Ariana Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Ariana is fresh off her appearance on the single "Abadi", which is amazing! I am so glad that she was willing to visit with us to discuss the song, and a bit more. I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

So, let's see what happens when Ariana visits Section 36 Music!

You were amazing on your recent single, “Abadi”. What can you tell me about it?
“Abadi” was an important project for me because it brought me into a world of music I hadn’t explored before. Before moving to Boston, I wasn’t very connected to hip-hop from my country. But when a Persian record label in Canada reached out and asked me to create a chorus for Shaawn’s song, I felt it was the perfect opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and explore a new side of the industry. I said yes, and I’m glad I did. Working with that team not only gave me a fresh perspective on Persian music in a modern context, but it also reminded me how powerful it can be to blend cultures, genres, and personal experiences into one track.

Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?
Absolutely. One of my favorite parts was the top-lining process—coming up with a melody that was instantly memorable and felt like it could live in people’s heads long after the song ended. I also loved recording the multiple takes with my engineer and layering them together until the chorus felt rich and alive. But what made me extremely happy was seeing how the final chorus resonated with people. Listeners who don’t even speak Persian found themselves humming and singing along, and that, to me, is the magic of music—it cuts across languages and cultures and speaks directly to the heart. Knowing that my voice could create that connection is one of the most rewarding parts of being an artist.

You are currently attending Berklee College of Music. What made Berklee the right choice for you?
Berklee had been my dream for as long as I can remember. Back in high school, I was searching for a place that celebrated contemporary music while also giving me the freedom to pursue jazz and R&B and still develop my own personal style. Berklee stood out because it wasn’t just about tradition—it was about innovation. On top of that, I knew a few talented musicians from my country who had come here on scholarships, and seeing their success gave me the confidence to chase the same dream. Now that I’m here, I feel like Berklee is exactly where I belong: a place filled with diversity, creativity, and an environment that pushes me to be better every single day.

Who or what would you consider your greatest musical influences?

My influences are a blend of the sounds I grew up with and the ones I’ve discovered over time. Traditional Persian music gave me a deep appreciation for emotional storytelling and expressive melodies, while jazz and R&B shaped the way I think about groove, harmony, and vocal style. I love both the timelessness of older music and the boldness of contemporary sounds, and I try to take elements from each to create something that feels authentic and unique to me. At the end of the day, I’m inspired as much by the music itself as I am by the stories and emotions that surround me.

What is the most challenging part of your music career?

The hardest part has been daring to walk this path in the first place. Where I come from, pursuing music isn’t seen as a real career—it’s treated as a side interest at best. Choosing music meant going against the expectations of society, my community, and even some people close to me. On top of that, being a singer in a country where singing is illegal for women came with risks that most people can’t imagine. And then there’s the inner struggle—perfectionism, self-doubt, and the fear of not being “enough.” But despite all of that, I’ve learned that every obstacle can be fuel. Each challenge has forced me to grow, and every step I take brings me closer to finding my true voice. That journey of resilience has shaped me not only as a musician but as a person.

What are your immediate musical goals?
Right now, my goals are about creating and connecting. I want to write music that blends my influences into something unique and authentic to me. I want to perform as much as possible, because live performance is where music becomes most alive for me. And above all, I want my voice to reach people around the world. Music has no borders, and my dream is for my songs to resonate with anyone who listens, whether they understand the words or not. If my music can inspire, comfort, or empower someone—even just one person—then I know I’m on the right path.

-----

It absolutely sounds like she's on the right path!

As always, I want to thank Ariana for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to accompany the interview. 

I'm sure you’ll all want to follow her and see what she has going on. I would follow her on Instagram and Spotify to make sure you don't miss a thing. 

Thanks again, Ariana, and good luck reaching your goals!