Bengaluru singer Riddhi Rao debuts five track EP Spiral Theory

Bengaluru-based singer-songwriter Riddhi Rao has released her debut five-track EP, titled 'Spiral Theory', marking her official entry as a recording artist in the city. The project, which explores themes of self-discovery, introspection, and emotional patterns, was developed under the guidance of her long-time mentor, Richard Andrew Dudley.

Born to parents from Mangalore and Mysore, Rao moved to Bengaluru, where she began pursuing her musical career more seriously. Her training in both Hindustani and Carnatic classical music laid the foundation for her sound, which she blends with contemporary influences from artists like Kendrick Lamar, Lauryn Hill, and Michael Jackson.

The EP consists of five deeply personal tracks: "Nice", "Locked Up", "Spiral", "Too Much", and "Rise Up". Rao stated that the concept of 'Spiral Theory' emerged during a period of self-reflection, during which she analyzed difficult emotions and recognized recurring behavioral patterns in her relationships and life.

According to Rao, most of the songs began as questions she did not yet have answers to. Writing the tracks persuaded her to sit with her feelings long enough to understand and eventually let them go. She wanted each track to stand on its own while contributing to a larger overarching narrative.

The recording process took place under the guidance of Richard Andrew Dudley, a producer and Grammy member who has mentored Rao for five years. Rao expressed gratitude for Dudley's expertise, noting that the collaboration taught her a great deal.

The process also challenged Rao's assumptions about creativity and collaboration. She explained that she learned to compromise and accept help from people who believed in the project, realizing that collaboration did not mean giving up her creative control.

Rao credited Bengaluru's supportive and tight-knit independent music scene with providing a welcoming ecosystem that allowed her to comfortably express herself. Through 'Spiral Theory', she hopes to connect with listeners on a personal level, offering stories of honesty and self-reflection.