Peoria native Ariel Alexis Franz may only be 13 but she has achieved an impressive goal. She signed to an independent label in Tennessee.
She has recorded an album with her new label and two original songs have been released this year so far.
Ariel, who has been singing since she was 4 years old in preschool, was invited to sing in Nashville at the Josie Music Awards last October. During a side trip to the Nashville Zoo, Curt Ryle, founder of Clarksville Creative Sound, heard her sing “Mama.” He 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,” Ryle said. “Ariel's strength is her voice, and she is marketable. I just want her to be a kid and not throw her to the world too fast.”
He explained that kids “can grow up too fast if they are always in the public eye. I’ve seen it destroy many kids.”
Earlier this year Ariel spent time in Clarksville, Tennessee, working with Ryle on original songs, which may be later released as a complete album. The first song released earlier this year, “I Will Remember You,” recently hit No. 1 on the European Academy of Country Music chart.
Her second original with CCS, “Somebody,” was released May 12 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, the founder of IPOP (International Presentation of Performers), when she was 6,” said Jeannie Franz, Ariel’s mother.
“He's been her guiding angel. He is such a blessing to our children, making dreams come true.”
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 eight years,” she added.
Ariel said her parents are 100% behind her and they travel to different states for competitions. “I’ve won the singing competition and beauty competition for IPOP for several years now and Ron Patterson believed in me when I was 5, my first time,” she said.
Ariel said he is still supportive and considers her family. She has trained with actors at IPOP and been in their shows for many years. She lent her voice to “Justice Angel,” an animated series in 2021, too.
Going forward, Ariel wants to sing and act.
“I’ve been taking acting for two years,” Ariel said. “I love to model and do runway walks in beautiful clothes for IPOP and various events. I have sung all over by requests in the Valley since I was 5 years old.”
Recording isn’t anything new for Ariel. She already had an EP of original songs and a couple of individual originals streaming on various platforms. Ariel’s first album, “Miracles,” and singles were produced by Manny Mijares in Los Angeles. Ariel also worked on a couple of songs with Dre Knight that have yet to be released.
Ryle and the team at CCS are helping develop new artists, 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.”
“Ariel will make an appearance on our new TV show coming out on the ACN network in Nashville soon,” Ryle said. “She will also do appearances at one of our venues, ‘National Hall,’ in Fort Worth. Clarksville Creative Sound is proud to have Ariel as an artist and we have no doubt she will be very successful.”
Ryle is hardly a stranger to the music business. He has written songs for George Jones, Billy Ray Cyrus and Gene Watson. He has played guitar on recordings by Jones, Pam and Mel Tillis, Taylor Swift and Trisha Yearwood, among others.
“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,” Ariel said. “I admire him for all of his work. He is a role model. We work very well together.”
Ariel said Ryle is a very big part of her musical influence. She also admits Lauren Spencer is an inspiration for her.
“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.”
When she isn't singing, Ariel enjoys playing volleyball and competing against other teams. “I want to get a scholarship for college in volleyball, hopefully,” she said.
She was also president of the Lions Club for her age group the past two years, helping pack food and feeding the less fortunate. Her creativity isn't limited to music, as she also enjoys drawing and dancing. She also plans to take piano and guitar lessons this summer.
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.
“My mom says the world is yours if you continue to work hard, always stay humble and true to yourself,” Ariel said. “Dad says work hard to accomplish your goals and strive to always be the best you can be.”
Ariel Alexis Franz’s music can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and her website, arielfranz.com. Her newest originals are available for purchase as digital downloads through i2i Records.
