“When you have the right sample, it sometimes feels like the tracks end up writing themselves,” says Arky Waters, a Sydney-based electronic producer who thrives on turning raw ideas into captivating sound worlds. For Arky, music is as much about patience as it is about experimentation—a journey of discovery where hard bass meets earthy textures and tribal rhythms.
His new EP, “Johera,” is a reflection of his artistic evolution, blending natural and club-ready sounds while exploring a variety of genres. It’s a project that captures his love for musical exploration and his ability to add emotion into every beat.
We wanted to learn more, so we sat down with the young artist to discuss his creative process, the Sydney music scene, and what makes performing live so electrifying.
photography by Jetzlr Media
Arky, you’ve described your new EP “Johera” as a reflection of your journey in electronic music, experimenting with genres and sounds. Which genre feels most like home to you?
Hard bass music will always feel like home to me – it’s what got me into electronic music. I feel like it’s the heavy metal equivalent of electronic music and I was a huge metalhead as a kid so naturally I was quite drawn to it. Back when it first came out it was literally the first time anybody ever heard anything like it. I feel pretty lucky to have experienced that as a cultural moment. It’s funny because it’s completely different to the music I actually make but I always throw a few hard tracks in my DJ sets just to pay my respects.
The title track “Johera” is also my favorite from the EP because of its emotional depth. You mentioned it began as an idea on your drive and transformed when you discovered the vocal sample. Can you tell us more about that process?
A lot of producing is just sifting through samples until you get inspired. It’s honestly a soul crushing process but it’s so worth it in the end once you find something. I had this earthy sounding beat on my laptop for a while, it was probably just the first half of the track with some other vocal on it… I left it on my drive for about a year until I stumbled on the vocal which you’re hearing today. The song came together really quickly afterwards, when you have the right sample it sometimes feels like the tracks end up writing themselves. There’s definitely a lesson of patience in there.
“The best thing about playing live is feeding off the audience’s energy and being in that flow state.”
I can clearly sense the natural and tribal sounds in the release. What connections or inspirations do you have that tie you to these elements?
I think after spending so much time in club settings I just ended up craving something natural and earthy sounding. I’m also a massive Odesza fan and those guys are masters of that kind of sound. Every time I’ve seen them live it moves the crowd like nothing else. A lot of the ‘tribal’ drums you hear on the record are actually taiko samples (Japanese drums). It’s got this huge resonant sound so you have to kind of place it in particular pockets or else it messes with the groove. I really love the life it gives the music.
Growing up in Sydney, how has the local music scene and culture influenced your work?
It’s been a big source of inspiration for me, just sharing music with each other and seeing local acts. So many new events and crews now are coming out since Sydney has gotten rid of its lockdown. The talent pool here is insane. So much of my favourite music at the moment is being created right here. A lot of the sounds you hear on the record are literally from friends teaching me how to make them, or sending me sample packs. Where I grew up making music was quite a lonely pursuit so I feel quite fortunate to have this community around me now.
“A lot of producing is just sifting through samples until you get inspired. It’s honestly a soul-crushing process, but it’s so worth it in the end once you find something.”
Performing at SXSW Sydney was a milestone for you this year. Congratulations! What do you love most about playing live?
Thank you so much! It sounds cliche but the best thing about playing live is feeding off the audience’s energy and being in that flow state. I love introducing people to new sounds or playing tracks you don’t usually hear in DJ sets. I’ll throw in an acapella of a folk song at the start or just put a rock track right in the middle of a set. It kinda fucks with people. Those are the live sets I grew up loving.
In an interview, you mentioned going to the gym and placing more value on cardio lately. Are you still keeping up with that? (smiles)
Trying to keep me accountable, I like it. I actually have been very much on top of my cardio and gyming. I’ve also picked up a few unhealthy habits along the way. It’s all about balance.
Do you already have a motto in mind for 2025?
I just got married last year so right now I’m running with “Happy wife, happy life”.
Follow Arky Waters for more:
www.instagram.com/arkywaters
twitter.com/ArkyWaters
www.facebook.com/arkywaters
