Aaradhna is a soulful R&B singer from Wellington, New Zealand, who has just released her fourth album Brown Girl through Frequency Media Group / Golden Era Records / Dawn Raid Entertainment. After a four year break between releases, Brown Girl is currently the #1 Pop Album and #1 NZ Album, as well as having the current #1 and #2 Heat Seeker Singles in New Zealand, giving “Radz” her first number one album.
Brown Girl was recorded in Brooklyn and LA, and was produced entirely by Jeff Dynamite of Brooklyn-based Truth & Soul Records (Aloe Blacc, Adele, Lady, Lee Fields & The Expressions) over a two year period. It features superb sessional musicians throughout the album, providing the backing track to Aaradhna’s powerful vocals and lyrics. The album is currently #15 in the American R&B/Soul Charts, up from a debut of #23 the week before, it’s #9 on the Australian ARIA Urban Album Charts, currently at #73 in the Overall Australian ARIA Charts, and #136 on the Google Australia Play Chart.
The platinum-selling artist grew up as a New Zealander of Indian and Samoan heritage and deservedly gained widespread attention in 2004 through featuring on South Auckland R&B duo Adeaze‘s #1 NZ song “Getting Stronger.” Soon thereafter she featured strongly on songs by Australian producer Paul Mac and New Zealand’s Deceptikonz emcee Savage, and has since seen Aaradhna go from strength to strength on each release since her debut album I Love You. Aaradhna has previously worked with Common on the remix to her platinum-selling single “Wake Up” (Remix), as well as P-Money, Talib Kweli, David Dallas, Monsta G, Che Fu and the Hilltop Hoods. She has previously played a sold out show at the legendary Apollo Theatre as well as sold out performances across Australia, America, New Zealand and the wider Pacific region.
The title track Brown Girl tackles racism head on and is inspired by the unfortunate experience of her being racially heckled while winning numerous awards at the NZ Vodafone Music Awards in 2013. The album touches on numerous themes throughout, including her battle with depression, break-up (and eventual reconciliation), family illness as well as lighter, warmer themes such as love and life. Musically it is broad, crossing numerous genres including R&B/Soul/Country/Blues & Pop, which complements Aaradhna’s vocal range and song writing ability. She reminds the listener of a unique combination of a Mary J. Blige / Amy Winehouse / Lauryn Hill / Ashanti with her own personal stamp of inspired soul that leaves a lasting, heartfelt impression and opens up to the listener through an honest account of vulnerability in her voice, that is enchanting and provides excellent playback value.
Her upcoming American tour is to be announced shortly and with Brown Girl currently #19 in the American R&B/Soul iTunes Chart, Aaradhna is likely to return to a city near you soon.
