Ari Seth Herstand (born June 1, 1985) is an American musician, songwriter, author, actor, blogger based in Los Angeles, California (previously Minneapolis, Minnesota).

[1] Herstand has played at Summerfest in Milwaukee, WI and the South by Southwest music festival in Austin, TX, as well as Carnegie Hall.

[2][3] He has played with various artists including Milk Carton Kids, Phil Vassar, Matt Nathanson, Joshua Radin, Eric Hutchinson, and Ron Pope.

[citation needed] Through grassroots promotion and a buzz generated from live performances on the UMN campus, Herstand gained local popularity.

[17] He performed Summerfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and helped book and run the Chipotle Rhythm Kitchen and Tiki Hut stages from 2006 to 2010.

[18] In 2008, Ari Herstand showcased at the NACA (National Association for Campus Activities) Northern Plains region, where he booked more than 50 shows for the 2008–2009 school year.

He spent the beginning of 2012 in Minnesota recording his new album with producer Paul Marino, drummer Dave King, bassist Jim Anton, guitarist Jake Hanson, keyboardist Joey Kantor and vocalists Alicia Wiley and Tonia Hughes.

[22][23][24] Because of his success as an independent musician, blogger and author, Forbes Magazine called Ari Herstand "the poster child of DIY music.

"[23] Herstand recorded his latest album Like Home with producer Justin Glasco from their respective studios while in the COVID-19 pandemic induced quarantine.

The book does a great job of explaining the process of generating royalties and crowdfunding goals, all while delivering important info in a witty and wise tone that’s comprehensive but never condescending.

[38] In the summer of 2021, Brassroots District put on a fully immersive funk/soul theatrical concert experience in a parking lot in Downtown Los Angeles with 16 shows spanning 4 weekends.

Directed by Monica Miklas, script by Daysha Veronica, co-created with Andrew Leib, performing all original songs written by Herstand and Brett Nolan.

"[40] Herstand wrote a blog post that went viral, founded Independent Music Professionals United, gathered 185,000 signatures on a petition, and met with Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez and Senate Majority leader Robert Hertzberg.

The festival engaged music venues to book talent and curate stages so they could participate in the revenue generated to help keep the businesses afloat during the crisis.

The festival featured over 350 artists from around the globe including Colbie Caillat, Betty Who, Josh Radnor, Waxahatchee, Beach Bunny and Snail Mail.