Emerging from the dynamic worlds of Sydney and Leicester, the electrifying duo AR/CO has been making waves in the music industry with their unique blend of futuristic desert rave and psychedelic dance-pop vibes. Comprised of two exceptionally talented artists, AR/CO has managed to capture the hearts of millions with their fresh, boundary-pushing sound. Their debut EP, ‘Origin Stories,’ marks a significant milestone in their journey, reflecting a tapestry of emotions, experiences, and creative evolution.
In this candid interview, AR/CO opens up about the exhilarating process of creating and releasing ‘Origin Stories,’ the collaborative magic behind standout tracks like ‘BOYS LIKE GIRLS,’ and the profound influence of their diverse backgrounds. They share intimate anecdotes from their vibrant live performances alongside industry giants such as Sub Focus, Kygo, and 5 Seconds of Summer, as well as the impact of their Grammy-nominated collaboration with Kx5 on ‘Bright Lights.’
As we dive into the world of AR/CO, we uncover the inspirations that shape their distinctive sound, the challenges and triumphs of remote collaboration during the pandemic, and their unwavering commitment to connecting with a global fan base. This interview not only highlights the pivotal moments that have defined AR/CO’s path but also offers a glimpse into their ambitious vision for the future—where music meets art, and creativity knows no bounds.
Join us as we explore the vibrant, bold, and wonderfully weird world of AR/CO, a place where inhibitions are left at the door, and listeners are invited to escape into a psychedelic dream.
Origin Stories’ feels like a culmination of your journey so far. What emotions did you experience while compiling and releasing this debut EP?
It’s exciting when you get to see the songs finally out in the world. You definitely feel pride and joy, especially when they’re played to big crowds or you get a tag in a video of someone dancing around in their bedroom in a place you’ve never heard of.
You mentioned that ‘Origin Stories’ is your chance to let people dive into the world of AR/CO. How would you describe this world to someone new?
AR/CO world is a place where inhibitions are left at the door. It’s a place where you can escape your everyday life and slip into a psychedelic dream. It’s bold, weird, and wonderful.
BOYS LIKE GIRLS’ is highlighted as a focus track on the EP. What was the creative process behind this song, and what makes it stand out to you?
We wrote this one in half an hour, at the back end of a writing session. Sometimes the impromptu ideas are where the magic lies. It’s got a proper coolness to it in the production, but the melody and lyrics are tongue-in-cheek. It’s a bit of an evolution for us sonically; there’s more indie stuff, dance-leaning, and this one just sits in its own blended space.
Each track on ‘Origin Stories’ carries its own unique vibe. Can you share the inspiration behind some of your favorite tracks from the EP?
“Cherry Lips” was the first record we wrote when we knew AR/CO was gonna be a thing. “All Over The World” was released when we did a support slot around Europe and soundtracks a really vivid time in our lives. All the songs are made to soundtrack our memories, so we hope people connect like we do.
The EP captures a mix of innocence and creativity from the lockdown period. How did the pandemic shape your music and the themes explored in the EP?
We were able to be bold and creatively think out of the box. The pandemic was a weird time, but we thought, “this is the perfect chance for us to explore new spaces and sounds.” Also, everyone just wanted a slice of escapism, including us. So that’s this chapter.
You’ve had significant collaborations with artists like Don Diablo, The Stickmen Project, and Franky Wah. How have these collaborations influenced your music and growth as artists?
We’ve stayed pretty true to our original vision and sound. Collaborating with those guys helped us see how it could translate across different genres and territories. All the DJs have been super supportive and taken us along for shows and festivals, which definitely helped us feel like we were on the right track.
Performing live with acts like Sub Focus, Kygo, and 5 Seconds of Summer must have been incredible. Can you share a memorable moment from these performances?
