Interview, Ari Fraser—A Soulful Storyteller Merging Tradition with Modern Soundscapes

Some artists are born with a microphone in their hands. Others find their way to music through unexpected twists in life. Ari Fraser is one of those rare voices whose journey is as compelling as his sound. A singer-songwriter from Hollywood, Florida, Ari’s roots stretch back to the ancient city of Jerusalem, where he was raised in a traditional Orthodox Jewish household. His story isn’t the typical tale of formal music training and industry networking. In fact, Ari never received any structured musical education—a direct result of the strict religious upbringing that shaped his childhood. And yet, his natural talent led him to lead prayers in synagogues, sing in choirs, and eventually, carve out a lane for himself in contemporary music.

His latest album, Shadows of Tomorrow, created in collaboration with renowned producer Gemini Muziq, is a bold blend of soul, pop, indie, and even hints of R&B and country. Released on April 10, 2024, the album has already gained critical acclaim, setting the stage for what might be Ari’s biggest breakthrough yet. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ari to talk about his evolution as an artist, his transition from Hebrew music to a global sound, and the raw emotions that fuel his songwriting process.

For years, Ari was known for his music in Hebrew, deeply rooted in his faith and heritage. But with the release of Rise Up, his musical direction took a noticeable shift. When I ask him about this transition, his answer is reflective: “As an artist, and even as a person, we go through phases in life. My growth changes every day. I try to challenge myself and diversify to reach people of all ages and backgrounds.”

Music, for Ari, is a universal language—one that transcends barriers of culture, geography, and even faith. Rise Up is his way of reaching beyond the familiar, connecting with a broader audience on themes of hope and resilience. “It felt like the right moment to share my message on a global scale.”

Ari’s path into music wasn’t conventional. Growing up, music was tied strictly to worship and community, not professional training. This meant he had to navigate his artistry instinctively, relying on raw emotion rather than technique. “It was sometimes isolating,” he admits, reflecting on his childhood. “But it also fostered a unique creativity. I feel like my religious roots gave me an anchor, while also allowing me to experiment and break the walls between genres.”

This balance—between tradition and innovation—is what makes Shadows of Tomorrow so compelling. Ari doesn’t just sing; he weaves emotions into melodies, fusing genres that others might hesitate to mix. Does he regret missing out on formal training? Not at all. “It shaped who I am today.”

When asked about the artists who have influenced him, Ari lights up with enthusiasm: “I draw inspiration from a variety of artists, including Sara Bareilles for her storytelling and vocal prowess, and Hozier for his lyrical depth. Growing up, I was greatly influenced by Sting and how he can jump from classical to pop and alternative. The idea of playing with vocal range is still influential to me. Adele, with her ability to break boundaries in genres and her vocal range across octaves, is astounding to me. Each artist brings a different element to the table, whether it’s authenticity, emotion, or innovation, and I strive to incorporate those traits into my own music.”

When it comes to songwriting, for many artists, lyrics come first. For others, it’s the melody that takes the lead. But for Ari, it’s all about emotion. “My songwriting process varies significantly depending on the emotions I’m experiencing at the time. Most of the time, writing songs or melodies is tied to feeling a strong wash of emotions. If I’m feeling happy or inspired, I find that the music tends to flow first. I instinctively gravitate towards crafting melodies and tunes that capture that joy. However, when I’m immersed in deep reflection, soul-searching, or even sadness, I usually start with the lyrics. In those moments, the words become a cathartic outlet for my feelings. Once the lyrics are penned, the melody often follows as a natural extension of that emotional narrative. I think both elements are intertwined, and they evolve together as I write, creating a cohesive piece that truly reflects my inner landscape.” His songwriting isn’t just a process—it’s a cathartic release. He allows himself to immerse in the emotion, letting melodies and words intertwine organically.

Of course, the challenge for many artists is knowing when to stop tweaking a song. Ari admits it being a relatable issue for him too, “That’s definitely a challenge! I set deadlines for myself, and I trust my closest friends and collaborators for feedback. Once a song truly resonates, I know it’s time to let it go.”

There’s a raw honesty in the way Ari talks about everything. He is the type of artist to pull you in with more than his music. It’s his mind and attitude in life. The most rewarding part about the path he chose? He says, “The most beautiful thing about making music is the connection it creates with others. Knowing that my songs can touch people’s lives is incredibly fulfilling. On the flip side, the most challenging aspect is the vulnerability that comes with sharing personal stories. It can be daunting to put yourself out there.”

Before we wrapped up our conversation, I asked Ari if there was anyone special he wanted to acknowledge. Without hesitation, he smiles, “I’d like to send a heartfelt message to my wife, Tiffany, and my children, who have always supported my path and cheered me on. Your belief in me means the world, and I couldn’t do this without you.”

It’s clear that Ari Fraser isn’t just an artist—he’s a storyteller, a risk-taker, and above all, a deeply connected human being. With Shadows of Tomorrow gaining momentum, this is just the beginning of a much bigger journey.

📷 Instagram: @AriFraserMusic
📘 Facebook: @AriFraserMusic
🎵 TikTok: @AriFraser
▶️ YouTube: @AriFraser

Interview conducted by Mariana Berdianu

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