Arya Rao – Credit List (2025)
Known for her bold voice, poetic melodies, and vivid storytelling, singer-songwriter Arya Rao creates an immersive musical experience for audiences. Embracing her music at a young age, Rao not only flared that burning passion for the art but intricately defined a particular sound. As an Indian-Australian musician unafraid to explore the complexities of life, she binds her heritages to explore issues of identity, grief and intimacy. Come with us as we delve into her intriguing discography.
Following the 2024 EP, Cry Love, Rao steps into 2025 with her single, ‘Credit List’. Composed with Charlie Tilton, ‘Credit List’ is a melange of strength and fragility, boldness and timidity, vintage and contemporary, raw honesty and tender sincerity. From the outset, the single appears simplistic in one vein, binding guitars in a blues-inspired tone; however, a kaleidoscopic sentimentality weaves into the melody with twinkling shimmers. Interestingly, while Rao’s rich vocals harmonically blend with the tune, there is a distinction between each instrumentation and her voice as if she both rides atop and guides the melody.
The song may be considered just a song, but it is not only the languid soulfulness of ‘Credit List’ that immerses you in its sound. Instead of hitting you between the eyes, ‘Credit List’ elegantly climbs into your ear, rattles about your brain, and pours into your heart, clutching it in a tender caress. Soft and charming, but with a powerful bite, Rao taps into the challenges of acceptance, acknowledgement, and taking that uncomfortable step to “…admit when we’re the ones who’ve messed up…”. As uncomfortable as the message may be, resilience and empowerment oozes from ‘Credit List’.
Alright, all in all, what do I think of Arya Rao and ‘Credit List’? This is my introduction to Rao, so I honestly was unsure what to expect. I read of her classical training and atmospheric productions, yet fluidity exists in ‘Credit List’, reaching beyond structure with a veiled enthusiasm. Evocative and exciting, I am eager to hear more from Arya Rao. Until then, I’m happy to dive into her back catalogue and highly recommend you do so too.
Find out more about Arya Rao on her official website, Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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