Rising Stars: Meet Zariah Ferrari of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zariah Ferrari.

Hi Zariah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started DJing out of pure grief and depression. Becoming a DJ was a way to find myself again and save my own life. I lost my way after losing my dad and went through two years of isolation from the music world. One day, I decided to pick up a board and give DJing a try and the rest is history. Within the last year, I’ve moved back to Atlanta and created a space for music lovers to hear DJs in spaces that don’t require buying sections and bottles. A space where you don’t have to spend a lot of money before you ever reach the door. I want to give Atlanta a space where they can vibe out, dance, sing and have a good time without feeling awkward or cringe. The sole purpose is to do something out of the ordinary and go where the music takes us! Each Drift Session may vary in location. It might be in a venue, studio, restaurant, or someone’s apartment! Either way, you’re going to have a great time!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s definitely tough starting out. Building a name, getting content and promo out so people know we exist, as well as finding different places to host our events has not been easy whatsoever. However, I know the hard work will pay off.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a DJ, curator, and creative director based in Atlanta, and everything I do is about creating a feeling. I specialize in blending R&B, hip-hop, jersey, house, and those nostalgic edits that hit instantly but still feel fresh. Whether it’s a late-night set or something more intimate, I’m always thinking about how it flows, how it builds, and how people experience it in real time.

Drift Club Radio is a big part of that. It’s really my creative world brought to life—a space for DJs and creatives to tap in, experiment, and be intentional about what they’re putting out. Between Drift Sessions and the experiences I’m building, it’s about pushing a certain sound and energy that people can recognize without even seeing the name attached.

What I’m most proud of is how intentional everything is. Nothing feels random. The sets, the transitions, the environments—it’s all curated. People don’t just come for music, they come for the vibe, and when people start to feel that and connect to it naturally, that means everything.

What really sets me apart is my ear and my timing. I’m not just playing what’s popular—I’m playing what makes sense. I know how to move a room without overdoing it, how to let moments breathe, and how to create something that actually sticks with people after they leave. I’m not chasing moments, I’m building them.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I don’t really see risk as this big, dramatic thing—it’s more in the smaller decisions that add up over time. Even deciding to take myself seriously as a DJ was a risk. Putting money into my brand, building out Drift Club Radio, creating my own experiences without knowing exactly how people would respond… all of that came with uncertainty.

Being in Atlanta, where the scene is already so full, choosing to step out and do something that feels different to me is a risk on its own. It would honestly be easier to just follow what’s already working, but I’ve been more focused on building something that actually feels like me.

I think the biggest risk I’ve taken is choosing intention over trends. Not everything is going to hit right away, and not everyone is going to understand it immediately, but I’m okay with that. I’d rather build something real that grows over time than chase moments that don’t last.

I wouldn’t say I’m reckless, but I do believe in betting on myself. If something feels aligned with where I’m trying to go creatively, I’m going to go for it—even if there’s no clear outcome yet. To me, the real risk is playing it safe and blending in.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://djzariferrari.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/driftclubradio
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@driftclubradio
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/the-drift-club-radio