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Ariel Fitz-Patrick is a Motown Gospel recording artist, songwriter, and digital content material creator who’s souled-out for Jesus. A local of Montreal, Canada, the 28-year-old is thought for her partaking and viral skits on social media. She has captivated a worldwide viewers of over 3 million followers by her inventive storytelling as she makes the Bible extra relatable and entertaining.
On this unique interview with MadameNoire, Ariel discusses her journey from gospel music to content material creation, the position of religion in her profession, and the way she balances each passions.
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MadameNoire: How did you get began with singing gospel and land on one of many hottest gospel labels, Motown Gospel? And the way did you transition into turning into a content material creator?
Ariel Fitz-Patrick: My journey began in church as a result of my mother and father are pastors. In church, you don’t get requested to hitch the choir—you’re simply in it. I grew up singing in Sunday college and church choirs. My dad is a musician, and my mother was the reward and worship chief, so music was ingrained in me from a younger age. Initially, it felt like an obligation, however over time, I fell in love with it. By the point I used to be 10, I knew I needed to be a singer.
I began performing with my older sister, singing as a duet and touring to totally different church buildings. Round that point, I found social media. I used to be by no means into it as a teen, however in faculty, I turned impressed by YouTubers and media content material. I launched a YouTube channel with my sister, which sparked my curiosity in content material creation. My major focus was all the time music, however social media turned a major curiosity.
God led me down an surprising path—content material creation, comedy, and even hair movies—earlier than I discovered my area of interest in faith-based storytelling. It wasn’t till 2020–2021 that my humorous skits took off. That success reignited my ardour for music, main me again into the studio to put in writing and launch my music “God Love.” Ultimately, a label heard my music and needed to work with me, and every little thing took off from there.
Would you say singing got here naturally to you, or was it one thing you needed to work at?
Singing got here very naturally to me. I wasn’t uncovered to structured vocal coaching rising up. In church, you simply sing! However as I obtained older, I spotted music is one thing you possibly can practice for and enhance at. That’s once I determined I needed to refine my expertise and get even higher at it.
What about social media? You began with hair movies and later transitioned to comedy. Had been you naturally humorous, or did you uncover it alongside the way in which?
It was a little bit of each. I by no means noticed myself as a humorous particular person, however individuals round me did. A music trade colleague instructed me he all the time noticed that comedic facet in me. My mother and father mentioned the identical. It wasn’t one thing I deliberately pursued—it simply naturally surfaced. As soon as I leaned into it and put it on the market, it resonated with individuals.
You might be performing on the All-Star Gospel Celebration throughout NBA All-Star Weekend within the Bay Space. Inform us about it. How does it really feel to carry out on a faith-based platform and kick off such a serious occasion?
It feels superb! I didn’t even know a faith-based platform existed throughout such an iconic weekend, so simply realizing that’s thrilling. On prime of that, I’ve the dignity of being a part of it—one among my first journeys to San Francisco. I really feel so humbled and grateful. Anytime God opens a door, I do know there’s a goal behind it. Even when I don’t see it but, I belief that He has positioned one thing in me that should come out. Whoever I’m meant to succeed in that weekend, I’m simply honored to be there. This expertise is one thing I’ll always remember.
And it’s solely going to get greater from right here! This yr’s theme is A Love Letter to the Bay. What does that imply to you?
It appears like affirmation of divine timing. Over the previous yr, I’ve been writing so much about love—God’s love particularly. I saved questioning why that was the recurring theme in my music. Then I spotted God was taking me by a journey of understanding His love—what it really means, the way it heals, and the way it by no means fails, even when different types of love do.
A Love Letter to the Bay resonates with me as a result of God Love was my love letter to Him, and now, performing it, it turns into my love letter to the viewers and town. I simply pray that God’s message of affection reaches those that want it.
Do you could have any upcoming music you possibly can tease for us?
Sure! I’ve an entire challenge coming this spring. I’ll be releasing singles main as much as it, and I’m actually excited for everybody to listen to what I’ve been engaged on. I’ve been within the studio nonstop, and I really like the method and the music that’s coming from it.
You’re additionally a songwriter. Will we hear your writing on this challenge?
Completely! I’ve written on just about all of the songs, so I’ve been concerned in each a part of the method.
For aspiring songwriters, what recommendation would you give them about pursuing their goals?
Don’t be afraid, and don’t doubt your self. Typically individuals—and even your individual ideas—will make you are feeling such as you’re not ok. However my mother all the time tells me that what I write is what God put inside me. It’s not about me—it’s about being a vessel for His message. Hold writing. It’s like a muscle—the extra you do it, the stronger you get. That’s why I push myself to maintain writing, studying, and collaborating with different writers.
For those who may collaborate with any artist—gospel, secular, rock—who wouldn’t it be and why?
I’ve been saying for some time that I’d like to collaborate with Jonathan McReynolds. I really like his music, the way in which he writes—it’s so poetic and delightful. His music helped me by a time once I was coping with a variety of nervousness. The one factor that may calm me down was listening to his album. I don’t know what it was, however I used to be so grateful for it. I’d like to work with somebody who has that sort of impression.
You’re younger, gifted, writing, doing skits, singing, and clearly have a powerful basis. How do you handle being a social media influencer, musician, and content material creator whereas staying true to your religion?
I’ve an incredible assist system. My mother is my rock. God is my every little thing, however I do know He gave me my mom to maintain me grounded and centered. She watches over me, and if I ever really feel overwhelmed, she’s the one who tells me to focus, take a break, or get again to work. She really obtained me again into writing across the time I did God Love. She instructed me, “It’s time to begin writing once more.”
My dad and siblings are additionally all the time searching for me, praying for me, and supporting me. Understanding they’ve my again provides me peace. My household is really God’s present to me, and so they assist maintain me sane.
We respect your time. Drop your handles! The place can we comply with you? And when is your new music dropping?
The discharge date is tentative, but it surely’s coming quickly. As quickly as I’ve a strong date, I’ll share it. Yow will discover me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Fb at Ariel Fitzpatrick or Ariel Fitz. Simply sort in my title, and also you’ll discover me!
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