From bedroom beats to global festivals

DJ Ari’s first memories of falling in love with music were from when he was a baby, listening to Midnight Oil and Bon Jovi, in the car or at home with his parents. Though his tastes may have changed, his passion for music has evolved with his artistry of genres now including EDM and progressive house.

For Ari’s ninth birthday he asked his parents for a mini Dj set. Ari started listening to all music genres and creating mixes and mash-ups in his bedroom, for pure fun and delight.

This passion didn’t waver and over the next several years, Ari would upload his creations to streaming networks, sharing his music for everyone to enjoy. Ari’s music not only attracted several thousands of followers and listeners, it also created an online income. It became clear to family and friends alike, that this passion had not only progressed but manifested into a robust talent.

Fast forward to when Ari was 13, and he was invited to DJ at a school graduation party, when his aunt, who was on the planning committee, recommended him. Eager to play and showcase his talents, Ari approached his father Simon (now also his music manager), to download his earnings to purchase some sound and lighting equipment for the event. DJ Ari was born.

“I was obviously nervous and I was excited for my first opportunity, as I knew I had both the talent and experience, but I had not yet played in front of a crowd,” Ari recalled. “I did feel the pressure but I had this live or die mindset and gave it my all”.

The gig would ultimately be a huge success but Ari explained there were still some roadblocks. Ari was young when he first started DJing, and he explained this distinction was initially the hardest part of getting started. Ari’s parents and all of his family and friends believed in him as much as he believed in himself. This supportive network removed this barrier of youth bias, and transformed it to a superpower.

Establishing a professional and consistent process has been key to delivering over 200 successful events over the past four years. This includes meeting with every client before the event to understand their vision. It is of utmost importance to DJ Ari and Simon that every family feels comfortable with him and his capabilities, despite his young age. As time has passed and DJ Ari has become so seasoned, event planners give Ari the run sheet and trust he has the ability to manage the event, musicians and anything else.

DJ Ari focuses on energy to connect with his crowd and invite interaction. He uses his microphone to bring the ruach, and this branding together with his ability to connect to people through music and dance, and the advantage of his youth, delivers this connection to the dance floor.

Recently, there came a call that changed it all. In an exciting global achievement, Ari has been selected to perform at Tomorrowland in Belgium next year.

It’s something that Ari explained brings him closer to fulfilling one of his earliest dreams.

“I had heard for a while that there was going to be an announcement on a particular date, at 1:00am. That night, my friends came to my house, and we were all waiting together, until 1am, to find out if I was going to be playing,” Ari recalled. “We were all sitting on the couch. I was pretty nervous, to be honest, because this has always been my dream – to play at Tomorrowland. And then the time came and I found out that I am going to play there. All my friends started hugging me, and we all started dancing together, in my house at 1:00am. It was a pretty amazing experience.”

Ari excitedly woke his parents to share the news and Simon recalled that he could hear Ari’s friends all excitedly singing “we’re all going to Belgium, we’re all going to Belgium.”.

For Ari, his family and all of his friends, the offer to perform at Tomorrowland will most definitely remain a timeless memory, even for those who may not make it to Belgium with the DJ.

Overflowing with anticipation, Ari remembers that he couldn’t stop thinking about playing at Tomorrowland. The news felt surreal.

That evening all his thoughts and dreams swirled around inside his head and he couldn’t sleep.

“Honestly, my reaction, I couldn’t really believe it, that I’ll be playing there. Since I was nine years old and I started DJing, my dream has been to play internationally, and to go to Tomorrowland,” he said. “Now I am not just going to Tomorrowland, I am going to play at Tomorrowland, be backstage and meet all the other DJs. This has been my dream.”

Ari explained that he is also working on an album that will be announced soon.

“I’ll play some songs from that album, since they’re not yet released,” Ari revealed. “I’m gonna create some very unique, very special mixes, especially for my Tomorrowland set, just so it’s something new, unique, and something to remember.

“The Tomorrowland Academy, have set up meetings for me to meet some of the other famous DJs there. Also, on top of that, when I’m backstage and around the Tomorrowland site, I will be seeing other DJs. Hopefully, I get to meet my favourite ones.”

