Araya and his bandmates (Goode, Luca Cuni, and Will Catucci) reunited at the same studio in rural Connecticut to record his new album ‘Ethos’, the same setting where Araya’s breakout debut was born. As for the creative process behind the new album Araya and his group took up residence in the studio home to the early days of Araya and his rise as an artist, powering through a series of multi-day sessions in a bid to immerse themselves in music. ‘Ethos’ delves into the insecurities of everyday life, acknowledging our inner criticisms and exploring how as a society we deal with the downfalls of our own mindset. Tracks “Archon” and “Candy” reflect on the ways that bravado and swagger frequently disguise trauma and self doubt. “Blue”, adding a sense of R&B influence to the album with the infusion of rap, grapples with the fear of waiting for something that never arrives, accompanying “Again”, a heartbreaking track analysing the hurt that comes with loss and rejection.
Speaking on the track Araya highlighted “My music is mainly inspired by curiosity to forever learn and further investigate certain parts of myself that have led me to a deeper understanding of my place here. Music has provided me a space to dissect my thoughts & experiences in an organic way that is lasting. The drafts of both my perspective and choices come to represent me and my journey.”
A prolific visual artist, Araya graces the scene with carefully curated worlds for his music to live in, known for his emotive, captivating music videos and artwork. Throughout Ethos, Araya wrestles with topics of purpose, identity, and spirituality, among other things, whilst blending retro and futuristic rhythms into a compelling hybrid of R&B, soul, hip-hop, and edm, reminiscent of Tirzah, Erika de Casier, and Blood Orange.
Ultimately Ethos transitions to a position of acceptance, a sense of final realisation that the ache of vulnerability and fragility is worth the serenity and gratitude that comes from a genuine understanding of ones self and our place in the universe. The outcome is a profound, existential album that maintains a calming balance between the intellectual and the visceral. “The Greeks used the term ethos to describe the power of music to mould people,” Araya explains, “and I believe these songs have really helped shape the person I’ve become.”