It's All About Aria! Meet the fascinating young woman who is dominating Comedy, Music, TV, and More!
*Photo with shirt and overalls is Stacey Bode
*Leather Jacket photos are Tevin Johnson
Aria Brooks is a young talent well beyond her years. She is a quadruple threat being an actress, singer/songwriter, writer and talk show host. She is a cast member of All That, Nickelodeon’s spin on the iconic “Saturday Night Live,” Nola in Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings, and Anger in the revolutionary movie Harriet.
In addition to her acting credits, she is also a singer/songwriter gearing up for her debut album. Brooks sat down with Rival to discuss her recent projects as well as what’s next for her.
RIVAL : Do you come from a family of creativity? Is your family supportive?
AB: My parents are performing arts teachers, and they have influenced my creativity a lot. They are supportive people overall, so they support me regardless. They have been very supportive of my dreams and my career.
RIVAL: How do you juggle so many projects at such a young age? Congratulations on all of your success!
AB: Thank you so much! I think it is all about routine. After a while, there is not much juggling because it is like second nature. I have something that I am focusing on the most because it is the most time-consuming. Right now, for me, that is my upcoming debut album. I have other things that I do in between, of course. I make sure to stay focused when I am working on each thing to get quality work done.
RIVAL: Did you grow up with Nickelodeon? What shows did you watch?
AB: I always watched Nickelodeon growing up. Some of my favorite shows were Henry Danger, The Thundermans, Game Shakers, Victorious, and Sam and Cat. The list could go on forever, but those are my top favorites.
RIVAL: How did you land All That? Can you tell me about your experience on that show?
AB: My agent sent the audition, and I had to come up with three to five sketch characters. I did a few skits/sketches and then sent it in. They asked me to come back for a callback with the producers of the show. I did the same thing as before, and then I got called for the third and final audition. This one was considered the screen test. I did the test in front of Nickelodeon executives. Shortly after my audition, they called me back in and told me I got the job. My “All That” experience has been so amazing. I’ve met so many amazing people and friends that I will keep with me forever. It has helped me a lot and prepared me for future jobs.
*Photo with shirt and overalls is Stacey Bode
*Leather Jacket photos are Tevin Johnson
RIVAL: Do you have a favorite sketch?
AB: My favorite sketch is the Dj Salad Story. I got to play Rihanna in this sketch. I enjoy seeing the hair and makeup transformations as well as wardrobe. It turned out to be a really fun sketch.
RIVAL:. What was it like working on Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings “Cracker Jack”? Did you get to meet Dolly Parton?
AB: I enjoyed working on Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings. Everyone on the set was great. I even celebrated my birthday on set. It was while they were filming a different scene so we had to be quiet, but it was a ton of fun. I met Dolly Parton during the table read. She popped in to say hello, and she was super sweet as well.
RIVAL: I know each episode is inspired by different Dolly songs, what is there to learn from “Cracker Jack?
AB: Cracker Jack focused on the value of good friends and relationships in your life. It was centered around the relationship with a dog, but there were a lot of other parts to the theme as well. A lot of the issues that came up were because of bad relationships.
RIVAL: What was the audition process like for Harriet?
AB: I got the request to do the audition in 2018 in the midst of me working on another big audition. I remember wearing old raggedy clothes, and my mom helped me with the dialect. A few days later, I was asked to do a Skype callback with the casting director and answered a few questions. Eventually, my agent called and said I got the job.
RIVAL: How did it feel filming something as powerful as the story behind Harriet?
I was so honored to be chosen for the film. It was a story that needed to be told. I was proud to have been a part of it. I also learned a lot about Harriet Tubman.
RIVAL:. What was it like working with Leslie Odom Jr.?
AB: Although I didn’t have any scenes with him, I told Cynthia Erivo I was a big fan of him. She face-timed him while we were on set. I got a chance to talk to him. He was very nice, and I was glad that Miss Cynthia did that for me.
RIVAL: Can you take me through the writing process of “Am I Next” and share what inspired that song?
AB: I wrote it in response to the Black Lives Matter movement. Everything that was going on in the world, I wanted to express my feelings the only way I know how to do it. I wrote the song from a place of fear for my life and the lives of the people I love.
*Photo with shirt and overalls is Stacey Bode
*Leather Jacket photos are Tevin Johnson
RIVAL: What inspired Ask Aria? Do you have a favorite guest?
AB: When the pandemic began, I took it as a short break. So I watched television, played games, scrolled through social media, etc. I soon realized that we would be at home for a long time. My mom and I thought it would be good to start a series where I talked with people who are killing it in the industry. I can’t say I have a favorite guest because I enjoyed all of them, but Tabitha Brown was a fun one because I was super starstruck. I also loved getting to know her more.
RIVAL: You do a bit of everything – you’re an actress, singer, talk show host, writer, etc – is there an avenue that you prefer?
AB: I don’t prefer one thing over another. Some of my creative avenues came before others, but I love them all equally. I will say writing is my way to escape the chaos in my world sometimes. Acting and singing are my passions, and they keep me busy in the best way.
RIVAL:. How do you stay calm?
AB: I am interested in the Law of Vibration and Law of attraction. I stay calm by raising my vibrations, using healing crystals, meditating, and manifesting. I attract calmness and peace in my life by meditating with my crystals. Sometimes I also need to step away from certain situations by reading a book.
*Photo with shirt and overalls is Stacey Bode
*Leather Jacket photos are Tevin Johnson
Follow Aria Brooks on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/itsariabrooks/?hl=e to keep up with her upcoming releases
Meet the Author
Brianna Vacca is a Philadelphia-based writer. She has an unhealthy addiction to true crime documentaries, celebrity gossip, and writes overly dramatic sad songs.