Featured Photo Credit: Kelsi Gayda, Lux Media Group
Last fall, A is for Arrows entered the alt-pop music scene with her debut single “Without You.”Less than a year later, the Toronto based artist has teamed up with producer Joel Stouffer (bülow, Dragonette, Carys, Ria Mae) for her debut EP ‘Roses.’
Through 7 tracks, A is for Arrows shares her personal and emotional journey to adulthood.
A is for Arrows chatted with ECHO about the EP, her music being featured on MTV’s Catfish and more.
How did you first get interested in music?
I was always interested in music, ever since I was younger. I always loved to listen to music and just get lost in my own little world. It wasn’t til I was in my teens that I figured out that I wanted to write my own music! Now I’m obsessed with it haha
Who did you listen to growing up and do they inspire your music today?
I listened to a lot of what my parents listened to, like Sade, Michael Jackson, The Temptations, and Kool And The Gang. Then I started to venture out on my own and make my own choices- listening to Britney Spears, Destiny’s child, No Doubt, Paramore and Linkin Park. The list goes on! I’m influenced by so many artists and by every genre that it’s not always easy to pin-point any specific one, but I definitely think they’ve all inspired my music in some way. How could they not?!
How does it feel to have your debut EP ‘Roses’ out in the world?
Amazing! I’ve been waiting a very long time for this!
How would you describe the sound and vibe of the EP?
It’s atmospheric and dreamy with a punch! I think I’d say it feels like a long, introspective midnight drive!
What was the writing and production process like for the EP?
It took a long time, because It’s the first body of work we created! It all happened very organically though, I’d get inspired and write some ideas down and then take it to my two producers and we’d get to work on building the song and the production!
It was definitely a process, and a lot of editing, but we all put our hearts into every moment which I’m incredibly grateful for and I’m so excited that it’ll finally be out in the world!
Do you have a favorite track on the EP and if so, why?
Honestly, my favorite changes day to day. I can’t decide! I think that’s what makes it so special to me. Every song has a different energy and emotion, the whole thing takes you on a journey and I love it!
You worked with producer Joel Stouffer (bülow, Dragonette, Carys, Ria Mae). How did you get connected and what was it like to work with him?
I was introduced to Joel through my friend and co-producer Benjamin Nudds!
We all just connected and became instant friends so naturally, we bonded over music and then everything kind of fell into place. I’m really lucky with how it all went down. It’s very rare that you find people you click with in general, so to have a team like this in my own little music world is a dream!
What was it like to hear your music used on a recent episode of Catfish?
I cried haha It was surreal. It’s one of those things that you dream of happening and then when it happens you’re like “are you serious? I can’t believe it’s actually happening, pinch me!”
One of the coolest things ever!
If you could set fans up in the perfect environment to listen to the EP, what do you imagine it looking like?
A midnight drive with people that you’re close to, that you care about. Your friends that you can be yourself with!
What can fans look forward to next?
I’d say don’t get too attached to any one type of particular sound cause I’m about to switch it up haha ! I’ve been writing music lately that I’ve been trying to write my whole life. It’s very honest and very personal so while I’m kind of nervous for this next chapter, I’m more energized than I’ve ever been and I’m so excited for what’s coming next!
What is one quote that you have heard or that you go by that you want to ECHO out to the world?
This is a quote I will ALWAYS refer beck to, It’s empowering and its understanding. I always find new meaning in it, every time I read it!
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be?…”
― Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles”