Today’s guest on The Balanced Breakfast Podcast is Anthony Arya, joining hosts Stefan Aronsen and Jason Hunter (Aeon of Moonlust) for a conversation about songwriting, touring, and his new single, “The Dress.” Anthony shares insights into his musical journey, the experiences that have shaped him as an artist, and what it takes to keep creating and performing in an ever-changing music industry.
Having appeared on The Voice, Anthony also fields questions from Jason and Stefan about the experience of being on a major television singing competition, including a fun discussion about how long you can keep The Voice on your resume. The conversation branches into relationships, the challenges and rewards of touring, and San Francisco’s live music scene, including the venues that help keep the city’s music community thriving. And because talking about music is only part of the fun, Anthony wraps things up by performing one of his own tracks live. It’s a chance to hear his music in a different setting, beyond the studio recording of “The Dress.”
A songwriter with deep roots in California
Before graduating high school, Arya stepped into the national spotlight through NBC’s The Voice and was recognized as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts for songwriting. He has since released four albums and become one of Northern California’s most active touring artists, regularly bringing his songs to venues and festivals around the region.
His records trace a path from the 2018 debut Going to California to The Road (2020), Circles & the Flames (2022), and As It Turns Out, which was live-tracked at San Francisco’s historic Hyde Street Studios. In their conversation with Arya, Stefan and Jason explore the Laurel Canyon folk-rock tradition, the storytelling that inspires his songs, and the way relationships and city life find their way into his writing.
Inside “The Dress”
Released October 9, 2026, “The Dress” brings Laurel Canyon-inspired indie folk rock together with indie pop. Arya describes the song as a reflection on nostalgia and closure: an ordinary piece of clothing carries the weight of an entire season of life. The arrangement begins delicately, then builds toward a sweeping release.
Arya’s press notes say a new album is planned for Spring 2027. His steady touring and growing online audience have helped carry his music well beyond the Bay Area, while keeping San Francisco at the center of his songwriting.
Listen to “The Dress”
Listen to the new single
ANTHONY ARYA
Official website: anthonyarya.com
Instagram: @anthonyjadearya
Facebook: Anthony Arya Music
YouTube: Anthony Arya
Spotify: Anthony Arya
THE BALANCED BREAKFAST PODCAST
The Balanced Breakfast Podcast is co-hosted by Stefan Aronsen, co-founder of BB, and Jason Hunter, also known as Aeon from the Bay Area band Moonlust.
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ABOUT THE HOSTS
Stefan Aronsen is a marketing consultant, designer, photographer, music promoter, and DJ, and co-founder of Balanced Breakfast, a music networking organization in San Francisco.
Official website: https://stefanaronsen.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/stefanaronsen
Facebook: https://facebook.com/stefanaronsen
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StefanAronsenSF
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6hWxRaylRjoyqUbCjKasRa?si=QZQg7b6qRyepnN76oY0sXQ
Jason Hunter, also known as Aeon, co-hosts the Balanced Breakfast Podcast and is part of Moonlust.
IG Profile: https://www.instagram.com/aeonmoonlust/
IG Band: https://www.instagram.com/moonlustmusic/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2p2KN9wOF1QtzVqIjN5SMf?si=h9Kgk5hDTOGPNDJ7oOK9DQ
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0PN3mMRJvU8ZnoXaRx99pj?si=N8J7vaO_QuutVEpp0Npdmw
