TiU alumnus and singer-songwriter Ara: ‘My Armenian roots are inextricably linked to my music’

From the opening act for Racoon to his own show at the Tilburgse Schouwburg: the musical career of alumnus Ara is on the rise. ‘My music brings worlds together and helps me discover my identity.’

Anyone who has ever visited an open stage at Studium Generale has probably seen him: Ara Abrahamian, a boy with a guitar who effortlessly manages to draw all eyes to him. With a sultry voice, poetic lyrics and captivating playing, Ara knows how to captivate the audience. Who is this talented musician?

Univers spoke with the former TiU student of Liberal Arts and Sciences about his passion for music, his sources of inspiration and the surprising similarities between the academic world and his music.

What role does your Armenian heritage play in your music?

‘My Armenian roots are inextricably linked to my music. My parents fled to the Netherlands in 1993. At that time, my mother was pregnant with me. That history is deeply rooted in my identity and seeps through into my work.

‘In my song Ruins, for example, Armenian influences are very prominent. I deliberately incorporated traditional elements, such as the duduk – an Armenian flute with a melancholic sound – which gives the music a certain gravity and depth. But it is more than just the sound; it is a feeling, an urgency to tell stories that might otherwise be forgotten.

‘I see myself as a bridge between the West and the East. Although I grew up in the Netherlands, I carry Armenian history with me. My music is a way to bring both worlds together and to explore my own identity.’

What is the most special project you have worked on?

‘That was without a doubt playing in the support act of Racoon. That experience changed everything. Playing all over the country, for halls full of attentively listening audiences, was magical. But the process towards that was also special. I felt that everything I had built up for years came together.

‘Another project that is very close to my heart is my upcoming EP. It is my first full-length work in which I can tell my story, both musically and lyrically. It is a search for my own sound, in which I bring together different styles and influences. That feels like a big step forward.’

What inspires you most when making music?

‘Inspiration comes from different angles, but above all from the world around me. My family history plays a big role in that, but also universal themes such as nature, love and transience.

‘For me, music is a way to capture feelings and stories, to make something tangible from memories and emotions. I also get a lot of inspiration from other artists and music styles, from Western folk to traditional Armenian sounds. Sometimes a song starts with a melody that pops into my head, sometimes it is a piece of text or an image that touches me.’

Are there any connections between academia and your music?

‘More than I ever thought. At university I learned to think analytically, which I also apply in my music. I completed a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences. My thesis was about nationality and identity, and those themes also come back in my music.

‘I used to think that music had to come purely from intuition, but now I see that research plays an essential role. Great artists are inspired by what is already there, combining existing elements with their own experiences. I do that now too.

‘For example, when making my song Ruins I immersed myself in Armenian music and history. It was a kind of research phase before I could give my own interpretation. That process is very similar to writing an academic paper: you collect information, filter what is relevant and add something new to it.’

What do you think music means to people?

‘Music plays a huge role in people’s lives, in very different ways. For some, it’s pure relaxation, an escape from reality. For others, it’s a way to understand the world better, to process feelings or to feel connected.

‘I think music is one of the few art forms that can have such a deep, emotional impact. A song can express exactly what you can’t put into words yourself, and that’s almost magical. For me personally, music is a means to understand myself and my emotions better. I’m naturally inclined to approach things rationally, but music breaks through that barrier. It helps me express feelings that I might otherwise push away.

‘In addition, music has a unique power to bring people together. It creates communities, provides comfort and offers recognition. I hope my music can do that for others too.’

​Curious about Ara’s music? On Thursday July 3, 2025, Ara will present his debut EP ‘Where The Lilies Bloom In Ruins’ in the Studio of Schouwburg Concertzaal Tilburg. Click here for more information.