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David Arlo

27th July 2023

Interview: Amy Bell

Photo Credit: Keaton Rich

Elton John co-signed, London-born Nigerian artist, actor, and versatile creative, David Arlo, sets the music scene ablaze with the release of his highly anticipated single and accompanying music video titled "Speeding" via Arista Records. Renowned for his emotionally charged compositions, Arlo reaffirms his exceptional talent and artistic evolution in this new offering.

Since his emergence on the music scene, David Arlo has garnered international praise and support from esteemed publications such as Variety and Nylon who both confidently hailed him as "an artist to watch". 

Thanks so much for talking to ReVamp. In three words, who is 'David Arlo'?

Honest, heartfelt, passionate.

How did you start getting involved in music, and who inspired you when creating?

I was a bit of a late bloomer in the music world. I never really started singing until I was 18. I met the producer Steve Booker, and he took me under his wing. I love Adele, Amy Winehouse, Kanye West, Fleetwood Mac. I'm also a big fan of Labrinth, Shakka, Bipolar Sunshine, Rationale, and Kwabs.

You have a new single called 'Speeding' out now. You describe it as a reflection of self-worth and personal growth, examining the importance of distancing oneself from spaces that fail to appreciate or value individuality. Why is making music about self-love so important to you?

Making music about self-love is crucial because it allows me to express my experiences and struggles, reminding myself and others of the significance of valuing and embracing our individuality. We can be hard on ourselves, and it's important to show ourselves grace and allow room for mistakes.

What was the process behind 'Speeding,' and how did you know when it was finished?

'Speeding' took a couple of years to complete. I wrote it with Marcus Semaj and Boots. The original demo was a ballad with a broken quality that everyone loved, but we wanted to enhance the production and give the record more movement and pace. I finished it in London with Cameron, my vocal producer. We just knew it was finished once we heard it on those big speakers.

When you're creating music, what is the recording/writing process like, and what part do you enjoy the most?

I have a love/hate relationship with the studio. I love the creative process of making the music and sharing my story or thoughts through song. The record-making side can be lengthy, with multiple versions of the same record, making it difficult to discern the changes.

Check out the music video to 'Speeding' by David Arlo.

You're signed with Arista Records, a label that was once home to Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Prince. How does that make you feel, knowing you're under the label of such successful names?

I have the best label and love the entire team I work with. It's inspiring to know that legends have come before me.

You're also working on a semi-autobiographical TV show about an aspiring musician navigating life. Why did you decide to do this, and how will you portray it?

I love being creative, and whenever I get the chance to express myself in any medium, I jump at it. I'm super excited about the project, and I can't wait to share more with everyone.

What has been the reaction to 'Speeding' and the news of your mini TV show? How do you feel about the rest of the year to come?

The reaction to 'Speeding' has been great, and I'm excited for everyone to hear my new music and learn more about the show and other exciting projects I've been working on.

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