Bio

Born March 16, 2011, Ariel Alexis Franz is the oldest of four siblings. Ariel began singing in preschool when she was 4. She took vocal lessons from her preschool teacher, Wilitez Katie Poirier (A & W Studios), and made her first public performance, when she was 5, at a beauty pageant. “I was very nervous the first time in front of so many people,” Ariel said. Ariel has participated in competitions like National American Miss and IPop (International Presentation of Performers). "IPop has helped me tremendously with my self-confidence and I appreciate the love and support of everyone there for the past 8 years,” she added. "Ariel's journey began with Ron Patterson, the founder of IPop, 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.”

Ariel and her family travel to different states for various competitions, and she has earned awards for singing, acting, and modeling at IPop in California and Vegas. She even got the opportunity to be the lead voiceover for Justice Angel. “I want to be a singer and an actor and be in movies. 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.” Her parents have many friends who are Filipino, and she performs for them, singing Tagalog (Filipino). Ariel said, “my parents are behind me 100 percent, always there for me.” She said her classmates, principal, and teachers are also supportive. Her mother, Jeannie, also sang when she was a child.

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.

Ariel was invited to sing at the Nashville Zoo as part of the Josie Music Awards weekend in October 2023, and it turned into a life-changing opportunity. Curt Ryle, founder of Clarksville Creative Sound, was there because his son, Brayden, and another CCS artist, Jaydn Rylee, were also singing at the zoo. He heard Ariel singing “Mama” and she was offered the chance to become the newest CCS artist.

Curt has not only helped other artists but performs himself. He, along with his son Brayden and other CCS artists, are climbing independent music charts. Curt is a singer-songwriter who also plays electric guitar, steel guitar, and dobro. 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, Justin Moore, Vern Gosdin, Trisha Yearwood, Steve Holy, Brooks & Dunn, among others. Curt and the team at CCS are helping develop new artists, helping write songs and recording professional videos of the original music.

Ariel's most recent trip to Clarksville involved working on new songs and filming a couple of music videos for release in the future. “You can do anything if you want it bad enough and are willing to work for it.” — Ariel Franz "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 Curt is a very big part of her musical influence.

Ariel also has an EP and several other original singles in her repertoire, which can be found on her Music page. She has also been featured, virtually, on international programs like Show Me Your Talent with Ema Cilibiu and Seamus Traynor (DJ Shea). “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. I am very competitive when it comes to singing.”

Ariel has been featured on a variety of radio programs including two different interviews with Tim Kelly of KICR in Branson, Missouri. “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.”

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 for the past two years, helping pack food and feeding the less fortunate. Her creativity isn't limited to music as she also enjoys drawing. She also enjoys dancing and took a year of dance.

“You can do anything if you want it bad enough and are willing to work for it,” Ariel said. “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 the first time.” She said he is still supportive and is like family. She has trained with actors at IPop and been in their shows for many years. Ariel plans to take piano and guitar lessons this summer.

“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 is available for singing the National Anthem as well as opportunities to sing as an opening act or solo artist.