There’s nothing quite like a DNA smash on a big stage. Nick (Sub Focus) does those timeless classics so well, and people love it. We saw that in Dundee for Radio 1 Big Weekend. With Kygo, we shared a lineup with some of our faves, including Sofi Tukker, so it’s really cool to see another iconic duo do their thing. As for 5SOS, there are very few words for performing for over 250,000 people. Some bands never get to do it at that level, so we left very inspired and grateful.
Your collaboration with Kx5 on ‘Bright Lights’ earned you a Grammy nomination. How did that achievement impact you both personally and professionally?
Kx5 is so respected in the dance space; we knew the opportunity wasn’t one to be missed. The album was nominated for Electronic Dance Album of the Year, which was insane to have been a part of. It’s obviously very rewarding at those levels, to feel like people are really celebrating your wins personally and professionally.
Coming from different parts of the world (Sydney and Leicester), how do your backgrounds influence your music and creative synergy?
Despite growing up on opposite sides of the world, it’s so interesting to know music is such a connector. We both love a lot of the same music: MGMT, Empire of the Sun, Justice. There’s a bit of island heritage on both sides, so that always helps with heart and soul.
You mentioned spending hours collaborating via Zoom during the pandemic. What were some challenges and benefits of this remote collaboration?
L: I taught Mali how to record remotely and turn on the mic for Zoom; she’ll forever be indebted to me.
M: We realize if we ever get sick of each other, we can work remotely with the camera off quite successfully.
With ‘Origin Stories’ marking the end of the first era, what can fans expect from AR/CO in the next phase of your career?
We’ve evolved so much since the beginning. Writing music never really stops, so we’ve experimented with so many new sounds. You’ll be able to see and hear how we’re growing in real-time with us.
What are some key messages or emotions you hope listeners take away from ‘Origin Stories’?
Don’t take life too seriously! No one ever makes it out alive!
Your music is described as futuristic desert rave with psychedelic dance-pop vibes. What are some of your musical influences and inspirations behind this unique sound?
The desert thing originally came from the visual influences. Mad Max and Burning Man always aesthetically felt like places of wildness and freedom. The music itself is just us trying to be as free and out-of-the-box as we can be. We wanted it to sound unique.
How do you balance maintaining your distinctive style while exploring new sounds and themes in your music?
The vocal is the thread for us. We have the same process when we cut every single song: the number of takes, types of takes, how we process them. You’ll always hear that foundation.
Who are some artists or genres outside of dance-pop that have significantly influenced your musical journey?
Empire of the Sun, Tame Impala, Jungle, MGMT, Justice.
With over 3 million monthly listeners on Spotify and hits like ‘Night Feels’ reaching 15 million streams, how do you engage with your growing fan base?
Playing shows has definitely been a rewarding part of connecting to our fans. It’s so cool to see them connecting to AR/CO like we do, as a place outside of just us.
You’ve achieved significant international success, particularly in Germany and Italy. How do you approach connecting with fans across different cultures and countries?
It’s not even really about where we all come from, it’s about where we’re going. The place doesn’t matter when you’re all escaping to AR/CO. People really connect to that.
The music industry is constantly evolving. How do you stay ahead of trends and ensure your music remains fresh and relevant?
We’re just making stuff that feels timeless, instantly classic, and pushing boundaries wherever we can. We try not to predict stuff and know the best songs and experiences will be what connects.
Looking back on your journey so far, what are some pivotal moments that have defined AR/CO’s path?
The day we wrote “Hot Air Balloon,” we knew we were onto something special. It was the first song with the signature vocal we stumbled on; everyone knew it was special. Touring with 5SOS was like live music boot camp; we’d feel confident now playing any gig in any space. This EP launch, it’s so cool to tell the story alongside the music. We think we’ll always have that artistic pride, so watching it grow is really inspiring to us.
What are your personal goals as artists, and how do you envision the future of AR/CO?
We feel like there’s a space for more bold artistry and creativity. We both have a vision for AR/CO where music meets art. We want put on great shows that encourage imagination, and who knows? Build something that feels like it could last forever, or at least grow old with you.
