Singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Aria Mody recently released her single/music video, “Made In India,” capturing the thrill of newfound infatuation.
As good as the music is, it’s Mody’s bewitching vocals that captivate listeners – a voice that commands attention. Mody trained under the legendary Seth Riggs – the vocal coach to Michael Jackson, Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Janet Jackson – and Eric Vetro, who tutored Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter.
Of Caucasian and Indian heritage, Mody pulls from her South Asian roots while continuing to build her path as an emerging American pop artist. Her annual visits to India immerse her in the culture and connect her family—an important piece of her identity that shines through in her songcraft.
Produced by Grammy winner Derek “DOA” Allen, “Made In India” reflects Mody’s dynamic spirit and Eastern flair.
The video, directed and choreographed by Prince Gupta, depicts Aria at a party where she seems to be immune to the surrounding festive energy. Until Indian actor and influencer Ayaan Zubair catches her eye. Spellbound, she resolves to spark his interest.
Guitar Girl Magazine spoke with Aria Mody to talk about inspiration, her gorgeous voice, how she got started in music, and her creative process.
What three things can’t you live without?
Food. I love food! That is the one thing that keeps me going whenever I need to raise my mood
Lip gloss. Whenever I’m going out or just want to touch up, I always carry lip gloss. It adds a pop of color wherever I go!
My curiosity. I always question things around me: I want to know why things happen. Without curiosity: I wouldn’t have been able to write my songs or make connections around me.
What inspired your new single/music video, “Made In India?”
With ‘Made in India,’ I wanted to step outside the boundaries. There are so many rules that may feel constricting, but creativity sparks when rules are broken. ‘Made in India’ isn’t about where you were born, but rather, where you were built. I am so grateful to have lived both the American and Indian experience and I want to use my love for music to express my passion for them both!
Who directed the video, and where was it shot?
It was shot at my uncle’s house, my childhood home, in my hometown in Gujarat! Prince Gupta directed the video, and he really knew how to get the best shots and emotions out for the music video!
Your voice is awesome! Did it come naturally, or did you have to work to get it so beautifully evocative?
Both! I have been singing since I was young, so it was natural. But also, I’ve had the honor to be taught by many amazing vocal coaches including Seth Riggs, the vocal coach for Michael Jackson, so I have been practicing my vocals for years
Serious question: why do you make music?
I want to make my six-year-old self proud. The one who always dreamed of living out her dream and singing and performing. And I also want to inspire others to live out their dreams – you only live once!
How did you get started in music?
I’ve been singing since I was young. As I grew up, instruments and songwriting just came hand in hand to me. It was my way of expressing myself, to figure out my identity, and to feel my emotions throughout. I just knew music was for me.
Which singers/musicians influenced your sound?
The 2010s’ core pop artists like Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande were my top inspirations. But I even listen to older artists like Amy Winehouse and Whitney Houston. A lot of artists inspired me, but they have all taught me to be original and true to who I am as an artist
What kind of guitar do you play?
Currently, I use the Taylor Mini GS! But before that, I used my only guitar: A Fender Squier with a missing E string. I still have that guitar with me because it brings back so many memories of my initial creativity and where it has led me to now.
What is your definition of tone? And is your tone evolving?
Tone is a fingerprint. It’s a unique characteristic that differs from everyone. Tone is what makes you special and stand out from everyone else. As an artist, I realize that my tone changes all the time. My fingerprint is my range of genres, my vocal harmony organization, and my co-producer embellishments. I tried to experiment with every song I have cause I want to evolve my tone and show the world who I am.
What can you share about your creative process?
It is a lot of trial and error. Writing a song is easy; coming up with a work of art that you are proud of, and that will not die, is hard. I try to practice doing something musically once a day to improve myself as an artist. Whether I practice writing a song, producing a beat, or even trying a new riff that I heard, I practice something to be consistent with my craft and lead up to making a work of art that I appreciate and can look back on in a couple of years.
Which do you enjoy the most: writing, recording, practicing, or playing live?
All of them are so different for me that I appreciate all of them. Writing is where my raw feelings and emotions are unleashed and where I can edit into a song that other people can appreciate. Recording is where I meet with some of my closest people and we collaborate to project my writing into a song. Practicing is what makes you a better artist and musician. Playing live takes me back to my childhood self and what she always wanted to do. Playing live is where I can be one-on-one with the people and bring all those steps into the final product
What is your definition of success?
I always thought success would be where I’m sitting by a fireplace writing another song, knowing that people are moved by my music. I want to be different. I want to make a change. Success is me doing all those things and being happy that I get to live out my dream.
What’s next for Aria Mody?
I definitely have a few things from ‘Made in India’ that will be appearing pretty soon! I have TONS MORE music, music videos, and content coming soon. I have a sister song to ‘Talk About It,’ MY NEW SINGLE ‘SECRET’ COMING OUT MAY 16th! (with a music video too!!)
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