Music Q&A with Ariel Bellvalaire

Photo by Shalon Goss

Rock guitarist, Ariel Bellvalaire, has been spending time working on music, but her resume also includes being part of “I Am King” – The Michael Jackson Experience and Guns N’ Roses tribute band, Paradise Kitty! If you haven’t heard her shred, now is the time! Ariel took some time to answer questions about those experiences, Avril Lavigne, Van Halen, the first song she learned how to play on guitar, and more!

Congratulations on the release of “Diamonds or Coal”! It’s very catchy and the riffs are awesome! How did the song come about? Was it music first and then lyrics or vice versa?
Thank you so much!!! This song was so cool to witness in the studio. It was recorded in Nashville with some of the best musicians and I was first in the vocal booth having no idea what the song was going to sound like. We tried several different versions and loved the circus feeling guitar part and went with it! Once we had the basic song, we added guitar and vocal overdubs! For me personally in any session, music always comes first!

In your music video for “Elastic”, you’re seen doing over the top stunts while playing guitar as you are an accomplished aerial acrobat. How was it decided that you would include those skills in this video?
My goal was to really showcase these stunts simply because they’re unique! I had planned on doing some aerial hoop with my guitar and then the director, Hunter McCann had the brilliant idea of standing up on the back of a motorcycle while playing! I was absolutely terrified to try it…so naturally I knew it had to be done haha!

Your style has been described as “Avril Lavigne with a hint of Van Halen”. Do you remember the very first time you heard those artists? What stood out to you about them in those moments?
I do remember those moments! The first time I heard Avril Lavigne was the first time I ever really noticed music and became instantly obsessed. I was in gymnastics class and the song “Complicated” came on the radio. I have no idea what drew me to that song, but I stopped on the balance beam and just listened in awe. I had to do that. It was that moment where I wanted to become a singer (I wanted to be Avril specifically) and from there I started singing in a band and eventually picked up the electric guitar. It was then that I was introduced to the king, Eddie Van Halen. My teacher played “Eruption” and I’m pretty sure my mind exploded. I’m still in shock from that incredible solo! It made me want to be a rocker for sure!

You’ve been a part of several iconic musical projects such as “I Am King” – The Michael Jackson Experience and Guns N’ Roses tribute band Paradise Kitty. I won’t ask which one has been your favorite, but what would you say these projects have given you that you may not have experienced otherwise?
I love both of these projects so much! I can’t say I have a favorite as they’ve been so different! Playing with Paradise Kitty is amazing because I’ve gotten the opportunity to tour around the world and play monster guitar solos in every song. It really expanded my lead guitar playing. I Am King is incredible too, having to learn Michael Jackson songs is such a great challenge. The musicality of these songs is nothing short of genius and you never get tired of his great music.

What was the first song you learned how to play on guitar?
Before I really knew how to play guitar, my dad taught me a few chords and we would jam to “What I Like About You” by The Romantics. From there the first song on electric guitar was “Smoke On The Water” by Deep Purple! I even performed that song at my Uncle’s Wedding!

If you had a chance to interview any of your musical heroes, who would it be and why?
Oh man that’s a tough call! My biggest hero is Randy Rhoads, I can’t exactly interview him now (RIP), but it would be incredible to know what was going on in his head when he wrote the guitar parts to Crazy Train. I would also love to interview Avril Lavigne and hear about her journey as she was my biggest inspiration starting out.

What is your favorite city to play in?
I’m actually not sure I have a favorite city! They’re all so much fun and I haven’t had enough time in one place to decide! I remember having really fun audiences in Texas and Arizona though!

What is your favorite thing about making music?
I really love the feeling of being on stage and entertaining a crowd. Feeling their energy when I play truly feeds my soul and keeps me going!

How do you stay positive?
Well… I’d be lying if I said I was always positive. I find when I’m not in a positive place that I write the best songs though! My passion for performing really keeps me going in general. I do my best to view everything as a stepping stone in the right direction and any negative situation is what’s going to take me to the next level where I actually want to be.

Any last words or final message for the readers?
Keep going for what you want! There is truly nothing better than doing what you’re passionate about. Don’t let the challenges and negativity of others get in the way of what you know you’re meant for.

Ariel Bellvalaire on social media and on digital streaming platforms:
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