Haymai: Aaryan, you’re making waves as one of the few Indian American artists in the music industry. How does it feel to represent that space?
Aaryan Shah: It’s surreal, honestly. Being one of the first Indian American acts on the scene feels like we’re breaking new ground every day. I think it’s important to show that we belong here, especially in genres like R&B that haven’t seen much representation from our community. It’s a challenge, no doubt, because there aren’t many examples to follow, but it’s also exciting to be at the forefront of something new. We’re here to stay, and I want to show the world what it looks like at the highest level.
Haymai: Your parents came to Los Angeles when they were just 20. How did their journey shape your upbringing?
Aaryan Shah: My upbringing in LA was unique, especially growing up close to Orange County. My parents were always a bit more liberal than you’d expect from immigrant parents, which gave me room to explore my artistic side. I was always into painting, singing, dancing—just all forms of expression. But when I decided to drop out of school at 15 to pursue music seriously, that’s when reality hit. My parents supported me, but there was a limit. When you’re telling immigrant parents you want to make music your career, especially without any connections in the entertainment industry, it’s a tough sell. But it was all I could see myself doing.
Haymai: Dropping out at 15 to pursue music is a bold move. Did it ever feel like a long shot?
Aaryan Shah: Absolutely. It felt like the longest shot possible, but it was the only thing that made sense to me. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. The odds were definitely stacked against me, especially coming from a community where the norm is to go into business or medicine. But I knew I had to take that risk.
Haymai: Who were some of the biggest influences that shaped your sound?
Aaryan Shah: Bruno Mars was a huge influence, and Justin Timberlake as well. Justin was actually my first concert—I saw him during the 20/20 Experience Tour and that was a game-changer for me. After that, I really started diving into music, studying the greats from the 80s and 90s. Freddie Mercury is another big one for me. His story resonates a lot, especially his struggles with identity and how the world wasn’t ready to accept where he came from. That’s something I can relate to, growing up in a world that’s not always ready to accept who you are.
Haymai: You’re not just a singer but also a producer. How did you learn to produce and record your own music?
Aaryan Shah: It was a lot of trial and error, learning on the job. I started writing music at 14, and I tried to surround myself with as many engineers and producers as possible. I was like a sponge, soaking up everything I could from them—why they did certain things, how they achieved certain sounds. Over time, I picked up a lot of skills, especially in areas where I knew I needed more control. My vision is always so specific and conceptual, so I wanted to have as much of that in my hands as possible.
Haymai: You’ve stayed independent so far. How has that journey been for you?
https://youtu.be/vD1bPSjFAQM?si=KnPVvYCshtE4_3LwAaryan Shah: The independent grind has been great, honestly. It’s a good time to be an independent artist because of the creative freedom you have. I can make whatever I want, whenever I want. The connection with fans is what drives me, and being independent allows me to cater directly to them without any restrictions. For instance, we weren’t even planning to make my last album, The Dark Ages. It all started during an acid trip in 2020—I was taking a lot of acid, which was this wild, creative energy for us. We started drawing parallels between history and what we were experiencing, and it just clicked. I don’t think a label would’ve been on board with something like that, but being independent, we had the freedom to dive in and create this whole world.
Haymai: Speaking of collaborations, how did the remix with Zacari on “Renegade” come about?
Aaryan Shah: That was a crazy experience. My manager, Megh, and the rest of the team have ties with TDE, and I’ve been a fan of Zacari for a long time. “Renegade” is an older track, but it started gaining momentum again, so we thought, why not bring it back with someone we respect? Zacari was one of the first people who came to mind. We sent him the track, and he connected with it right away. He sent back his part so quickly, and when we got into the studio, it was clear we were on the same wavelength. He’s a genuinely nice person, and I’m glad he’s the first artist I’ve officially worked with.
Haymai: What do you want fans to take away from “Renegade”?
Aaryan Shah: “Renegade” is really a reflection of who I am—someone who’s always felt like an outsider, a black sheep. The song is about embracing that renegade spirit, doing what feels right for you, even if it goes against the grain. I think a lot of people resonate with that energy now, especially in a world that’s constantly telling you who to be and what to do.
Haymai: Will there be a visual for “Renegade”?
Aaryan Shah: No, I think “Renegade” lives in its own era. It was part of my album The Arrival, and that’s where it belongs. I’m in a different place now, and I’m focused on what comes next. The visual side of things will reflect where I’m at now, not where I was.
Haymai: Speaking of what’s next, what can we expect from you in the near future?
Aaryan Shah: That’s a good question. I like to keep things cryptic because I want fans to experience it as it unfolds. Everything I do is very narrative-based. The Dark Ages was an experience we built from the ground up, and whatever comes next will build on that. My goal is to bring something new every time I come back. So, I won’t be releasing anything until I have something fresh and exciting to share. [laughs]
Haymai: Finally, what do you hope fans get from The Dark Ages?
Aaryan Shah: The Dark Ages is deeply personal to me, but what’s been amazing is seeing how everyone has their own experience with it. People find comfort in the project, and I hope it serves as a time capsule for them—a moment they can look back on, years from now, and say, “That was my own dark age.” It’s a project meant to resonate on a personal level, and I hope it continues to do that for years to come.