About Ariel Franz

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 lead voice over 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. 

HER MUSICAL JOURNEY

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, Brookes and 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 video for “I Will Remember You” released February 2024. 

An Arizona native, Ariel recently spent time in Clarksville with Curt writing songs and recording a new album anticipated for release early this summer.

“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. 

Her most recent original, “I Will Remember You,” is climbing an indie music chart in Europe where she was at number 2 in early April 2024. She was one of 11 CCS artists on the chart. She also has an EP and several other original singles in her repertoire which can be found here 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.”

WHAT'S NEXT

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. 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 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.”