Rising Stars: Meet Ari LaShell of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ari LaShell.

Hi Ari, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My mother said I could sing before I could talk. Ever since I was little girl, music has always been my passion. From being in talent shows in elementary school, marching in the band in middle school, being a vocal major at my performing arts high school all the way to graduating college with a B.S. in Music Recording Technology from Hampton University (The Real HU!) I have lived and breathed music. Post graduation, I moved back to Atlanta to pursue my music career. Graduating during the pandemic threw a wrench in my plans and I just trusted in my faith for God to guide me down my journey. I started out bartending and performing around the city as much as I could until I was offered an opportunity to work on a TV Show called Cobra Kai in the Production Office. This opened up the doorway for me to fall into alignment with my dream career where preparation and opportunity presented themselves. I have had the privilege to work in the Music sector of Film and Television both on and off the camera. From being the Assistant to the Music Supervisors on projects such as “Praise This” starring Chloe Bailey to being a part of the choir for this most recent season of BMF on Starz, I have continued to try and pave a way for myself in the industry.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey has been a very difficult road. Being an independent artist with no official team or financial backing can cause severe burnout in an individual. You have to work a “day job” to fund your business as an artist all while being your own social media manager, stylist, hair dresser, booking agent, music operations manager, etc. A casual work day has started to average 12-14 hrs a day including working my 9-5. Mentally it can also get taxing because one minute you’re experiencing such an exciting career changing moment to not knowing when the next opportunity is coming so you’re always questioning your worth and frustrated with the lack of stability in this industry. Personal life issues such as my break up with my long time partner (all while having to move out, losing all 3 of my jobs, and falling behind on bills) put a slight block on my creative process but there was a silver lining because I did end up writing some great songs to help me heal through it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Classically trained R&B Soul Singer, Songwriter, and Vocal Arranger. I also dabble in the genre of Electronic Dance Music. I’m known for my music being on primetime television shows like “Powerbook IV: FORCE”, “The Chi”, and “Powerbook II: Ghost”. My unique sound both tonally and harmonically is what sets me apart from others musically. I’m most proud of my efforts in music, granting me the opportunity to become a Voting Member for the Recording Academy (Grammys).

What makes you happy?
Peace and the freedom to do what I love makes me happy. Being able to create freely is the best gift I could have ever received in this lifetime. I aspire to do what I love for a living and executing my art with the most intentionality, integrity and sincerity that I can bring to music is so fulfilling to me. Sunrises and sunsets also make me happy. They remind me of the beautiful art that is painted for us on a daily from God and just helps me stay grounded and remember the meaning for it all. Solitude also brings me great happiness. I truly enjoy my own company and being able to sit in silence with my thoughts. Just thinking back to what makes me happy has made me happy, haha.

Pricing:

• $500 | Features
• $350 | BGVs
• $400 | Songwriting
• $150 | Vocal Lessons

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mukonii.com/ari-lashell
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arilashell/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arilashell/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariannacalloway/
• Twitter: https://x.com/arilashell
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA9cRxQLpxbnpcxbWZvrs4Q
• soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/callmeari
• Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ari-lashell/1458129456

Image Credits
Andre Muhammad (Hollywoodsqueezy), Teionte Mitchell (Tee Bibby Visuals), Keenan (Eye Shot This Media), Armani Humbert (AMoney Photography), Sadie (SadieT8kesPhotos)