Austin-based singer-songwriter, producer and composer Adi Rao blends country storytelling with South Indian classical influences, creating a cross-cultural sound shaped by identity and emotion. On Friday, Feb. 20, Rao will perform for the third time at Cactus Cafe. The Daily Texan sat down with Rao to discuss his creative process and what performing at UT means to him.
The Daily Texan: How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before?
Adi Rao: It’s the feeling of (going) through life trying to fit into specific molds the world (creates) … (but then) you realize you don’t have to fit in. … The storytelling that comes innately from country music (blends) with my role of southern Indian classical music. The style is called Carnatic … I made a joke: imagine Chris Stapleton waking up in India one day, and he’s confused at first, but he starts writing and singing songs, (and) it all makes sense.
DT: What’s it like to perform at Cactus Cafe?
AR: For any artist in Austin, it’s a rite of passage to perform at Cactus (Cafe). It comes with a rich tapestry of artists from all over the world, from touring acts to local bands. … It’s the perfect listening room … You have to be your complete vulnerable self on that stage, and that’s the only thing people attending ever expect out of you … The most beautiful part about performing there is listening to students take in (my) stories. It’s like having a conversation with my younger self.`
DT: Your project “Countryish” explores themes like resilience and identity. Where do those ideas come from for you personally?
AR: They come (from) the friction of my own life. For a long time, I felt like balancing two distinct versions of myself, the guy who is an American (student) who (pushes) away his (past), and the other who comes home and has to … embrace himself as a person of Indian heritage … There came a moment I realized I’m a culmination of multiple identities … What was beautiful about “Countryish” … it (became) my exploration (of) what lies underneath all these identities … It’s reflecting my life as it is.
DT: How have your experiences working on film soundtracks and collaborations shaped the way you approach projects?
AR: I’ve scored … for TV shows and documentaries and been a background vocalist for Carlos Santana, Billie Eilish, Camilla Cabello and Thirty Seconds to Mars that gave me this intriguing, rare behind-the-scenes look into how these worldly names build their music … It’s shaped how I approach my own projects, which is in a cinematic (way). … When I (wrote) music for “Countryish,” I (approached) each song like a scene from a film. … That has made my storytelling visual, intentional (and) emotionally grounded.
DT: You’ve played in a wide range of venues around Austin and beyond. How has the local music scene influenced your music and how you connect with audiences?
AR: I’ve played all around the world in major cities — LA, New York, Bangalore, Chennai, Miami. What is … unique about Austin is how we value authenticity over polish. … People really love it when you bring your real self on stage and talk about yourself in the most real sense. … (It pushes) me to be more raw and vulnerable.
