Arts and Humanities People and Community

An award-winning songstress, alumna shares details about her new single

Ariel Rose, a Frost School of Music graduate, talks about her experience at the University of Miami and how it shaped her as an artist. In addition, she shares the story behind the inspiration for her new single and music video, “Somebody Loves You."
Ariel Rose
Ariel Rose is a graduate of the Frost School of Music. Photo courtesy of Ariel Rose

It’s no surprise that the coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on the mental well-being of people around the world. But one artist, Ariel Rose, a University of Miami Frost School of Music graduate, has channeled these days of gloom into musical inspiration.

As she explained, time keeps on passing by and many people are left battling loneliness and mental health issues because of extreme isolation. Today, she shares a message of hope through her new single and music video, “Somebody Loves You,” with a world that has been abruptly upended by COVID-19.

Since May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, Rose felt compelled to release her latest single to remind everyone that indeed somebody does love them. “ ‘Somebody Loves You’ is the hug you need when you feel overwhelmed, depressed or broken,” she said.

“The music video, filmed in my home, features clips of me performing while growing up, and my biggest inspiration, my father, accompanying me on the piano,” explained the singer— whose single, ​“My Perfect Day,” won first place in the Pop Category in the Great American Song Contest.

Rose shares insights about the inspiration process behind the song and why she chose to partner with the United Way to raise money  for the organization’s Miami Pandemic Response Fund. She also reminisces about her experience as a University of Miami student.

What were you feeling when you got inspired to write this new single?

When I wrote “Somebody Loves You” I was feeling very overwhelmed with everything going on with COVID-19. I remember thinking to myself, “What is the one thing that someone can possibly say to me right now that will make me feel better?” And it was that somebody loves me and somebody cares. I think a lot of people don’t always realize the impact but telling someone you’re there for them and you love them can go a long way, especially in times like this, when people have been isolated and are feeling lonely.

Why are you passionate about mental health as a social issue?

I am passionate about mental health and about helping people in need. I have donated my time to sing for many charity events and organizations. I have performed for the Special Olympics in South Florida every year since I was 12 years old. I have performed for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Relay For Life, Food For The Poor, and so many other worthy causes. I’ve always believed in the importance of giving back. And people should give back! Especially now, when many people are unemployed. They are having a difficult time putting food on the table and many are isolated and feel alone. People are struggling emotionally and financially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone has been impacted by this in some way, and I want to spread a little more positivity and help make a difference. 

Why did you choose to team up with the United Way?

I chose to team up with the United Way because they are doing so much good right now for people in need. They have been serving for more than 95 years, bringing resources together for emerging needs in the community. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, United Way launched their Miami Pandemic Response Fund to address short term impacts on vulnerable families with emergency needs. They’re providing rent and mortgage assistance; helping people who need food, medication, and utilities; as well as issuing micro-grants to small businesses. The work they are doing is amazing. I hope that people will donate whatever they can, because it is such a worthy cause and any amount will help make a difference. 

What do you hope people feel after hearing “Somebody Loves You”?

I hope that after people hear “Somebody Loves You” they feel a little more comforted and uplifted. I hope that people who are isolated and alone right now, feel like they’re not so alone. I want to give people a sense of hope, and I want them to know that people do care about them and they are loved.

How did your experience at UM help you get to where you are today? Is there any experience that stands out?

Attending UM’s Frost School of Music was an incredible experience. First, Dean Shelly Berg is not only insanely talented, but he is a wonderful leader of Frost School of Music. He listens to the students and finds innovative ways to make the learning experience better for everyone. UM helped me grow into the artist I am today. The classes, professors, and learning experience are truly one of a kind and I consider myself really lucky to have a degree from UM. It’s important to have the formal training that Frost School of Music provides. Many people in my career path don’t have degrees, and when I tell them I am a graduate of the Frost School of Music, they automatically look at me differently. It is especially important to have a degree in music today because what used to be a career in music has now become the business of music. More and more independent artists are promoting their music themselves and having a formal education has greatly helped me. Also, the classical training at UM included diction courses for other languages, which has enabled me to sing in many languages.

One experience from UM that stands out was when I went on the United Kingdom tour with the Frost Chorale. It was incredible to sing in so many historical and grand cathedrals all over the UK. I loved learning about a new culture and experiencing new places. I had never been to those places before. I also went with the Frost Chorale to perform at Carnegie Hall in NYC. UM gave me meaningful opportunities that I might not have had otherwise. I cherish those memories.

How do you describe your music style?

I like to blend my love for all different genres when I write music. My new song, “Somebody Loves You,” is a pop ballad. But I recently released a salsa version of Adele’s “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” produced and arranged by my good friend Edgar Perez, which shows a completely different side of what I do. You can check it out on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and all other streaming platforms. I like to work on various projects and explore many different genres.

Would you say your experience has helped you define your unique style?

Absolutely! I’ve always loved pop music, and, being a Miami native, I’ve been especially influenced by Latin music. Ricky Martin was one of my favorite musical artists growing up. My parents surprised me with tickets to his concert for my kindergarten graduation present. It was the first concert I had ever been to and it really opened up my ears to a whole new world of sound! When I worked on my first album, “Rhythms of Life”, with the Latin Grammy-nominated producer, Juan Vicente Zambrano, I listened to hundreds of Latin artists and groups from Fanny Lu to Paulina Rubio to Bacilos to Buena Vista Social Club. And that helped me to develop my love for the rhythms and instrumentation found in Latin music. Also, when I would translate the songs, I was amazed at how poetic and beautiful the phrasing was in Spanish.

I also grew up doing a lot of musical theater. I actually went on a national tour of Cirque Dreams “Holidaze,” where I was lead vocalist, the Ice Queen. I got to perform in some of the country’s most historic and beautiful theaters, for which I will always be grateful. When I went to UM, I studied classical voice, which is something entirely different. I love the technique, preparation, and discipline it takes to sing classical music. All of this has influenced my style and how I approach new projects.

What advice would you give to young artists at the U? Especially when it comes to creating during these difficult times.

My advice would be to use this time to really dive deep into who you are. I know this is not an ideal situation, and it will pass. Use this time to write and focus on being creative and trying new things. In other words, turn a negative into a positive. Another note of advice that made a difference in my life was when someone told me in 7th grade, “Every ‘no’ is one step closer to a ‘yes.’ ” It is a motto I live by every day. This industry is not easy. In any industry, people will be rejected and have to overcome obstacles. But, you have to keep going and every  time you hear someone say ‘no,’ just remember to keep going because ultimately, if you love what you’re doing and you work hard enough for it, you will hear a ‘yes.’ And that is music to my ears!

What message do you have for your audience about getting through the crisis at hand?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and right now, people are depressed. They have been isolated, and they are worried about the future. I wanted to give people a little bit of hope, and I want people to know that that no matter who they are, where they are, or whatever they’re going through, somebody loves you. So, please be sure to tune into my Instagram Page @iamarielrose at 5 p.m. ET, on Friday, May 22, where I’ll be going live with a mini concert to raise funds and awareness for the United Way of Miami-Dade! I hope to see you there.

Visit www.unitedwaymiami.org/ohh_covid19 to learn more about United Way of Miami-Dade.

For more information on Ariel Rose, visit https://www.iamarielrose.com/ and follow her on social media and music platforms.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamarielrose/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamarielrose

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2OMbZnOi0LbXtK1OsZaj9D

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/iamarielrosemusic