Arlo Parks Talks Loss, Healing and Finding Your Place in the World
We caught up with the soulful songstress to discuss her new album, ‘My Soft Machine’.
Arlo Parks is the voice of a generation. There’s no doubt about it. The indie pop artist’s soulful lyrics and mellifluous vocals transcend the realms of happiness and heartbreak and since making her debut back in 2019, Park’s gone from strength to strength. Her debut album, Collapsed In Sunbeams, was nominated for “Album of the Year” at the 2021 BRIT Awards and saw her winning “Best New Artist” alongside the Mercury Prize Award that same year.
Now, the award-winning artist is back for round two, as she’s gearing up for the release of her follow-up project, My Soft Machine. “This record was inspired by loss, healing, solidifying community and the idea of finding your place in the world,” Parks tells Hypebae. “I hope that my fans feel held by the music and can really feel how much of myself I have poured into these stories,” the artist adds.
We caught up with Parks to find out more about the inspiration behind her new album, what it’s like to collaborate with Phoebe Bridgers and what the future holds.
Scroll down to read the full interview.
View this post on Instagram
You’re gearing up for the release of your new album, what can you tell us about the inspiration behind it?
This record was inspired by loss, healing, solidifying community and the idea of finding your place in the world. I was listening to everything from Aphex Twin to Yves Tumor to Feist to Broadcast. This album is truly a collage, made between LA and London with a range of different producers, it was a true creative adventure.
What do you hope that fans will take away from the new record?
I hope that fans find a sense of release and relief in the music. I’ve always found that my favourite albums become like companions — on road trips, at parties, lying by the beach, battling through a break-up – they become a comforting constant. I hope that my fans feel held by the music and can really feel how much of myself I have poured into these stories.
Phoebe Bridgers is set to feature on the project — marking your third collab with the artist. What can you tell us about how that relationship has evolved? What’s different about this team-up?
When we first met we were fans of each other, it was very organic and sweet. We ended up singing together at Glastonbury and Coachella, there was something really natural and slightly magical about our voices coming together — Pegasus felt like the perfect song to melt our voices into one and capture the bittersweetness of love.
View this post on Instagram
Who are some of the other collaborators that you’ve worked with on this project?
I worked with Baird, Paul Epworth, Romil Hemnani from Brockhampton, Carter Lang, Buddy Ross and Ariel Rechtshaid. I also had some really inspiring sessions with Brian from Danger Mouse and Dom Maker from Mount Kimbie.
Are there any artists still on your dream collaborators list that you’d love to work with some day?
There are so many! Tyler the creator, Four Tet and Big Thief are high up on my list.
As the album releases, you’re set to perform at a summer of festivals, which are you most excited about?
I’m really excited for Primavera Barcelona, Rosalia is headlining on my day as well!
Finally, what’s next for you?
I’m going to Asia and Australia to tour the record as well as coming to Europe. Then I’m going to dig into writing, maybe start to approach a script or a novel and go into creative hermit mode.
My Soft Machine is now available to stream on Spotify.
