Chicagoan Of The Year For Pop Music: DJ And Musician Ariel Zetina Always Has Her Hometown In Mind
Ariel Zetina was always destined to be a star. And 2023 was a decisive year in his career. After successfully releasing her debut album Cyclorama in the fall of 2022 and placing it on numerous "Best of" lists, Zetina spent 2023 cultivating new fans around the world.
As the world fully reopens post-Covid-19, Zetina – a DJ, musician and playwright – has been touring clubs, venues and festivals, performing over 40 live shows in major US cities including Los Angeles, New York and Seattle. . And even on the other side of the world, for example, in Berlin, London and Amsterdam. Zetina said she travels every weekend from May to September.
"Even though I didn't like airports before I started traveling a lot, there's always something nice and wonderful about being in new places and making that part of my schedule," Zetina said during a phone interview. "Someone asked me, 'Do you imagine doing something like this when you get old?' About 20 years now?' And honestly, yes.
Part of what helps Zetina is maintaining rituals. This includes not going out with a large group the day before, taking the CTA Blue Line to local concerts, listening to podcasts, watching reruns of Law & Order on cable TV, and using the same packing method. city trips.
The Pitchfork Music Festival at Zetina in July was one of the biggest parties of the year. Those lucky enough to see the set had a real treat watching Zetina do more than just mix her songs. Instead, I envisioned a unique music festival experience and a new and different show designed for the emotional and sonic power of Cyclorama.
That same day, Zetina hit another performance milestone, opening for Beyoncé at one of her two shows at Soldier Field as part of her Renaissance World Tour. Some of Zetina's family (like her mom, who she joked was "finally in love") were in town and were able to see her perform before Beyoncé's set.
"I had to open my doors to the most famous woman in the world before my mom was impressed," Zetina said with a laugh. "This moment meant a lot to me. It was incredible how proud my mother was of me."
But despite its global appeal, Zetina managed to make Chicago her home. As a resident of popular dance music club Smartbar, Zetina's transformative techno music can be heard as part of Diamond Formation, a club night where he regularly plays with local and international artists.
But most of Zetina's most popular sets can be heard at Ariel's Party nightclub. Venues both traditional (The Hideout) and unusual (the recently remodeled California Clipper) served as the backdrop for Zetina's party. Warm and unique, Ariel evokes Zetina's roots as an up-and-coming singer from Chicago. Like all DJ sets, they host a fun and mostly engaged crowd that is not indifferent to the possible atmosphere of other nightlife events.
After a dry spell, the city's nightlife options continue to expand, with Zetina emerging as an influential leader in how emerging musicians and DJs can balance their global ambitions while staying true to their creative roots.
"I think it's a very sweet thing to be in the same room and dance together. It was too strong for me. And when I danced this year, I had almost religious experiences on the dance floor. I really want to keep it going.” Intention and Energy (2024). I think it can often feel like a DJ smashing bottles in clubs and loving the way it's portrayed in sitcoms, it's such a silly, violent noise. That's what I love about being in Chicago. I think it changes the way you approach music because it has so much history and lifestyle.
The audience cheered for Zetina Metro and Smartbar's "QUEEN!" They can immerse themselves in his world while performing on New Year's Eve. Give a diamond.
Zetina is proof that artists don't have to sacrifice one goal for another, but instead can make a name for themselves by taking a different path, inspired by a personal spirit. This year, Zetina's charm, unique music, and community among her colleagues make her the extraordinary Chicagoan of today and tomorrow.
Britt Julius is an independent critic.
