ABOUT

Ariel’s entire life has been an adventurous journey guided by rhythm. Growing up in Juneau, AK and beginning to drum at the age of 7, Ariel aims to bring the raw and primal energy of the Tongass Rainforest into every piece of music they touch. Over the past decade they've made their way across the U.S. living in New York City, Vermont, Colorado, and now Portland, OR, supporting nearly 100 artists on drums in various genres.Their drumming style is highly inspired by 60's jazz and psychedelia, 70's funk and prog-rock, 90's grunge and trip-hop, and modern nu-jazz. Ariel uses their groove-forward and technical approach to drumming to infuse every project they touch with a flavor that is unique to each artist without compromising on danceable feel.“My natural instinct on the drumset is to want to make people move, whether that is conscious or unconscious,” Ariel describes. “When people listen to my music, I want them to be compelled to let go and let their body dance, mosh, sway in trance, whatever feels right for the listener. Dancing and moving to the heartbeat of a song is so innately human. I want to pull that feeling out of people, even if they don’t realize it’s happening on the dancefloor or in their kitchen cooking dinner.”They've backed up countless artists and bands including The Cellar, Andy Eppler, Kjirsten Tornfelt, Soda Jinx, New Here, Rum River Cult, as well as playing in their band Altar Girl full-time. They are also currently crafting and recording music for their nu-jazz solo project.Ariel teaches in person 1:1 lessons in the Portland, OR area, is available for sit-in’s for live and studio work, and is available for touring. For more information, please visit the Lessons and Contact pages.