Sometimes America is late to the game. Such is the case with AARADHNA, the Adele of the South Pacific. With her new album Brown Girl, AARADHNA is set to to continue her world domination in the U.S. And with our current political and cultural landscape – we need her. She’s already dropped the single and video for the stunning “Welcome to the Jungle,” which if you read on, you’ll get a chance to experience. As the July 22 release date for Brown Girl inches closer, AudioFemme go the chance to chat with AARADHNA about race, breaking into the American music scene, and those gorgeous tattoos.
AudioFemme: So you’re already established in New Zealand and Australia. How has your experience been moving towards a US audience with your latest project?
AARADHNA: The reception with ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ is positive but at this stage it’s too soon to say – time will tell.
I read that Brown Girl is about “people trying to put you in a box” – will you elaborate?
Growing up, I’ve seen and witnessed others including myself being ‘labeled’, stereotyped, put in box for what I looked like, what color my skin was, and it’s frustrating because I know who I am as a person. The song “Brown Girl” talks about racism and the feeling of being judged, this song tells the listener that there are layers to me. It goes deeper than skin color. It’s soul – “I am more than the color of my skin, I’m a girl that likes to sing, I’m somebody that has dreams, I’m smart, I’m goofy, I’m proud of my cultural roots, I like to cook, I like to read, I love animals, I have a caring heart, I’m sensitive, I come from a big loving family, I love horror movies, all kinds of music, etc. There’s more to me than what you think see that’s what I’m saying. Don’t put me in a box, a box is restricting and limited. I don’t belong there.
Your new album is very personal. What are your inspirations for the album?
Love, heartbreak, and life in general.
How does it deviate from your earlier work?
Each album is a different stage of my life and with this album it represents how far I’ve come – my growth from a young girl to a woman.
In 2016 the world is such a bonkers place politically – both in the US and abroad. How did politics and race relations play a role in the album?
I always wanted to write a song to express how I’ve felt growing up about being labelled and as previously mentioned the song “Brown Girl” talks about racism and being judged. I’m sure that everyone at some point in their life can relate as these things happen every day.
Tell me about the video for “Welcome to the Jungle.” What were the inspirations behind it?
“Welcome to the Jungle” is about change. You have to go through it, and there is no way around it.
What artists have you been listening to these days?
I’ve been listening to a lot of Shuggie Otis, Freedom Flight always takes me to another place.
Because they’re so beautiful I have to ask – will you tell me about your tattoos?
Thank you – I got these tattoos to represent my Samoan and Indian heritage and that’s just me taking pride in my culture and me saying this is what runs in my blood. My dude Andy Tauafiafi at Taupou Tatau is the awesome artist behind these tats. I don’t go to no one else but to him; he is a great artist.
What advice would you give to a young woman trying break into the music industry?
Perseverance is key. Learn how to say no when you WANT to say no. I used to always consider the person first when it came to my craft, but through time I realized that I need to be selfish, especially when it comes to my craft, ’cause at the end of the day it’s got my name it and I’m responsible for what I put out there, and you have to be 100% happy with what you put out there. Always put you first because no one has your back better than you do.
Watch the video below for “Welcome to the Jungle.” For more AARADHNA, click here to download the title track “Brown Girl.”
