Rani Adi Releases Wonderfully Queer, “Starkissed” Debut EP ‘Toxic Paradise’
AS PRIDE MONTH 2023 KICKS OFF — I've found myself preoccupied by a knockout Emma Goldman quote: “If I can't dance, I don't want to be part of your revolution.” It's a powerful reminder that any quest for liberation should center freedom and joy. Luckily, Philly-born and LA-based singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Rani Adi is making that joy a reality. Ranii's musical career is already studded with highs, such as performing on the The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon as Dove Cameron’s bassist. Now, with the release of her debut EP, Toxic Paradise, Rani is taking the plunge on her first solo project.
That Toxic Paradise is dropping during pride’s inaugural weekend is no coincidence — Rani tells Luna that the release date “holds a profound significance.” She has described herself on social media as a “chaotic bi artist” and keeps her sexuality at the forefront of her music.
“As an openly queer artist, my mission is to create music that celebrates queerness and amplifies LGBTQ+ voices,” she states. “With the rise of anti-trans and -LGBTQ legislation and rhetoric, I believe it is more crucial than ever to use music as a platform for empowerment.”
This can be seen in the music video for “Starkissed,” the first single released from this project. The video prominently features displays of affection between its two female leads in a way that prioritizes queer sexual agency, rather than catering to a heteronormative male gaze.
But of course, the reality of pride isn't all rainbows and parades. The current political landscape in many states is becoming increasingly violent toward queer communities and their allies. Furthermore, several issues continue to plague LGBTQ+ individuals disproportionately compared to the general population, such as youth homelessness and alcoholism. A duality of pride and struggle is a dominant thread in queer history, as is shown in Toxic Paradise as well.
Rani admits to frequently thinking about life's contradictions, such as “vulnerability and strength, growth and stagnation, stability and chaos.” In fact, she maintains that meditating on these dualities can be a tool for personal development.
“By exploring these personal and universal dualities, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world we inhabit,” she says. “Through this exploration, we can embrace the complexities of our existence, pursue growth, cultivate self-awareness, and foster empathy for others.”
One significant paradoxical relationship that has deeply impacted Rani is her relationship to Adderall, a drug she was prescribed at eight years old. Her history with the substance is complicated because while it “has shaped [her] mind and identity in profound ways ... establishing a healthy relationship with a substance that was overprescribed ... has been a challenging task.”
“Self Control,” the second single released off Toxic Paradise, explores this experience. “Sixty grams in deep, I don't know what to do / Fixing on a feeling, can't let go of you,” Rani sings over groovy, funk-inspired bass lines and synths. Though Rani has been frank about Adderall being the inspiration behind the song, her dextrous songwriting allows for flexible interpretations — the song could easily sound like it's about an unhealthy romantic relationship.
This multiplicity is the driving theme of Toxic Paradise. Rani explains that she wanted the project to “delve into the conflicting emotions that arise when drawn to something toxic.” The EP's third single, “Fallin',” tells the story of a speaker struggling to let go of their attraction to an unfaithful lover. Even the wordless instrumental tracks that bookend Toxic Paradise help drive the narrative.
When you play the EP on repeat (as you will probably be tempted to), the ending of the final track, “Memory Lapse,” blends seamlessly into the beginning of the first. Even without Rani's piercing vocals, her strength as a producer and bassist is enough to make this one of the most compelling parts of the project. “Memory Lapse” is a haunting, repetitive track that you can't help but feel drawn to. The title suggests a lover going back to someone ill-suited for them, passion blinding them to the reasons it might be wiser to stay away. When such a song dissolves into “Take Me Home,” the EP's heavenly, deeply soothing opener, Rani's message comes into even sharper focus.
“The EP's sequential and looping structure symbolizes the cyclical nature of relationships, highlighting how growth and healing often follow a non-linear path,” she explains.
Even as the stakes in the battle for queer liberation continue to mount ever higher, Rani's music offers an honest and complex look into the ongoing search for queer joy and love. “Through my art, I strive to forge a sanctuary where queer individuals feel celebrated, represented, and valued,” Rani says.
The effect is palpable and powerful. As long as Rani continues to lean fearlessly into the aspects of her music that differentiate her from lots of mainstream pop acts — the Motown and funk inspirations, the ensnaring bass lines, the unapologetic queerness — listeners can expect Rani's star to continue to rise.
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