Artist Spotlight is a segment that we started to introduce our listeners to some deserving up and coming artists/ bands. They have made an impact on us for all of the right reasons. We think they kick ass and we hope you do too! Today, we’d like to shine the spotlight on Ariel Carreno. 


Ariel Carreno: “I’m a singer/songwriter living in Seattle. I write music as an emotional outlet and hope that it resonates with other people as well. I’m inspired by artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Mitski, Junior Mesa, and so much more! I have a new album Sticky Notes set to be released July 30th, available everywhere! But stay tuned because I already have so much more up my sleeve!”


Some people know it’s when they hear a classic album or see someone perform. Do you know when you were bitten by the music bug and knew this was your path?

I started talking at 9 months old (and I haven’t shut up since) and I’ve heard from my parents that I was always singing something. I recorded my first piece of music at about 5 years old in a recording booth at Lego Land. I couldn’t read yet so I just made up lyrics on the spot. I’d say I kind of always had an inkling.

Do you write when inspiration hits or do you sit down with the purpose of writing? Maybe both?

Definitely both, but if I get a random burst of inspiration I have to sit down and finish the song otherwise it’s usually gone forever. I do love getting myself in a routine of sitting down and writing though. It really encourages creativity for me.

Does anyone else in your family have the music gene?

Yeah! Funny enough, it skipped both my parents but I’ve got 4 siblings and my 2 older ones are both musical. Both of my older siblings play multitudes of instruments and are incredibly talented. My next younger brother also dabbles in piano and musical theater.

What was the first album that you bought with your very own money?

I think it was Paramore’s Riot! album. It’s definitely still one of my favorite albums today.

What is your all-time favorite cartoon?

Adventure Time! I love the music from it too!