By DAVID C. LANNAN
Ariel Alexis Franz may only be 13 but she has already achieved milestones in pursuit of her dreams. The Arizona teenager was signed to an independent label in Tennessee. She has recorded an album with her new label and her original music has captured the attention of independent stations like KICR in Branson. And, she is expected to appear on an episode or two of a new series to air on the American Country Network called “Small Town Sound.”
“Dena Wood who has NDxpress, a country music promoter, emailed me Ariel's song, “It Almost Makes Me Cry,” and I asked her to set up a radio interview because that song and her performance of it was amazing,” said Tim Kelly of The Tim Kelly Show based out of Branson and also KICR Indie Country Radio.
He interviewed Ariel on Saturday, August 10, for his program to air in September. “I played three of her songs. I like “It Almost Made Me Cry” the best,” Kelly said. “It just fits her voice and shows her vocal range the best.”
“It Almost Makes Me Cry” and an accompanying video were released in early August. Written by Tony Martin and Mark Nessler, the song tugs at the heart strings and is relatable to anyone who has ever been in love and had their heart broken.
Kelly also works with different venues in Branson, promoting their shows.
“I don't know if Branson has had someone as young as Ariel perform in a theater here, but I'm all about doing something different and unique,” he said. “That's why I play the artists that Nashville knows nothing about, or won't sign because there's no room on the label. I make room to play what I call New Country's Best. Ariel is that kind of artist and will only get better with time.”
From radio to a television series
“Small Town Sound” will be a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of Clarksville Creative Sound, including songwriting and artist development. Curt Ryle, co-owner of CCS, is also Ariel's producer in Clarksville and the show centers around his work with the artists.
Franz was performing at the Nashville Zoo as part of the Josie Music Awards weekend in October 2023 when Ryle discovered her. Ryle, who was there with his son Brayden and other JMA nominated artists from CCS, 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 Franz 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 number one on the European Academy of Country Music (EACM) chart. The song, written by Ryle, also included a video, focusing on remembering legends of music.
Her second original with CCS, “Somebody,” also written by Ryle, was released Sunday, May 12, as part of a radio program with DJ Nik of Italy who interviewed Franz 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 six," said Jeannie Franz, Ariel's mother, who was raised in Kansas City, Missouri, until her family moved to Chicago when she was 14. "He's been her guiding angel. He was such a blessing to our children, making dreams come true.” Sadly, Patterson passed away before he was able to hear the song in person at this year's IPOP Awards Dinner.
Franz has been singing since she was four years old. She took vocal lessons from her preschool teacher, Wilitez Katie Poirier (A & W Studios) and her first public performance was at a pageant when she was five.
“I was very nervous the first time in front of so many people,” Franz 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. Her mother and father, Volker, have worked hard to help Franz pursue her dreams.
Franz said her parents are 100 percent behind her and they travel to different states for competitions. “I’ve won the singing competitions and beauty competitions for IPOP for several years now and Ron Patterson believed in me when I was five, my first time,” she said. She has trained with actors at IPOP and been in their shows for many years. She even got the opportunity to be a lead voiceover for “Justice Angel,” an animated series in 2021.
What does the future hold for Ariel Franz?
“I want to be a singer and an actor and be in movies. I’ve been taking acting for two years,” Franz 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 five years old.”
Recording isn’t anything new for Franz. She already had an EP of original songs and a couple of individual originals streaming on various platforms. Her first album, “Miracles,” and singles were produced by Manny Mijares in Los Angeles. Franz also worked on a couple of songs with Dre Knight that have yet to be released.
“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 Ft. 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 well known artists like 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,” Franz said. “I admire him for all of his work; he is a role model. We work very well together.” Franz said Curt 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," Franz explained. “I love to feel the music and tell a story when I sing.”
What’s next
When she isn't singing, Franz 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, dancing and she plans to take piano and guitar lessons.
When asked what advice she would offer to others interested in getting involved in music, modeling or acting, Franz 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,” Franz said. “Dad says work hard to accomplish your goals and strive to always be the best you can be.”
Ariel’s music can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and her official website, www.arielfranz.com. Her newest originals are available for purchase as digital downloads through i2i Records. A link can be found on her website and her Facebook fan club page.
David C. Lannan is a freelance writer and graphic designer from Indianapolis, Indiana.
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