We had the good fortune of connecting with Ari Urban and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ari, what role has risk played in your life or career?

As an artist, I think of risk taking as an inevitable part of the path of being an entrepreneur. To me, the opposite feeling of risk is comfort. So in my life, there is a constant dance between risk and comfort, always. Too much comfort leads to complacency, while too much risk can lead to a lack of trust in oneself. In our modern society, many of us are taught to value security over risk taking, which can make it very challenging to be in a creative profession where there is virtually no sense of long term security. I’m thinking of the famous quote “Comfort is the enemy of progress”. In my experience as an artist, this has been true. The periods of discomfort in my life have been the times that catalyze some of my greatest creations.

Another facet of risk taking to me, is the willingness to plunge into discomfort. I think for most creatives, there is always a feeling of risk when we’re putting our art into the world, because it is extremely personal and vulnerable. So whenever I’m feeling insecure, I have to remember that there is always an inherent reward in releasing my music, regardless of how others receive it. This is because it inevitably cultivates a deeper sense of trust between me, myself, and I; which has been one of the main ingredients I’ve found in order to build true self esteem.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

My art is centered around using music as insight into how we relate to life. It’s about exploring the feelings that come up when we listen to emotionally activating music, in order to bring more self awareness and compassion to ourselves, and others. My music can be considered evocative, yet there are many emotional pathways that listeners can explore. Some of my music inspires deep peace, harmony, and bliss; while other pieces inspire a deep dive into the shadow (where our difficult emotions live). My music is meant to serve as a mirror to become more aware of how one relates to their different internal parts, especially the parts that society teaches us to reject.

I would say what I’m most proud of is my dedication to learning the dance of uncertainty; forging a path that doesn’t fit within the constraints of living in a fast paced society. I also have to remind myself that my music is not for everyone, and that’s okay. I’m very excited to see how all types of meditative music will blossom in the mainstream over the next 5 – 10 years.

How I’ve gotten to where I am today professionally has been through following my curiosity, and always trusting my intuition. I have been able to overcome challenges throughout my life by trusting in something greater than myself. In my experience, my deepest breakdowns have led to my greatest breakthroughs. The analogy of the phoenix rising from the ashes is very appropriate for my journey throughout my 20’s.

I’ve learned that mistakes are nothing to be feared; they’re markers of being human. And that the greatest pain I have inflicted on myself is trying to be perfect (something I’m consistently working on). The lesson of embracing the messiness of being human has led to a tremendous amount of inner freedom; regardless of what’s happening externally.

One more lesson I’ve learned (and continue to learn), is the power of not getting what we “think” we want.
I believe I am a co-creator of my experience with source, and so as an artist, it is a constant dance of balancing the ambitious will of the ego, with the eternal patience of the soul. This practice continues to lead me into deeper states of patience, persistence, and deep trust in my own unique path.
I’m really excited to be releasing my first solo EP – “IN THE DEEP” – of complete original string music this summer! So be on the lookout.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend visiting, I’d take them to Fairchild Botanical Gardens for a relaxing meditative walk, and then we’d go to lunch at Whisk. I’d take them to admire the wall art throughout Wynwood, and then we’d go to Dante’s for live vinyl sets. I’d take them to Sergio’s for authentic cuban food, and then go to Bill Baggs park on Key Biscayne for an incredible view of Miami.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to give a shout out to the Beehive Cafe and Juice Bar on ludlam. It’s a historic joint that offers the freshest ingredients in everything they make; from life-giving juices and smoothies, to their delicious vegan empanadas. The owner Carlos always emits joy and puts a big smile on my face every time I go in! I also highly recommend “Cafe Pastis” in South Miami for the most authentic French food and vibe… you will feel like you’re entering a small French restaurant in Marseilles.. where the whole staff feels like family. I also want to shout out “Miami Twice” for being one of the oldest vintage stores in Miami, with fabulous, hand-curated pieces from all over the world.

Website: www.ariurban.com

Instagram: instagram.com/ariurbanmusic

Twitter: twitter.com/ariurbanmusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn8M-kukdZlU-3nC0tN1X7w

Image Credits
Brooke D’Avanzo

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.