Aruna Channels Angsty Pop-Punk on New Song ‘Thoughts & Therapy’

Quarter-life crisis is apparently real and Kolkata-raised, London-based pop singer-songwriter Aruna Chaudhuri (who goes by her first name as an artist) addresses it on her new song “Thoughts & Therapy.”

Although Aruna’s previous singles like “Good Guy,” “Real World” and “Confessions” – all released in 2023 – have often drawn from rock, “Thoughts & Therapy” digs into pop-punk riffs and playful energy. It’s reminiscent of Aruna’s influences including Canadian pop-punk star Avril Lavigne and more recent revivalists of the style, like Olivia Rodrigo.

With a few vocal phrases that immediately remind you of Lavigne’s top hits like “Sk8er Boi,” Aruna hits the high notes just right to capture the angst of growing up and wanting to break out of the chaotic feelings that follow after a break-up. The artist – also daughter of Indian author and musician Amit Chaudhuri – worked with producers Kaja Reidle and Matt J. Barnes, guitarist Francisco Catarro and songwriter Ben Burwell to give “Thoughts & Therapy” its pop-punk edge.

Aruna spoke about the song in a statement: “‘Thoughts & Therapy’ is a coming-of-age tune which represents a time at which I was trying to figure out how to navigate the world on my own again after a break-up.” About to turn 26 years old, Aruna adds that she’s often unsure about “what it means to be an adult.”

She adds, “This is the chaos I hoped to encapsulate by juxtaposing tearful and heart wrenching moments from my real life alongside the more sarcastic and bratty tongue-in-cheek lyrics. The older I grow, the more I realize that all of us are simply works in progress, and within the never-ending process of realizing our true selves, we can all come across as ‘the villain’ sometimes. While in those moments, it’s okay to feel like the victim for a bit, it’s all about finding your own redemption-arc by taking accountability for your own happiness.”

The new song marks Aruna’s first release of 2024 and her fifth single ever since she began putting out music in 2021 with the song “Selfish.” Along the way, she’s performed alongside talent show X-Factor U.K. finalist Kevin Davy White and as support for acclaimed composer and pianist Jools Holland. Earlier this year, Aruna and her band also competed to earn a slot at the Isle of Wight festival in the U.K., reaching the semi-finals.