About Ariana
Born and raised in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton, AB) Ariana Brophy is no stranger to hard work, taking chances, and using creativity as a means for connecting with those around her. As a life-long singer, actor, writer, songwriter, and performer, Ariana channels her independence and ingenuity into creating her own opportunities as well as spaces for others.
Ariana Brophy is the songwriting equivalent of mulled wine; sweet, nostalgic, perfectly paired with a rainy evening and a fireplace. Praised for her gorgeous vocals and heart-wrenching lyrics, Ariana began her solo artistic journey in 2015, drawing upon the beautiful surroundings of her Northern Turtle Island (Canada) youth to instil vibrant images in her songwriting. Stephen Thomas, of Folkroom Records (London/Brighton, UK) praised her as “one of the [Folkroom’s] stars of 2019,” saying “Her vocals.. songwriting, and the gentle warmth of her guitar result in a wonderful listening experience [akin to] sitting alone by a freshwater lake in the waning twilight... Perfection, in other words.” Ariana’s performances celebrate the strength in fragility and—with her balance of conversational humour and tales of human pain— prove that laughter can share a stage with tears.
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Ariana’s voice has graced audiences across Canada and the United Kingdom, often harmonising with other artists, including at Edmonton Folk Festival (2016), Canmore Folk Festival (2015, 2016), The Works Festival (2016, 2017), and Elsted Summer Festival UK (2019). While living in the UK in 2018-2020, she immersed herself in two residencies at the National Centre for Folk Arts at Halsway Manor in Somerset, UK (2019, 2020), followed by quietly releasing her acoustic/digital only album ‘Naked,’ as well as writing a single, “Her Name” for the film, I Had A King (2020). After two years living in the UK, Ariana was endorsed by the Arts Council of England in March 2020 while applying for a Global Talent Visa. Unfortunately, Ariana has yet to return to the UK after international flights from Canada were grounded indefinitely in March 2020 by the Government of Canada in response to the emerging Covid-19 pandemic.
Prior to emerging as a songwriter and storyteller, Ariana’s performance history can be traced through her whole life, highlighted by an award-winning teenaged acting portfolio, including with the Citadel Theatre’s Young Companies, the Teens at the Turn Festival, and the first class of the Robbins Academy at the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton, Canada. Classically trained in theatre, music, and a variety of dance styles, she studied Theatre Arts as well as Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance and Composition at MacEwan University, although personal circumstances prevented the completion of a degree.
Influenced by the “Romantic Works” of artist Keaton Henson, and other sound designers, Ariana’s formal introduction to the world of film began with documenting her first cross-Canadian tour in 2015. With over a decade in the arts, and more than two decades surrounded by musicians, Ariana now works actively as a Sound Recordist, Producer, and Sound Designer. More than just record and mix sound for films, she uses a combination of meticulously designed and recorded audio to bring stories to the ears of listeners. Ariana’s work in the screen industries covers a wide range of documentary and narrative works. More information can be found on the page “Film.”
In 2019 and 2021 respectively, Ariana launched TheyFolk, a UK based online platform for women, trans, non-binary, and intersex folk musicians, and then FutureFolk, TheyFolk’s parent company; FemFolk reviewed music, hosted events, and organised hundreds of online shows during the first months of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic.
Now in 2022, Ariana and her community have been diligently working on her newest collections of serenades; “Under the Covers & Standing By the Window”, a Deluxe album anticipated in spring of 2023.
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Testimonials
“An absolute musical joy, we had no idea who Ariana Brophy was this time last year - but we've been doing our best to make up for that ever since. Ariana was our star of 2019, and will continue to draw our attention as long as she continues making music as warming and gently melancholic as she's been doing so far.”
- Stephen Thomas of Folkroom Records, London, UK
"When you listen to [Sweet Things], be prepared to feel everything Ariana feels. Her ability to authentically connect and illicit raw emotion from the listener is unparalleled."
- Rhea March, March Music Inc., Edmonton
Her vocals, her songwriting, and the gentle warmth of her guitar result in a wonderful listening experience. Like sitting alone, by a freshwater lake in the waning twilight, a small campfire crackling away beside you, the moon cut crescent in the sky above. Peace and quiet. Perfection, in other words.”
- Stephen Thomas of Folkroom Records, London, UK
Ariana Brophy is a talented and capable vocalist. Her harmonies are tasteful and pitch-perfect, and she is a very sensitive listener. The combination of great parts and sensitivity to the lead singer makes her an ideal choice to sing on my songs, which come with complicated and difficult vocal arrangements. Ariana is not daunted by difficult parts, indeed she rises to the challenge and can complement many voices, perfectly.
- Kimberley MacGregor
“You could listen to about a thousand demos before you find a song as charming as “Aurora” from Brophy. This kind of chromatic singing is exceptional and extremely rare. Something about the acoustic folk sound reminds me a bit of Joni Mitchell, but really Brophy’s work stands on its own. This is a beautiful track for fans of acoustic, poetic singer songwriters.”
- Greg, Ear to the Ground Music Blog, Online
"Resplendent & haunting voice teamed with honest, topical & picturesque lyrics. Ariana Brophy has won the hearts of Edmonton art lovers."
- Phil (Music Venue Owner, Artery and Aviary), Edmonton
“Ariana Brophy is all the best parts of a strong supporting musician; Keen ear, impeccable pitch, ability to create beautiful vocal dynamics, an equal parts strong contributor and nuanced follower. It is rare you will find musicians with such skill in harmony singing who are so willing to collaborate and contribute – and even more willing to serve and honour someone else's songs and ideas. She is punctual, generous and passionate, and I am proud and grateful to have her by my side on any stage.”
- Eva Foote, Sparrow and Stone (2015) and Funeral Walking (2016)
“Gorgeous, evocative songs are Ariana Brophy's wheelhouse. Her music is perfect for the darkening of the winter months - cosy, and warm. A musical fireside to settle down beside. Ariana's second album, Naked, came out this summer, and is an absolute joy.”
- Stephen Thomas of Folkroom Records, London, UK