During our conversation, Arky‘s new kitten eventually curls up on his lap and falls asleep, giving him a rare moment of peace. It’s our second time catching up with the Sydney-based artist, and this time he arrives with his debut album, Holdin’ On. Built on emotion, late nights and a deep love for electronic music, the record feels like an honest snapshot of where he is today.
“To me, music is all about emotion. Making people dance is just a by-product,” he tells us. From the infectious title track to his collaboration with LX on Take a Trip, Arky once again introduces us to sounds that refuse to stand still. We caught up with him to talk about finding his sound, the creative freedom of collaboration, Sydney’s ever-evolving club scene, and why Holdin’ On feels like the most honest snapshot of his journey so far.
Photography and Visuals by Arky Waters
Welcome Arky! Let’s start at the moment you’re in — where are you right now? (smiles)
I’m in my home work space in Sydney. We’ve just got a new kitten so it’s been a battle whenever I’m working. The other day he deleted a whole day’s work — his paw hit the backspace and enter button perfectly. There was no undo function on this software either. It was painful. He’s chilling on my lap now though, so I’m safe for the moment.
Aww, haha! I absolutely love kittens, so I’m instantly on his side. (smiles) Now let’s talk about your debut album, Holdin’ On. When I first read the title, I immediately thought about perseverance and holding on through difficult moments — something that feels quite relevant to me right now. Is that what the title means to you, or does it carry a different meaning?
Thank you so much! Holdin’ On was the first track that I worked on for the album. The lyrics were all written by the vocalist, MAMI. She’s the best in the game. That track really inspired me to write the rest of the album and gave me a lot of creative momentum, so I thought it was appropriate to name the record after it. I think it signified a new turning point for me and the project.
You described the record as your clearest expression in electronic music so far. Was there a moment during its creation when you felt, “This finally sounds like me”?
It was definitely all the bass-heavy half-time tracks, like OMG and Run It Up. This was a sound I had been chasing for a long time, but I found it really difficult to produce technically. It felt good to finally nail it! These songs feel like a part of me and my history.
You’ve said that bass music completely changed the way you think about producing. What was the biggest lesson it taught you, not only as a producer but also as a creative person?
With bass music you have to be very clear with your intentions. I guess with all music it’s like that, but I came from an indie background where it was okay for things to sound a bit buried, dusty and rough around the edges. If anything, sometimes in that genre it’s more magical when you have to work a bit to hear things. Bass music has forced me to be more confident in my decisions. Gotta be ruthless!
“Bass music has forced me to be more confident in my decisions. Gotta be ruthless!”
There is a lot of energy running through these songs, but underneath there’s also emotion. How do you find the balance between making people move and making them feel something?
To me, music is all about emotion. Making people dance is just a by-product. In a rave or club context, the priority changes quite a bit. Making people dance suddenly becomes the focus. I’m just constantly battling those two sides and trying to make something that hits both ends!
The Sydney club scene seems to have played an important role in creating this album. What is it about that community that continues to inspire you?
I feel lucky about the mere fact that it exists. I came from a place further out where there was no scene at all, at least when I was coming up. There is so much talent in the city now, we all push each other artistically and support each other a lot. I think we’re also getting to a point where everyone is welcoming of new ideas instead of pushing it away. You rarely hear this, but I really do believe it’s starting to become less clique-y.
Compared to making music alone in your bedroom, how has collaborating with other artists changed the way you create?
There’s a speed element that I found to be quite crucial when collaborating with other artists. To keep the spark, I like to work quickly before the excitement goes away. It’s also cool seeing different approaches and techniques. You pick up methods from everyone and learn so much by collaborating.
“I’m still trying to find myself creatively—I just happen to be documenting the whole thing.”
The focus track Take a Trip with LX came together surprisingly quickly. Do you think the best ideas usually happen when you stop trying to force them?
100%. We spent a year on it going back and forth and then ended up with something that more or less sounded like the original demo. This happens more often than not!
The title track Holdin’ On really stood out to me. It has this uplifting energy that I could even imagine listening to at the gym. (smiles) I’m curious, how did the song come to life?
I heard Teenage Dream by Katy Perry on the radio one night and realised how much of a banger it was. I made a breakbeat remix of it and sent it to MAMI with the vocals taken out. Next thing you know, she writes this absolutely beautiful song back and sends it through to me. I was floored. Then came a year of tweaking little details before the song became what it is today.
Electronic music is constantly evolving, with new sounds appearing every week. Is it ever difficult to stay true to your own sound, or has that never really been a problem for you?
I think the project evolves so much and is so learning-based that I haven’t really had an issue with this. Sometimes I’d be trying to copy someone identically, but because I’m doing it in my own way, it ends up sounding different. I still think I’m trying to find myself creatively — I just happen to be documenting the whole thing!
Finally, what feels most important to you in life these days? (smiles)
Good coffee. This is vital.
Listen to Holdin’ On here:
bfan.link/arky-waters-holdin-on-lp
Follow Arky Waters for more:
linktr.ee/arkywaters
