For our sad generation, Arlo Parks could be a shining light. She’s an emerging London-based artist who produces dreamy tunes that are perfectly compatible with London skies. While it may not be sad enough for your ‘sad boi hours’ playlist, Parks’ music elegantly touches on negative emotions, expressing her feelings in a neo-soul / pop / jazz / hip-hop amalgamation that truly rocks — pun intended.
When I listen to her music, I can’t skip it halfway. Side note: the first rule of playing music is don’t skip halfway – stick to your guns and play the song you were going to play; if you aren’t confident enough to play the whole song then fuck off and leave it to those with balls because I absolutely hate it when people do that GOD DAMN. Parks’ music never fails to capture the imagination. When your mood aligns with her tunes, the connection is electric. It would not be surprising to catch me belting the life out of Cola or George on a rainy walk into LSE.
Spanning a range from modern ballads to bedroom pop, it feels as if Arlo Parks is trying to express herself in whatever way feels the most natural. The boundaries of genres that typically constrict musicians don’t appear to apply when Parks is involved, and other artists are taking notice. Despite only releasing her first single, Cola, last year, she has already taken on a supporting role on Jordan Rakei and Loyle Carner’s respective tours.
Arlo Parks’ sound represents a new wave of music where authenticity is valued above anything else. If she continues to express herself with a vulnerability that connects her to her listeners, Arlo will go far(lo). I like to end with the title because I’m quirky.
