Arnav Naraharisetti Interview
If my journey makes someone believe they can chase their dream too, that’s the best feeling.
Q. You perform in 14 languages, a rare artistic skill. What sparked your journey into multilingual Music, and how has it shaped your identity as an artist?
Growing up, I was surrounded by music from many cultures like Bollywood, Telugu, Tamil, Punjabi, English pop, and even French songs. I was always curious about how each language carries its own emotion and unique style. That curiosity pushed me to learn songs beyond my mother tongue.
Performing in 14 languages has shaped me as a versatile artist. It helps me connect with diverse audiences, adapt to different styles, and understand music at a deeper level. Each language teaches me something new about expression, pronunciation, and culture. It has become a big part of my identity. It shows that music truly has no boundaries and that emotion can be carried beautifully in any language.
Q. Most young performers focus on one genre, but your profile shows versatility: vocals, Instruments, music production, live concerts, and competitions. What drives this multi-dimensional approach?
My goal as an artist is to grow in every direction, not just one. Exploring vocals, instruments, music production, live concerts, and competitions helps me understand music from different angles. Each skill teaches me something unique. Some examples are technique, discipline, stage presence, and emotional connection. This multi-dimensional approach is driven by my desire to become a well-rounded performer who can adapt to any stage or musical style.
Q. Open Mic Canada and VStar 2025 are big achievements. What did those competitions teach you about pressure, performance, and growth?
Performing at a competition requires commitment and practice. You can never perfect something unless you practice it. Even planning stage actions can really elevate your performance and help you connect with the audience.
At the competitions, there is much pressure. It can sometimes even be nerve-racking when at a competition. It is important to stay calm, confident and energetic so you can look as such on stage.
Q. When you’re learning a new language for a song, what’s your process? Do you approach it musically or emotionally first?
When I learn a song in a new language, I start by understanding the emotion behind the lyrics. Once I know what the song is trying to express, I study pronunciation, accent, and phrasing. Then I blend the musical elements (melody, dynamics, and technique). So it’s emotionally approached first, then technically. That balance helps me deliver the song authentically.
Q. Your stage videos show a strong sense of presence. What’s one thing about live performance that social media can never capture?
The thrill you feel before the first note, the crowd singing with you, the emotion in the room are moments can only be experienced live. That connection between me and the audience is something no video can ever recreate.
The one thing social media can never capture is the real-time energy exchange between the performer and the audience. On stage, every cheer, every smile, every moment of silence creates a unique atmosphere. That connection can be felt only in person, and it’s what makes live performance so special to me.
Q. You collaborate frequently. What do you look for in an artist before deciding, ‘Yes, I want to work with them’?
I look for artists who truly feel their music. When someone sings or plays with genuine emotion and kindness, it just clicks. Collaboration for me is about growing together, sharing ideas, learning from each other, and performing something beautiful together that neither of us could do alone.
Q. Music today is shaped as much by algorithms as by talent. How do you balance authenticity with the need to stay visible online?
I understand that algorithms play a big role in visibility today, but I don’t let them dictate my artistry. I focus on creating authentic music and performances that reflect who I am. At the same time, I stay consistent online; posting high-quality content, engaging with my audience, and adapting to trends without compromising my style.
I always remind myself why I started singing, because I love expressing emotions through music. So my balance is simple; I create from the heart, and then I share it in a way that connects with people online.
For me, authenticity comes first, and visibility follows naturally when the content is genuine. When you stay true to yourself, the right audience will always find you, algorithm or not!
Q. As someone young with a growing fan base, what’s a responsibility you feel towards your audience that people might not expect?
I think my biggest responsibility is to give my audience an experience which is beyond singing. When I sing, I want the audience to escape their stress and just enjoy the music. At the same time, I love inspiring younger singers who look up to me. If my journey makes someone believe they can chase their dream too, that’s the best feeling.
Q. What’s the most challenging song you’ve ever performed and what made it challenging?
Out of the songs I’ve sung, there are a handful of difficult-to-pull-off songs in my repertoire. Some examples are Beautiful Things by Benson Boone for its high note and Lose Control by Teddy Swims for its complicated riffs. A difficult song in the language of Hindi is Mere Dholna. It is difficult and challenging for its fast and breathless swara lines.
Q. If you could sing a duet in any language you haven’t tried yet, which language would it be and why?
I’ve always been fascinated by French music. I learned French in grade 3 (French immersion) and have performed in French but not a duet so far. French is so expressive and melodic. Singing a duet in French would be exciting.
Q. Your journey is already inspiring younger performers. What’s one mindset shift you wish every aspiring musician would adopt early?
One mindset shift I wish every young musician would adopt early is overcoming stage fright. If fear holds you back, you can’t fully express your talent. Whether that is on stage or on social media. Once I pushed past my own stage fright and performed in front of my first live audience, everything changed.
My parents could see my potential, and I felt a new level of confidence. That moment shaped the energetic performer I am today. Without overcoming that fear, I wouldn’t be able to do what I love.
Q. Fun question to end with: If your life had a background score that played every time you entered a room, which song would it be?
Well, it varies from time and situation. May be for now it is from my Telugu Original song, Nee Kosam.
Bio:
Arnav Naraharisetti is a versatile Indo-Canadian singer, song writer and performer, celebrated for his powerful voice, multilingual mastery, and dynamic stage presence. Born and raised in Canada with deep Indian roots, he discovered his passion for music at a young age and quickly began honing his craft across diverse genres, ranging from Bollywood and Tollywood to pop, rock, and Western contemporary. He gained recognition through standout performances at prestigious cultural events, reality shows, and competitions, singing in over 14 languages with remarkable precision and emotion. His recent successes include winning several competitions including the Open Mic Canada Ontario Championship 2025, ‘Young Excellence Achiever’ award 2025, earning appreciation from government dignitaries.
Beyond covers, Arnav is now stepping into the world of originals, collaborating with lyricists, composers, and filmmakers for his debut Telugu and English pop tracks. Known for his discipline, humility, and constant pursuit of excellence, he continues to push artistic boundaries while inspiring young musicians. With every performance, Arnav brings authenticity, emotion, and global musical sensibility, cementing his place as one of the most promising young voices of his generation.
Interviewed by: Nidhi
){kind=link}
0 Comments