Celeb Secrets: Since you were majoring in acting, what inspired you to transition over to music?
Vardaan Arora: “I’ve always loved performing, and I think that acting and singing both have that aspect in common. Music has been such a huge part of who I am as a person, and songwriting is just an exciting new medium to be able to creatively express myself through. As an artist, that excited me. My music is authentically me, which is different from when I’m playing a character, you know?”
Celeb Secrets: How would you describe your sound?
Vardaan Arora: “It’s definitely eclectic. The three singles I have put out so far all sound different from one another. I’m lucky that I get to make the kind of music I like to listen to, and I think part of that has to do with being an independent artist. I can take risks, experiment with different sounds. It’s still pop music though, and I hope it resonates with people even after just the first listen.”
Celeb Secrets: Do you feel inspired by any other artists?
Vardaan Arora: “Of course! It’s impossible not to be.There’s so many game changing acts out there that I’m so into right now – Zara Larsson, Dua Lipa, Alessia Cara. I think Ariana Grande’s latest record was a masterpiece. The list goes on, really.”
Celeb Secrets: Who would be your dream artist to work with?
Vardaan Arora: “Sia, I think. Can you imagine how much of a powerhouse that woman would be in the studio?”
Celeb Secrets: Top 5 favorite songs at the moment?
Vardaan Arora: “This is tough! Here goes:
Tell Me Lies – Deorro
Touch It – Ariana Grande
Symphony – Clean Bandit / Zara Larsson
All Hands On Deck – Tinashe
It Ain’t Me – Kygo / Selena Gomez”
Celeb Secrets: Tell us a bit more about your songwriting process and how you get your ideas flowing?
Vardaan Arora: “It’s super messy. I rarely have a full song written out before going into the studio – it’s always in bits and pieces. I don’t like to force ideas on myself, so I wait for them to come to me organically. It usually happens when I’m feeling an extreme emotion – whether it’s happiness, sadness, or even just exhaustion.”
Celeb Secrets: Have you gone through any personal experiences that influenced your music and the songwriting process?
Vardaan Arora: “Absolutely. I like to draw from personal experiences when I write – and I want all my lyrics to be relatable. I want people to listen to my songs and think to themselves, “oh yeah. I know what that feels like.” For example, my debut single ‘Feel Good Song’ was actually inspired by my battle with mental health issues – and how everyone should have the right to find their happy place on their own terms. Of course it doesn’t explicitly say that in the lyrics, but having that meaning attached to that song is what makes it so close to my heart.”
Celeb Secrets: Can you tell us more about your new single “Poison” and how is it different from your past singles?
Vardaan Arora: “For lack of a better word, I’d just say it’s more intense. It’s a little darker, more electronic. Vocally, too, it’s more energetic.”
Celeb Secrets: Can we expect a tour from you soon?
Vardaan Arora: “I hope so! I want to write and record more before beginning to perform. I want to continue to add to my body of work and really focus on that.”
Celeb Secrets: Since we are Celeb Secrets, what is a secret that fans may not know about you?
Vardaan Arora: “This is kind of gross, but I brush my teeth in the shower almost every single time I shower. Is that weird? Does it count as a secret?”
