Meet Aria Rai: Singer, Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aria Rai and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aria, how do you think about risk?
I think just being a song writer is a huge risk. You never know how people are going to respond when you make something public and it’s very risky to subject yourself to the criticism of strangers when you create something as vulnerable as music. For example, in my song “Numb” I made the decision to be extremely open and honest about some of the things I was going through and it was very nerve wracking for me to release it to the ears of other people. But, if I hadn’t taken that risk I would’ve never reached as many people as I did. I got so many messages from people all over the world who were extremely touched by my song because they were going through the same thing that I was. It ended up being a beautiful experience that turned one of my saddest songs into something that honestly makes me happy. I’ve made many performance risks as well. There was a time when I went to watch someone perform and she ended up asking me to sing couple of my original songs on stage during her break. I almost said no because that wasn’t something I had ever done before. After some deliberation I came to the conclusion that taking the risk would have a better outcome then just sitting and missing an opportunity. I ended up being right and I’m so proud that I took a stand against my fear and stepped out of my comfort zone.

Please tell us more about your career. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
My music has and will continue to be very emotional which I think is something that sets me apart from other musicians in the industry. I focus so much on making sure my lyrics are the best part of my song because that’s what touches people the most. People have always told me how relatable my songs are and that is something that’s important to me. I love the fact that my songs can help someone overcome something! When someone messages me about my music touching their hearts that’s when I become extremely proud of my decision to become a musician. I got to where I am because I never gave up. There have been and still are times when I face doubt and go through troubles along the way but I just think about the outcome of my struggles and realize that that means more to me than whatever I’m facing. Some lessons I’ve learned is that not everyone is gonna like your music and that is okay. Rejection is very common in my career path and it’s important to not let a few negative things outweigh the thousands of positive things. I want the world to know that the most important thing to me is that my lyrics help someone. If a hundred people told me they didn’t like my song but one person said it helped them through a hard time I would be overjoyed. I really care about the well being of others and I want my music to reflect that.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I know it’s kind of cliché to say but I would totally bring them Sedona. My family has had this tiny little cabin up their for generations and any time I visit I always feel so at peace and inspired. In Sedona there is this road that I would 100% drive them through. The view is so beautiful but if you roll down the windows it actually smells like puppies. I know that sounds super crazy but it’s true. It’s the weirdest thing! There’s also a super yummy pizza place in Pine, Arizona called Old County Inn. They have outdoor seating next to this big heater, because it can actually get pretty cold there believe it or not, with these hanging lights. The food is really good and they make these fresh buffalo chips that you can get as an appetizer. I love eating there and I know other people would too. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank my family for always being so supportive of my decision to be a musician. Ever since I was little they did everything in their power to better me in my musical journey and I am eternally grateful to them for that. My sister, Hannah, is even taking music industry classes at her college to help me even more along the way. Another person I am thankful for is my producer, Robbie Williamson (Rob the Heart). He took my songs that were made from just guitar and my voice and turned them into this high scale masterpiece. I was lucky to find such an amazing and talented producer to record the songs that I’m so proud of. I’m just very blessed because I’m surrounded by such a solid group of people that have done nothing but lift me up and support my music.

Website: https://www.ariarai.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariaxrai/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ariaxrai?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ariaraiofficial/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4gxHjUjSpHTjaRulpfyJxg

Image Credits
Hannah Cunningham