How did you get into music? How has your musica journey been?
I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. I’ve been training in Indian Classical (Carnatic) vocals since I was 5, and most of my days are shaped by some level of musical inputs and outputs. Moving to the US when I was 8 years old was definitely a curveball because I didn’t know how to navigate this new world. Through grade school, there was a set of constantly nagging subliminal questions that I wasn’t able to answer: Do I let go of the Indian Aditya Rao and develop this shiny new American Aditya Rao? Do I try to teeter both worlds?
In parallel, what I wanted to be was a full-time musician, but I knew nothing about the business end of the industry, which I felt was important to know, especially if I was to operate as an independent artist who needs to talk to A&R reps, tour managers, review contracts, and everything else that happens in the background before getting on stage.
That’s what led me to get a Master’s in Entertainment Industry Management from Carnegie Mellon. What I didn’t realize was how time flew by during this period. My plan of becoming the Artist was being superseded by this alter-ego, which I realized after working for nearly 8 years.
It’s not that I didn’t work on music during this period – most of my recognized collaborations with other artists were released during this time, but I never had the time or headspace to focus on my own work. That’s when I decided to jump ship and get into the driver’s seat of my own work. It took 2 years to work on developing the songs in these two EP’s.
The fact that the songs traverse so many genres is completely intentional – I can never box myself to just rock, just pop, or just classical.
You have worked with so many people in the music industry. How has that been? What was the most important lesson you have learned from them?
Staying humble and true to yourself is one of the most important – and at many times, the most difficult – attributes. Everyone I’ve worked with so far is in this music world because they love to make music. They enjoy making music that means something to them first, before thinking about how it can connect with the world. I find joy in the process of developing music that is not merely an extension, but the very core of who I am.
Let’s talk about “Thrills”. What is it about?
I had a crazy thought of wanting to hear how a song could blend Funk with African beats and pop/R&B. The next thing I know, I’m working with an indie producer from SF (Nagaari), my high school friend from Pittsburgh (horns/bass), a session guitarist from LA, and a three-time Grammy-winning mix engineer to bring “Thrills” to life. The song hits the right spot this summer, fresh out of a lockdown (mostly), eager to tease and flirt a little.
What was the production of the song like? Was there something you specifically wanted to highlight while recording this song?
My co-producer (who I trust dearly and haven’t yet met in person) lives in San Francisco. My instrumentalists have tracked bass, drums, and horns in their own home studios. I’ve recorded inside closets, at hotel rooms, and in echoey bedrooms. I’ve produced mid-flight, in-between meals, and in-between moving from Los Angeles to Austin. And I think this unconventional way of getting things together, remotely, all came together in the most beautiful manner.
What do you want the audience to listen to in your music?
What I’ve learned is that my music and lyrics connect with people in very different ways; I enjoy the non-uniformity of it. So rather than answering what I want the audience to listen to, I’m more curious to learn how the music or the lyrics connect with them.
What are your future plans?
My third single will be releasing in the coming weeks, followed by the launch of the first EP. I’m really excited to have an opportunity to constantly release new music for the rest of the year while expanding on music for album 2. Lots of new content coming up! You can catch all the latest on my socials, easily available at www.adivocals.com
Lastly, do you have any messages for the readers of ai love music?
My musical journey – although 30 years in the making – is just beginning now, and I can’t wait to continue to share my music with the readers of ai love music in the coming months!
