Kevin Bronson on May 14th, 2020

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Mood swings? Ariel Beesley has had a few during the COVID-19 lockdown. In today’s QUARANTUNES, the singer-songwriter-model, whose latest New Wave sparkler “Honey (Lick It Up)” is still on the tip of our tongues, shares how’s she managing and a playlist that reflects it all.

THE LATEST FROM ARIEL BEESLEY

Singer-songwriter-model Ariel Beesley’s stylish, revved-up New Wave music has captured the fancy of L.A. audiences, with her irrepressible single “Honey (Lick It Up)” serving as the latest example of a song with a chorus that doesn’t bore us. It’s one of a handful of singles she’s released since her 2018 EP. There’s a new song, titled “So Baby,” on the way, but in the meantime, Beesley is all over our devices doing online sessions.

HOW ARE YOU HOLDING UP AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MANAGE THE ‘STAY AT HOME’ EDICT?

Ariel Beesley: Honestly, I’m hanging in there all right. Have definitely had a few corona breakdowns, but I’m learning to be patient with myself, something that’s not one of my strong suits. Taking things a day at a time helps. Strangely enough, doing acoustic live sets on Instagram and such has really helped me to still feel connected to some type of live audience. I’ve been doing virtual co-writes, as well as planning a virtual music video shoot. I’ve had my fair share of mourning what my life and career looked like before quarantine, but right now I’m focused on what I can do to adapt and move forward. I also have a music therapy business for kids with disabilities called Musical Expressions 4 All, and I’ve been having zoom sessions with a bunch of families. That’s really kept me sane.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WHEN THIS IS OVER?

Ariel Beesley: Playing shows. I miss my band so much I could scream. Playing shows is something that I feel has become so integral to myself as a person, just having that outlet, that its being taken away has felt like a huge loss. I’m grateful that I can always write music, but the lack of getting to express that music with a live audience has definitely bummed me out. Also, I just want to hug and kiss every single one of my friends.

ANYTHING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS PLAYLIST?

Ariel Beesley: There is no doubt I’ve gone through a ton of emotions during this quarantine, and will probably continue to do so. This is a playlist for all of those emotions. Some songs are for when you’re so angry and fed up that all that will help is dancing around your room. Some songs are for that person you can’t get out of your head — whether you want them there or not. Some songs are for sleeping in and some songs are for staying up late. I’ll let you decide which is which.