Conversations with AR!YAH

Today we’d like to introduce you to AR!YAH.

Hi AR!YAH, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been singing since I was three years old. My mother placed me in voice lessons at a very young age. I would sing at church events and school talent shows. This helped me slowly gain confidence and overcome my stage fright. I wrote my first song in fifth grade. My hands would shake from the fear of singing in front of people and being judged but as I grew older and did theatre and music in high-school. I knew this was what I wanted to do. I just thought it would be looked down upon and I didn’t fully believe in myself yet. I went to college for music education but the problem was that I didn’t fit in and I realized I didn’t want to be a teacher. I wanted to perform and share my gift with the world. I switched to vocal performance and trained under two wonderful doctors. I struggled with the transition from high-school to college, But I found people who loved music as much as I did and had me sing on their projects.

We worked super well together. Eventually I created my own songs and started working under the name “Riyah”. This was during 2022-2023. During that time, I transferred to OSU and began studying music performance. I was referred to audition for a musical called Ragtime. I got in and I had a wonderful time doing theater. I realized that I always loved acting and singing on stage. My first show was Peter Pan around 11 years old. I always did theater in high school but I had no idea how I could get back into it. Doing that show brought me back to theatre. I’ve done a few professional shows with short North Stage, CCT, and I had my first lead with Imagine Productions this year. I’ve also been in a few operas at OSU and I realized I fell in love with being on stage and acting again. This is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

I changed my artist name from “Riyah “ to “AR!YAH” in 2025 just because I felt like using my real name. It means “melody” and “Lioness of God.” Which is powerful to me. It refers to me being seen and heard. It catches people’s attention, just like my voice.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I still deal with anxiety and stage fright. I moved a lot as a child as well which was rough for me when I would try and make friends or adapt to new places. I also had trouble in music school but I kept working towards my goals. I feel more solid as a musician and actress. I’ll always continue to work to get better!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a singer and a songwriter. That was what I was first really known for, I’m also known for doing theater and being creative in general. I want to be behind all art mediums whether that’s physical media, social media, music, or acting. I want to be a better dancer as well. My end goal is to be an all around entertainer!

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Do not hesitate to be yourself and go exactly for what you want to do. I was afraid to do both. I didn’t choose music performance or theater as my major because I thought I would be looked down upon. I thought I was just supposed to get a normal job that was solid, but I’d rather follow my dreams and be intentional with what I love to do rather than doing it to make other people happy . Be yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough. Always work on your craft and get better at what you do every day!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ariyahmusic.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariyahvision?stkn=MTZvYm1kZ2wwYnZpNw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ariyahvision?si=Rz0QOSQHcr-usx5l