Thai-Chilean, NYC native, multi-hyphenate artist, Araya, today shares one of his most exciting collaborations to date, “Electro Devil,” featuring NYC rapper and PAPER Magazine’s November cover star CLIP. It also serves to announce Araya’s forthcoming EP, Arena. Listen to “Electro Devil ft. CLIP” HERE.

“Electro Devil” is the first taste of this new era of Araya’s artistry, which is always intentional in every way. It’s a yummy, pulsing, booming mix of electronic, pop, and R&B that CLIP’s confident but refined verse perfectly completes, amidst the lush soundscape that Araya’s constructed with his melodic sensibility. The video was co-directed by Araya & NYC based videographer/photographer Fenn Paider(previously co-directing “Adore/Pretty Lies“). 

CLIP adds, “Being able to create with your friends is always fun, collaborating with Araya for the first time on both the song & music video definitely embodied the feel good energy that ‘Electro Devil’ gives off & I hope listeners will be able to experience that same energy Araya & I felt while creating ‘Electro Devil’ when they hear it for the first time”

1. How did this title come about? Any real life events or anecdotes behind this track?

I came up with ‘Electro Devil’ in the middle of a freestyle. The word combo felt especially relevant to me because that week I was learning about Hajime Sorayama’s work.

2. How do you feel now that’s it out? Do you feel this is some of your best work?

I feel so good finally having this track out, it’s really necessary that I go into hiding when I’m trying to feel newness again… but I feel like my sound has developed to a more thoughtful and eclectic me. 

3. How would you describe your style in a few words?

I think my style is melancholic, colorful and romantic 

4. What is the most fulfilling thing about what you do?

I love being able to inspire my homies; although my accolades are still small, certain wins feel bigger than me and that is the best feeling.

5. Tell us what was your first exposure to music and how it changed your life

My first memorable exposure to music was listening to my grandfather sing Elvis Presley on his acoustic guitar. I wasn’t able to understand at the time but it was this beautiful expression of how music was seen and felt in my home growing up.

6. Tell us about working with CLIP. How did this partnership begin and what did you learn from her?

I love CLIP… she is an alt black female artist who is paving the way in the underground. CLIP and I both have a really close mutual / creative who we both worked with throughout our careers. (Siena Saba) CLIP fully sprained her leg on set of the ED shoot and still pushed through and shot like 10 more walking scenes so I def learned that from her, she is a G.