On the storied grounds of Music Row, where the walls of RCA Victor Studios have soaked in decades of iconic recordings, Ariel Jade is stirring up something bold and intoxicating. Her debut album, Honky Tonic, is a self-produced masterpiece that pays homage to the sounds that shaped country and bluegrass while pushing the boundaries of what modern country music can be.
Recorded in the legendary RCA Victor Studios, Honky Tonic isn’t just an album; it’s a statement. Ariel Jade—an artist who writes, plays, and produces her own music—is carving a space for herself in Nashville’s ever-changing landscape with an unwavering sense of purpose. “I wanted to create something timeless, something that could stand alongside the music that inspired me as a kid,” she says.
Her sound feels like a bridge between eras, drawing on her roots in bluegrass, Celtic music, and Mississippi blues while incorporating the storytelling traditions of classic country greats like Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton. But Ariel Jade isn’t here to merely revive the past—she’s here to reimagine it.
A Vision Born of Tradition and Innovation
Ariel Jade’s path to Honky Tonic was anything but conventional. Raised in Mississippi, she grew up immersed in bluegrass, cutting her teeth on stages across the South before she was a teenager. By the time she picked up the mandolin at 12, Ariel Jade was already a skilled guitarist and a budding songwriter, drawing influence from the likes of Doc Watson and Tony Rice. Her performances evolved to include Celtic festivals and pub stages, adding a rich, melodic texture to her sound.
“I wanted to capture the magic of Classic Country and Rock music that impacted, influenced, and inspired me as a young songwriter and musician, creating timeless songs and telling stories from real life for real people,” Ariel Jade says. Her journey from festival stages to RCA Victor Studios has been one of persistence and transformation, with each phase of her life contributing to the artist she is today.
That persistence is evident in every detail of Honky Tonic. Ariel Jade plays mandolin and acoustic guitar throughout the record and sings both lead and harmony vocals. She co-produced the album with Mike Loudermilk, tracking each part meticulously to create the sound that defines the record. “Ariel Jade is an extremely unique musical talent that can sound very energetic, folksy, sultry, as well as humorous in her performances and a great pleasure to work with in the studio,” shares Mike.
Studio X Nash: A New Legacy
What sets Ariel Jade apart isn’t just her music—it’s her vision. In addition to recording Honky Tonic at RCA Victor Studios, Ariel Jade has turned the iconic space into a creative hub she calls Studio X Nash.
“I wanted a space where artists could come together to create without limits,” she explains. Studio X Nash is more than a recording studio; it’s a place for collaboration and storytelling. From music podcasts to film projects, Ariel Jade is building something that expands far beyond her own career.
But even as she looks outward, Ariel Jade keeps her roots firmly planted. Studio X is her way of honoring the history of RCA Victor while ensuring that it continues to be a place where meaningful art is made.
Honky Tonic: An Album That Demands Attention
From the opening chords of Honky Tonic, it’s clear that Ariel Jade isn’t interested in conforming to Nashville’s current mold. Tracks like “Once Upon a Tear,” co-produced and co-written with her long-time mentor, the esteemed Wood Newton, when Ariel Jade was just 14, not only highlight her extraordinary ability to weave deeply personal stories into melodies that resonate with timeless familiarity but also underscore the profound creative partnership she shares with Newton. His continued mentorship has been instrumental in shaping her evolving sound, offering guidance and inspiration that have allowed her to refine her artistry while staying true to her authentic voice.
Meanwhile, songs like “Carry On” speak to the resilience she’s built through her journey—surviving an abusive marriage, finding her voice again, and stepping fully into her identity as an artist.
“This album is a true reflection of Ariel Jade’s heart, and soul. She opened up and shared what’s going on in her life, and turned it into these songs, ” co-writer Wood Newton explains.
It’s not just the stories that stand out—it’s the sound. Ariel Jade’s blending of bluegrass, country, and rock influences creates a lush, layered experience that feels nostalgic and modern all at once. The instrumentation is raw and vibrant, with Ariel Jade’s mandolin work adding an intimate texture that pulls listeners in, embodying the essence of an artist who refuses to be confined by expectations.
From Twitch to Timeless
Before stepping back into music full-time, Ariel Jade found herself in an unlikely world: professional gaming and Twitch streaming. She built a following of nearly 100,000 fans, becoming a familiar face in the gaming and cosplay communities.
That chapter of her life, while seemingly distant from her musical roots, taught her the power of connection. “It was about building a community, sharing stories, and performing in a way that felt authentic,” Ariel Jade says.
When she returned to songwriting, those lessons stayed with her. Now, with Honky Tonic and Studio X Nash, Ariel Jade is creating a similar space—one that invites listeners into her world and reminds them of the universal language of music.
Why Ariel Jade Matters
In an industry where independence often feels like an uphill battle, Ariel Jade is proving that authenticity and artistry can still thrive. Her debut album is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a blueprint for what’s possible when an artist fully embraces their craft.
Recording in RCA Victor Studios, creating her own production space, and playing every note with intention, Ariel Jade is redefining what it means to make country music in Nashville. With Honky Tonic, she’s not just entering the game—she’s leveling up and claiming the spotlight.
Ariel Jade’s debut album, Honky Tonic, is now available on all major platforms. To follow her journey, visit www.arieljade.com.
Honky Tonic
- Honky Tonic
- Baby, Baby
- Ain’t They Pretty
- Hard to Trust a Man
- I Learned the Hard Way
- In the Mean Time
- Carry On
- Wanna Pool Around
- Once Upon a Tear
- The End