For Ari, it’s also an opportunity to visit Belgium and experience everything the city has to offer.

“I am excited to have a look around the city. It looks really beautiful. Also, I want to try the chocolate there. I’ve heard that it’s really good in Belgium, and obviously, Tomorrowland’s such a big thing in Belgium that I just can’t believe I’m gonna see it, and I’m so excited,” he said. When asking Ari and Simon about the impacts of this announcement they shared it has taken DJ Ari’s name to new heights.

“My audience has grown massively on Spotify, Instagram, TikTok, all of that, and I’m more known now, which is amazing, and I just can’t believe it. It doesn’t really feel real,” Ari said. “The Jewish community has just been there non-stop since I started DJing. They’ve just been supporting me all the way through, and I’m so, so lucky to have them by my side. And also, just about inspiring other people, especially kids, because obviously, I’m still young, I’m not even an adult yet, and I’m gonna be playing at Tomorrowland.”

Ari’s inspiring message to empower everyone with a dream is to just give it a shot.

“Whatever you find that you like the most, and whatever you want to do in life, just go for it, and no matter how old you are, you can do it at any age, there’s no limit – just go after what you want.”

Follow DJ Ari on Instagram @dj.ari.melb

Cue the questions

Speaking with Ari when he was in his music studio at home uncovered some warm and insightful learnings with the amazing and inspiring man that has successfully branded himself as DJ Ari.

Q. Who are you listening to/inspired by now, and have you been approached by anyone in the industry?

I am listening to a lot of EDM and Martin Garrix who is the number one DJ in the world right now. I follow him not just because of his music but the way he lives his life: cautious, balancing time with work and family, stays away from drugs, and travels the world with his professional and personal ideology. Teddy Cream called me one night and offered me his mentoring, which he offers to some artists. When I saw my phone ring and answered and realised it was him, it was awesome and I am so grateful for this connection in this industry and look forward to our calls.

Q. What does it take to produce a track?

My Imagination. In my head I’m always thinking of random melodies. I put it into my DAW (Digital Audio Workspace) and the idea follows with chords, lyrics and the rest follows including adding instruments.

Q. Can you play an instrument?

I can play piano, and I’m open to learning more. I would like to learn guitar.

Q. What equipment do you use, and do you include AI?

I have my DJ decks which are CD Jays with a screen, my digital Record Box software, and I can export songs to USB for playlists. My Production software is FL Studio. I have used AI for vocals and other sound effects, and write melodies in the software to add voices to my music. I also use Geysers to control my own lighting and other effects which are safe and versatile.

Q. What’s your favourite memory of DJing?

A favourite but also stressful. I was at a venue in St. Kilda and there were so many people crowded around me. Lights and speakers thumping and the vibe was awesome. Everyone was dancing and jumping. But the crowd was 12 people deep. I was scared for people’s safety. My table nearly tipped and my laptop went flying.

Q. Can you share a gig that didn’t go to plan and how you recovered?

Funnily enough also in St Kilda but a different venue. I learned to stay calm and think about the issue and the resolution. I had brought my own equipment and during a sound test the power blew. We were running around trying to find out what was drawing the power. It did get sorted and we turned off the unnecessary draining power. That venue no longer allows DJs to bring their own equipment to their venue.

Q. If you could play at any festival what would it be?

Tomorrowland, Ultra music festival, EDM.Q. What do you like to do when you’re not spinning, and how do you balance it all?I love sport, and play AJAX footy. I spend time with friends and family. I follow a routine which ensures I am centred and rested. After school, homework is completed first before music and we ensure that I am prepared for events that may be on school nights or Sundays. We have a routine after each event that dad and I walk through that enables growth and resilience through reflection and adaptation. This is my chosen career path so we have positive daily rituals and routines that can support me through finishing my education and pursuing this further.

Rapid fire

Favourite song to play right now? Remember – by Third party
Beach party or Club party? Beach Party.
Sunrise or midnight set? Midnight Set.
Headphones or big speakers? Massive speakers.
One word to describe your sound? Crazy.
What is one message for our readers you can share that is most important about following your passion? Find what you love, your passion, and go all in. You should be willing to put in as much work as you need to.