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Musician

India Arkin

  • India Arkin

BY ANA TREVIÑO

India Arkin - Senseless - Cover Art.jpg
India Arkin - Senseless - Cover Art.jpg

The thrill and excitement of listening to an incredible song by a fresh new artist is rare. I remember the first time I listened to Don't Delete The Kisses by Wolf Alice, or Sinner by The Last Dinner Party. An immediate electric shock wave runs into your system with the joy of a new favorite band uncovered.

As I clicked play for the first time on India Arkin's new single "Senseless", I was sold within the first 5 seconds. The song starts with a punch and gently grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go until the very end. The music, the lyrics, the incredible guitar rifts keep you in a state of Indie rock bliss. Once the song was over, I ran for my noise cancelling headphones, and I listened to the song on repeat for the entire day. 

In that moment I became an Arkin fan. And all I can think about now is how I wish to hear India's music live one day.

 

For now, I'll rejoice on the wonderful career trajectory and artistic journey that she shared with us.  

India Arkin - Promo Pic 3.jpg
What led you to become a music artist?
 
I fell into music very randomly. Having moved up to Newcastle to study fine art in 2020, I ended up joining a different project with some people I met a university and loved it beyond belief. However, along with everyone else in the world, I soon found myself in a lock down; but couldn't shake the urge to want to make music so I ended up releasing my debut single 'Dashboard Dancing' through August 2021. The response to this single was crazy, and so that's truly where my world began...
How has your experience growing up in the North East and studying fine arts shaped your music today?
 
The North East has completely shaped me as an artist, the local music scene welcomed me with open arms when I had just begun my career. I began played a lot of open mic nights for originals music, which lead me getting a residency at a venue in Newcastle, which helped me meet even more creatives and truly begin to make a name for myself in the local scene. Everyone was always so supportive in the scene and there was always a real push to lift each other up.
As a songwriter, can you walk us through your creative process?
 
Are there any rituals you do before a writing session to help you get into the groove of creating? Most of the time it just requires feeling like I'm overpouring with emotion in that moment, so much so that that energy almost has to be channelled into somewhere. I will go and sit in my bedroom, sometimes for hours, meticulously playing over and over until I feel the song is complete. I've found that usually my best songs always seem to arrive within one sitting, as that's when you find yourself completely entranced with it.

What comes first, the music or the lyrics?

The music for sure.
 
I normally will sit and play random chords or put my fingers in weird shapes until I come out with something that sounds like the physicalization of whatever I'm feeling in that moment, after that I'll normally ad lib melodies to the song until I feel like what I'm saying feels right.

India Arkin - Promo Pic 2.jpg
As your career continues to grow, are there any secrets or tips that you would have liked to have known from the very beginning?
 
Not really a tip or secret - but I would tell myself that there is always soooo much more going on behind the scenes that you don't realise. The hustle is real for everybody, and most of the time it really does take a village to get people to where they are.
Can you talk about your new single “Senseless”. What inspired you to write the song?
 
Senseless is my brand new single coming out on all major streaming platforms on the 9th of August 2024.
 
The song is about dating someone who you know is bad for you, knowing you should leave, but feeling stuck about the whole situation; which I'm sure an experience many of us can relate to.
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From concept to recording, what was the process of creating “Senseless"?

Are there any moments that you are particularly proud or fond of? I think one of my favourite parts of the song is the bridge, it was partly inspired by Tame Impala's "One More Hour" and also Wolf Alice's "Smile", I feel like its the perfect encapsulation of energy and catharsis. It feels like the song speaks in that moment, through the amazing guitar solo by Adam Sams.
What impact do you wish to create in the world with your music?
 
Fundamentally I simply wish to keep making music that people connect with, as at the end of the day I think that music is all about bringing people together and letting the world know that you're not alone in whatever you're feeling. Truly, things just keep getting bigger and bigger here, so truly I feel that the possibilities are endless for my project.
Is there any advice you would give to any aspiring musician?
 
Start. Just start. Write the song, play the instrument, use your voice, go out, meet people, start! That's the best thing you can possibly do for yourself and your art as a creative individual.
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