes which is the best lesson I could’ve ever taught them.

Growing up, I wasn’t allowed to listen to anything but gospel music. During my teens I was able to sneak and listen to secular music at school and when I got my first iPod and figured out what LimeWire was lol. I used to sneak and download everything from Big Freedia to Jill Scott to Lil Wayne. I always loved music in general but being restricted to just gospel music felt like being in prison. As I got older, I explored music more as well as myself. I started venturing out and realizing a lot of restrictions I operated in, like feeling like I couldn’t be seen in bars or going to certain concerts were all man-made, unrealistic, and had nothing to do with my relationship with God. When I first started DJing I was told to not forget who I represent solely because I was playing secular music. Even with those kinds of remarks I kept going and didn’t allow them to discourage me. Honestly, my personal relationship with God has never been stronger and I’ve never felt like I was walking in my purpose on this Earth more than I am now. It’s been extremely rewarding to inspire the righteous and ratchet while pushing those who may still struggle with judgemental ideologies to explore their authentic selves outside of those religious norms.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.djariespins.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djariespins
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djariespins/
• Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/djariespins/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@djariespins9666

Image Credits
Tashe Colar Brittini Langston