Open Sky Artworks

Auzriel

Recently, the music industry has seen an array of young starlets rise to the forefront of the music scene. We all know the recipe for pop artists today, pretty face, tight body, top-notch songwriters, minimal clothing and over-sexualized videos. It is because of this manufacturing of the artists, that most young singers we see grace the charts disappear just as soon as they come to mainstream attention. Listeners and fans are catching on, and they are craving genuine talent. They are craving artists who have control over the music they release, artists who do not conform to industry standards just to sell a few records, and artists who can relate to their fans. For years, a young singer has been bubbling under the radar that fits the criteria of such an artist. For years she’s been writing songs for other singers, featuring on records and even opening for platinum selling artists. She has been offered numerous label deals, but has rejected the offers due to personal, spiritual, or financial reasons. She writes her own material, engineers and even mixes her own music at times. She is under-rated. She is multi-talented.

She is Auzriel.

Also known as The Northwest Princess, Auzriel was a familiar face in the Portland, Oregon independent music scene beginning around the age of 16. Although she was always a musical child studying voice and starring in Musical theatre productions from a young age, her true love of music began in her teens. At age 17 she began writing and recording her original music, and with the help of her mother and piano teacher, she released a single independently called “What to Do”. While in College studying vocal performance Auzriel featured as the only female artist in two Portland based hip hop groups, “NexDegree” and “The Union”. After touring and releasing music independently in the NW for 3 years, Auzriel decided to get back to her roots as a solo artist and move across the country to New York City to finish her degree and further her music career.

Although Auzriel’s musical journey has been a tumultuous one, it is through her undying passion for writing, performing and producing that she continues to follow her dream of sharing her gift with the world. Her message is one of determination, perseverance and strength. When asked about how her past experiences have molded her into the young woman she is today, Auzriel explains, “Music is the one thing that has always kept me going… Being able to write songs and sing out my problems was like my version of therapy. Every time I would finish writing a new record I would feel as if a weight was lifted, like everything was gonna be okay… My goal now is to provide others with music that can help them get through a tough time and feel good on the inside!”

The name Auzriel comes from the hebrew name Azrel given to her at birth which means “G-d is my help”. Music isn’t the only thing Auzriel has a passion for, being an avid reader and writer, it was only natural for her to seek higher education after high school. The young singer just graduated with her BA in Management of Musical Enterprises from Baruch College in New York City, which she is putting to use currently developing her independent production company, Auzriel Music. She also has plans to develop a non-profit called, S.P.E.A.K., which will help young people who are victims of domestic and sexual exploitation/abuse in finding stable housing, counseling, child care and education. “I plan to find ways to infiltrate communities where help is needed and implement programs where victims can come to learn and get assistance with their issues. If I can help people who have experienced abuse get their lives back on track, I feel as if I am beginning to make a positive change in society,” Auzriel says about S.P.E.A.K. “I plan to use my influence and education in business to reach out to young women and men who are looking for a brighter path.”

Auzriel currently resides in Lower-Manhattan. A self taught audio engineer, she has developed a Home studio setup that she and her associates use to record and mix their records. Busy with photoshoots, video shoots, writing sessions and developing her own business, Auzriel has found that keeping a solid team of hungry up and coming entrepreneurs around her increases her productivity and drive. She currently is affiliated with many independent entrepreneurs and business ventures including Open Sky Artworks, MakeYourHit.com, N8beats.com, Q-Wreck Productions, Coast2CoastMixtapes.com, Nappiee Corp Inc., NYMIA, non-profits That’s Goodness, Safe Horizons, Taglit, and many more. “Doing music independently really forces you to build strong connections and coalitions with people as an artist, and a business person. Even back home in Portland, OR, I keep in contact with a collection of people I’ve been working with for years and continue to make moves with them, as well as the team I have developed on the East Coast.”

With a bright outlook on her future Auzriel is ready now more than ever to show the world what she has been diligently working on for the for the last few years. The Summer/Fall season of 2010 brought the release of an official single featuring Genesis Be and produced by the talented producer G.I. Joe titled “Keep It Real”, as well as many featured appearances and live performances throughout the New York area.