Breathe, Sleep, and Bleed Music

Photographs by Rick Perez

Los Angeles musician Ariel Beesley opens up about being grateful, growing into her music, and her latest single, “So Baby”.

Los Angeles, USA

How does it feel to finally release, “So Baby”? What has the reception been like?

It feels amazing and also very strange. In a “normal” world I’d be playing a ton of shows around the release. I’d get to connect with people in that very special way that only happens with live music. And needless to say, that’s not happening this year. But at the same time, I just feel damn grateful to be able to release music at all. It always feels like a relief no matter what, like here are all my feelings made all pretty and putting it out is like handing everyone my diary with a bow on top. Which typing that doesn’t sound like a relief at all, in fact that sounds pretty scary. But there’s always a sense of relief. Like ah, finally it’s out in the world now. I’ve been thinking maybe that’s my way of releasing the feelings that made me write the song. Who knows. So far people have been streaming the hell outta “So Baby” which I am very very grateful for!!

In a previous Reckless Magazine interview, you said that you wrote the song when you were very angry. How do you feel now? How do you think you have grown since you wrote the song?

I feel very proud. In fact, I feel like I’ve caught up to the music I’m writing if that makes sense. When I wrote “So Baby” I was very angry, and writing from the perspective of owning that anger and power, with a bit of cheeky-ness, and I think most definitely confidence. But at the time I’m not sure I actually felt as confident as the lyrics I was writing. Now I do. I’ve grown into my music.

If you could pick any television show or movie to have “So Baby” as part of the soundtrack, which one would it be?

I love this because I honestly am so inspired by cinematic music and scores. I think I’d want to be the band playing at the school dance in Back To The Future. Just for fun.

But for real I’d be so happy if anyone wanted to put “So Baby” in film. Such an honor to create the mood behind the scene.

During our photo shoot, we were talking about how busy we were and loved the thrill of always doing something. Other than music, what are you currently working on? Which other creative outlets do you have?

Well I gotta be honest I pretty much eat breathe sleep bleed music. So my life really does revolve around that mostly haha. But I founded a nonprofit this year called U Start Here (https://mailchi.mp/52b2a81d78d4/ustarthere) and that keeps me really busy as well! We have zoom events every month, and I have a lot of fun curating those and connecting with the community we’re building. Also cuddling my animals (two cats and a dog)