We had a talk with the super talented and likeable London based singer and poet Arlo Parks to talk about her latest EP, about artists being able to change the world and spending too much time on social media.
interview by Sigrun Guggenberger
photography by Charlie Cummings
Hey dear Arlo, I am listening to your music right now – and love it. It feels melancholic and soothing at the same time. I read you saying that your computer is backed out with a million- and-a-half demos. Is that true? When did you start writing your first songs and how did you find the time to write so much?
It is true – I’m sure I have 100 or so tunes just sitting on my computer! I started writing when I was around 14 or so – I just loved it so much I made time for it I guess.
„Putting out music is so rewarding but so terrifying – you never know how people are going to respond to your art.“ is a quote by you. What was this trigger moment for you when you realized, „ok now it´s the time to release my music to the world no matter what happens“?
I was watching an interview – I think it was with Aurora and she said that if your music has the potential to help someone it’s your duty to put it out and that was the deciding moment.
And was there a main person in your surrounding that encouraged you?
I definitely felt supported by my friends and family but I’ve always been pretty self driven.
At your very first gig (that took place in Brighton) you said you were really scared the whole way through. And at the end you cried tears of joy though. How do you feel when you go on stage these days? And do you have a sort of ritual before going on stage?
I think I feel both focused and full of anxious energy – we always listen to “Never Fight A Man With A Perm” by Idles in the green room and stomp around.
How was the work on your latest EP Sophie compared to your debut EP „Supersad Generation“. Was it easier because of the experience you had or more tough because of expectations?
I think it was a little tougher but it still felt very organic – I think knowing that people will probably listen to the tunes you write is always a bit of a daunting concept.
“I think and connect emotionally to as many people as possible.”
I love your attitude that you are trying not to base too much on external validation, whether it be another artist praising you or social media. What is the best reward for you when you put one of your new songs out into the world?
When someone tells me it saved their life or moved them in some way.
Do you think art/music can change the world? And is that something you are aiming for, like being the voice of the young generation with your music?
I think it can change the world yes – my aim is to have a positive impact on individuals’ worlds, I think and connect emotionally to as many people as possible. I’m not sure if I can really speak for such a large group of unique people – I can only speak about what I’ve lived.
Where is your best creative place?
My bedroom.
In an interview you said “I’m not sure if it’s social media, or what it is, but we’re all fucking sad!“ How much time do you spend on social media yourself? And how can your generation break free from that „trap“ and contribute in creating a more healthy surrounding again?
I spend more time than I’d like to on social media and unfortunately I think it would take a miracle for us to break out of it – we’re so used to being able to see everything and everyone, no one’s going to want to shut their eyes now.
What is the best thing about being young these days?
Feeling like you have time to do things.
“The most important thing in life is…? Empathy”
You are from London. Could you imagine living anywhere else?
Maybe Brooklyn or Amsterdam.
Where do you think your musical and personal path will take you in the next 10 years?
Hopefully I would’ve published a few poetry books, acted in a movie, put out at least 3 albums – I’d also love to own a sausage dog called Orpheus.
Did you initially have a plan B in case it wouldn’t work out with your music?
Becoming a lawyer or a journalist.
Where can we find you on a Friday or Saturday night?
Drinking red wine at a friend’s house or knee deep in a 90s horror movie binge.
What book are you reading at the moment?
Anna Karenina
Can you quote one of your favourite poems your wrote?
His heart is so soft that sometimes it hurts to beat.
The most important thing in life is…?
Empathy
You can currently catch Arlo Parks live – for tickets and more info check out:
