About Me
Ariana has that “it†factor that audiences are looking for today. They instantly respond to her powerful voice, to the raw emotion, brilliant lyrics and irresistible hooks that are the hallmarks of her music. From daring, upbeat tunes to intense ballads, this singer-songwriter crafts songs that people connect to and want to hear over and over.
Talented, sexy and savvy, Ariana is still in her teens but she’s got the experience and awards of an artist ready to be signed to a major label.
Ariana’s dynamic stage presence and iconic style give her mass appeal.
A riveting performer, Ariana leaves it all on the stage much to the pleasure and satisfaction of audiences. She knows how to deliver a complete experience for concert-goers whether they’re up on their feet dancing or singing along. Her phrasing is so perfect (it’s been compared to Bob Dylan) that it can transform a song into an anthem for her fans. Always a trend-setter, Ariana’s vibrant red “Auggie†hairstyle is the latest incarnation of her iconic look. She’s got a wardrobe to rival any fashionista and a sense of style that people want to follow.
Ariana’s latest industry awards underscore her growing critical acclaim.
- 2009 Canadian Folk Award for Young Performer of the Year
- 2009 The Niagara Music Song-writing Award
- Nominated for three 2009 Hamilton Music Awards
Ariana’s debut CD, To Make It Make Sense, showcases her fascinating and evolving talent.
In the studio, Ariana is the consummate professional. She knows when to take creative risks and when to honour tradition. Her CD, To Make It Make Sense, is the perfect sampler of her current musical mindset – and gives tantalizing hints of where her passion for innovation will take her next.
Quotes:
"She's a brilliant player, songwriter, singer, lovely to look at and the fact that she is just in her mid teens underlines the fact she has a great future ahead of her. Highly recommended."
– Don Bird
"To tell you the truth, I’m totally smitten with this teenage artist, who writes amazing songs and, live, delivers them with confidence and panache. She radiates assurance and really seems to live inside the lyrics she’s written.
Ariana plays rhythm guitar; occasionally – to underscore a lyric — she stops playing and her hands flutter in the air emphasizing the words. And the words? People: 17-year-olds should not know this much about life yet.
All I’ll say now is that Ariana is way ahead of the place Serena Ryder was when I first heard her eight years ago, when she was 18 or 19. And Ariana is as focused and smart as Serena was then. I see a terrific future for her, just as I did for Serena all those years ago.
- Richard Flohil
"Over the last few years I have had the opportunity to hear and observe Ariana Gillis perform her music in several varied venues. A showcase of young artists at the OCFF conference, an intimate night club, a folk festival workshop stage and I've even had the honour of sharing the stage with her. I've been in this business for well over 35 years and consider myself a pretty good judge of talent. From what I've seen of Ariana Gillis...she's got it all!
A beautiful voice that she can really control. A lovely style of accompanying herself on her guitar. Original songs that truly are 'original'. She's writing and saying what she wants to say in her own 'voice'. Something that performers 3 times her age are still searching for. We haven't even touched on the fact that she's young and beautiful and already an engaging performer.
She's extremely talented and it will be just a matter of time before the rest of the world finds out."
– Wendell Ferguson
"Incredible poise, musical depth, skillful singing and relevant material. Ariana is truly blessed with a rare talent!"
– Jason Fowler
"Ariana is the best young singer/songwriter that I have ever heard!"
– Rob Lamothe
"Beautiful, dynamic vocals; strong songs and stage presence – this gal's going places!"
– Suzie Vinnick
Ariana performing her original song Simon Brook at the Gladstone in Toronto - May 2009. David Gillis on Banjo, Rob McBride on bass and Sean Felice on drums.
Ariana performing her original song Project Man at the Gladstone in Toronto - May 2009. David Gillis on Banjo, Rob McBride on bass and Sean Felice on drums.
Ariana performing The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea at the Meto Toronto Convention Centre - April 2009. David Gillis on acoustic guitar, Jason Fowler on electric guitar, Rob McBride on upright bass, and Gary Craig on drums.
Ariana's video for her original song Blueberry Ocean. Video produced by
Tim Dashwood and song produced by David Gillis.
