With an undeniable fashion sense and insane visuals and vocals, Araya’s new projects are truly the real deal. In his new EP, “ARENA,” Araya creates songs that are utterly satisfying to listen to. It is the epitome of ear candy. From the hushed vocals partnered with dynamic synths and production, Araya creates a new world of heartbreak and alternative r&b.
Araya and his team create a world in which you can conceptualize a song in a way that is truly unique. In “WHERE FLOWERS GO TO DIE”, Araya combines emotional vocals with an upbeat production to create a song that echoes in your head. Using an incredible production and imagery style, each song reinvents levitation.
Learn more about the ep, “ARENA,” and what it means to Araya here:
Laura:
How are you? How have you prepared for the release of the ep?
Araya:
I’ve been going so hard with my creative team (Fenn Paider) while gearing up for this release, we are bringing a bunch of super elaborate ideas for the visuals to life like the music video we just put out for “WHERE FLOWERS GO TO DIE”. I also did a show at Elsewhere not too long ago which was amazing as I hadn’t performed in a little while. I was finally able to perform a bunch of the new music for the first time.
Laura:
Growing up in NYC and attending FIT, did your path in graphic design and photography influence your concepts?
Araya:
I think it helps me to see things in a very imaginary way. Ideas I have don’t usually feel too big because school really helped me conceptualize within certain limitations.
Laura:
I think your overall concepts are elaborate, bright and sometimes electric, do you choose certain concepts to reflect your feelings about your work?
Araya:
Lately I love playing with symbolism and moving to more abstract representations for ideas and feelings I have placed into my music.
Laura:
How do you decide what imagery/fashion will be used in each project?
Araya:
I always have a loose image in my head before I go into a visual for a song. I like to think about the tonality of a song and whether I’d like to go with or against that.
Laura:
After looking at your Instagram, I noticed the eye you have for fashion. Has that always interested you? What look is your favorite you have done?
Araya:
I’ve always loved fashion because of my og muse / mother, Lady Gaga but I got really into my own personal style in college. Lately I’m into dark and sexy.
Laura:
Do you typically choose different hairdye/styles to fit different eras of your music?
Araya:
Sometimes there is intention with my hair in a video/ song but it can also just be a coincidence/ how I’m wearing my hair at the time.
Laura:
After watching “WHERE FLOWERS GO TO DIE”, I was blown away by the imagery and overall quality of the video and message. What did you hope to achieve through this video?
Araya:
Thank you, me and my co director/DP Fenn Paider do entire videos basically by ourselves so I think we feel like we have something to prove to the industry sometimes. But I wanted to create some visual support for the heartbreak hotel themes in this recent project.
Laura:
Is there a specific message you are looking to spread with this song?
Araya:
Awareness is key and love is everteaching; this song has helped me heal and I hope it can do the same for others.
Laura:
What inspired you to invite people from your different communities to the video?
Araya:
When I feel like I have nothing, my music and my community is always there nevertheless I just need to be strong enough to reach out and be present .
Laura:
Based on your past projects, what difference do you see with the release of “ARENA?”. How does it differ from your previous projects?
Araya:
ARENA sonically feels really true to what I am and what I’m becoming. There are some really intentional nods to the things I’m inspired/ fascinated by. New team, Araya chords, exploration
Laura:
I noticed you work with a lot of notable producers, did that help to create a different sound for this ep? Do you enjoy experimenting with different producers to create a more diverse sound?
Araya:
This entire EP was made with one producer who is named Frankie Scoca; it felt great to lock in like this because I think he & I are both so connected to the final product.
Laura:
Overall, what is your favorite song off the ep and what it means to you?
Araya:
VA: NIDA bc I named it after my grandmother; the song is 4 weeks of once a week visits to Frankie’s studio I record at in Somers, NY. Each week I came home with a different section of the song which was originally a collection of 4 separate songs. The song was stitched together in the chronological order that they were made and follows the weeks of one the major conflicts in my relationship and a pivotal turning point in my heart.
