Aaradhna has released her first album in eight years.
The trailblazing Aotearoa artist today dropped Sweet Surrender, the long-awaited follow-up to 2016’s chart-topping Brown Girl.
Aaradhna took complete control on her new album, producing every track and playing many of the instruments herself. The result is a confident collection that signals a bold new chapter in her already distinguished career.
“Creating this album was a complete reset for me,” Aaradhna says. “I had to figure it all out myself. I didn’t want to rely on anyone else to create what I can hear in my head.
“I used to just build the skeleton of the songs, but now I’m building the body. I’m adding the layers and the finishing touches, with the support and help from my amazing band. I’m pouring my soul into every note, every chord.”
Aaradhna might have committed to total artistic control on Sweet Surrender, but the album also possesses a sense of exquisite release and freedom. “This album is me letting go,” she explains. “it’s not about proving anything. I’m not getting too technical or trying to sing so hard. I’m okay with being soft. I’m not fighting against the current, I’m just going with the natural flow. That’s what Sweet Surrender is about.”
Sweet Surrender features previous single “Mango Tree”, a soothing track featuring Aaradhna’s sultry vocals over traditional flutes and a deep, hypnotic beat. Natural imagery of mango trees, honey, and bees adds to its earthy and spiritual essence.
Overall, Aaradhna says she’s proud of how her new album showcases her growth, both as a woman and an artist.
“This is the truest reflection of who I am, and I’m proud of it,” she says. “I’ve never felt more confident about my music. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s mine.”
The release of Sweet Surrender caps an excellent year for Aaradhna. She was named Te Manu Taki Manako o te Tau | Best Soul/RnB Artist at the 2024 Aotearoa Music Awards, despite facing strong competition from Dallas Tamaira and Sam V.
And she already has a big tour lined up in early 2025 alongside L.A.B and Stan Walker. Find out more about their joint tour here.
Aaradhna’s Sweet Surrender is out now.
