‘The Eighth Note’ is 8 quick Questions with Wellington Musicians.
A chance for us to catch up with people & see what they’re up to, or introduce you to a new musician/band and their music.
Up next are Alba & Bravo from new trip-hop influenced band ARLS, who have just released debut single LUCKY.
Who are you? Tell us a bit about your music:
We are a collaboration. I (Alba Rose) am a singer/songwriter. I (Bravo Bonez) am a musician, songwriter and producer who has recently come back to the industry after a long absence. We came together as a result of our mothers suggesting we should meet up to chat about music, and the industry. Both of us were a little reluctant, thinking it might be a bit of a waste of time, but we finally met up in a cafe in Wanaka. The chat was surprisingly good so we decided to keep in touch. We later discussed maybe doing some music together as we both have a love of 1990s acid jazz, neosoul and trip hop. Some musical ideas were exchanged and that formed the basis of our “MELD” EP which is being released in early 2020.
What have you been working on lately? Any new tracks or albums on the way?
We are currently finishing off our EP in Norway. Bravo is here to record two 4 track EPs for his solo project, LearningToDive, with Alba featuring as both a backing vocalist and vocalist, and is co-writing one of the tracks. Alba is also using the opportunity to write and develop some new material. We’re excited to be recording at Ocean Sound Recordings which is situated in a stunning location on an island at the end of a fjord near the town of Alesund where many notable artists have worked in the past, such as Arcade Fire, Sampha and Travis.
Where is the best place people can follow you & find your music?
Our debut single “LUCKY” is available on all global streaming platforms. Those interested can follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We also have a YouTube channel at ARLS Official.
What were the 3 most influential albums to you growing up?
Alba: Zero 7 – Simple Things, Florence and the Machine – Lungs, Lily Allen – It’s Not Me, It’s You.
Bravo: Massive Attack – Blue Lines, Portishead – Dummy, The Verve – Urban Hymns.
Which other Wellington musician (s) would you most like to work with?
Really too many to name. Lord Echo would be awesome. We would definitely like to work with James Goldsmith as a producer.
What’s your favourite Wellington venue to play in?
We love Meow! Also San Fran.
In your songwriting or composing (or the band’s songwriting) how do the compositions and songs take shape?
Both of us come up with ideas, with hook development being shared, but with most of the verse lyrics being written by Alba, and the instrumentation, arrangements and production being handled by Bravo.
Where/when is your next gig?
No gigs planned at the moment, but we are looking into an EP release party early in 2020 with a live performance there 🙂
String arrangement teaser from the song TREASON, along with some footage from Roundhead studios. At the desk is Simon Gooding, who recently worked with Pink on her latest album.