ARLO PARKS Q&A
Having been pegged as 'one to watch' in 2020 by the likes of NME & DIY and also having recently supported Loyle Carner on tour, performing at epic venues such as Alexandra Palace, Arlo Parks is doing what most 19 year olds are only allowed to dream about. 'Cola', her debut single about heartbreak and betrayal has almost reached 4 million streams on Spotify and she is soon to embark on her own headline tour... She also features on Easy Life's 'Sangria' which has been on every one of our playlists for the last couple of months so has a special place in our hearts…
She's a raconteur who combines smooth, raw vocals with jazz-infused lo-fi beats, culminating in beautiful, confessional bedroom pop tracks - like a perfectly curated indie-coming-of-age film soundtrack.
Happy New Year! Any NY resolutions?
To drink more water and start keeping a journal
We've read everywhere that you described yourself as “a black kid who can’t dance for shit, listens to emo music and currently has a crush on some girl in my Spanish class” which we love. Is this still the case? If not how would you describe yourself now?
I feel like that kid is still inside me somewhere and to be fair I certainly still can’t dance. I’d describe myself as a music nerd with too much empathy for her own good and an album to write.
You've been listed as NME, DIY & ES Entertainments 'Class of 2020'. How does that feel?
Its all so surreal - I feel very blessed.
How does it feel to be leaving teenagehood soon?
Absolutely. Terrifying.
I read that Loyle Carner was the first ever show you saw and now you've just finished supporting him on tour. Tell us a bit about that experience and what playing Ally Pally was like.
Tour was such a lovely experience - he really took me under his wing and those massive shows made me learn a lot very quickly. Ally Pally was crazy - I had my best friends and my little brother there. I’ll never forget it.
What's your a) dream venue to play at b) dream artist to work with?
a) Hammersmith Apollo b) Solange
You seem extremely wise beyond your years and lots of people that listen to your music seem to find solace in your words. What advice would you give your younger self? And who do you look to for advice and inspiration?
I would say “Keep going. One day people will start listening and it’ll be better than you’ll ever imagine”. I look to my mum for advice honestly and I’m inspired by late 60's funk scene, the poet Gwendolyn Brooks and David Lynch.
Who are you listening to and loving at the moment? Who are YOUR 'Ones to watch' for 2020?
My ones to watch are Joesef, Kokoroko and Biig Piig.
What's next for Arlo Parks? How are you feeling about your headline tour?
I’m super excited for the headline tour - it's gonna be special to meet everyone and sing my heart out to so many people who are genuinely invested in my art. There’s new music coming out soon - I’m working on the album and playing SXSW too which is sick.
What do you listen to on the Last Bus home?
I actually have a little playlist. It’s a mix of Motown like The Supremes and Marvin Gaye then gothic folk like Vashti Bunyan and Aldous Harding which sounds so odd but it’s a perfect combo.
Be sure to catch Arlo Park's self procclaimed 'dad moves' on stage by grabbing a ticket for her upcoming headline tour here.
