YouTube sensation: Arthur Walwin, has been having quite the year so far. From releasing his brand new single “This Feels (Like Summer)” to being compared to The Rocket Summer, we chat to him to find out how he’s enjoying the ride.
HTF: Hi Arthur! So, you’ve had a pretty awesome year supporting the likes of Tom Odell and Rudimental and getting some airplay on Radio 1. What’s been your favourite moment of the journey so far?
Arthur Walwin: Playing those shows last year was incredible! And I’ve had so many equally as fun shows since, but hearing Fearne Cotton say my name on the radio was definitely the highlight of my year/life.
HTF: Your brand new single’ This Feels (Like Simmer)’ has just been released, can you tell us a bit about the influences and inspiration behind the track?
AW: Musically, I’ve always been a huge fan of bands like Mayday Parade and Taking Back Sunday, so a lot of the music I write has strong influences from those older American pop punk bands. Lyrically, it’s about be being silly and making terrible decisions when I’m drunk (like we all do). I’ve never done a party song before and I think it’s important to show that side sometimes. We all like to have a good time and enjoy ourselves, and I wanted a song that could be people’s soundtrack for those kind of nights.
HTF: Big Cheese recently paid you a massive compliment in saying that you’re the ‘UK’s answer to The Rocket Summer’ how do statements like that make you feel?
AW: It’s honestly so humbling when I read/hear stuff like that. Being compared to someone that you grew up listening to is a crazy thing to think out. You never put yourself on the same platform as those kinds of people.
HTF: As well as being a performing solo artist, you also produce material, which do you find to be the more difficult process? Is there one you prefer over the other?
AW: Producing for other artists is definitely harder most times. There are a few artists that I work with regularly or have done multiple records with like Emma Blackery and StakeOut, and we know each other’s vibe and we’re never struggling for ideas. But the majority of the time, I’m working with bands I’ve never met before and it takes a while to ‘get it’. I love recording my own stuff though. I get really excited when I’ve got a new song I’m working on and I start piecing it together. Before I even start recording, I can hear the finished song in my head, then bit by bit I knock it all together. The best times are when the finished product exceeds what you’ve had in your head from the start. Very rare!
HTF: If you could produce any artist right now, who would it be and why?
AW: That’s tough. There are a lot of really good artists out there right now! Especially in the UK. Unsigned, I would have to say Reachback. They consistently release great songs and I actually think they’re such an underrated band. Signed, I would say 5 Seconds Of Summer. They’re leading the way with the new wave of Pop Punk, so I’m sure we’ve got a load of influences in common.
HTF: You’ve recently been playing some shows across the water in Europe. Do you find that these shows differ to your UK ones? What has the reception been like?
AW: From what I’ve seen, outside the UK people will just turn up to a show. Over here, a lot of promotion needs to be done before hand and a lot of pressure is put on artists for pre-sales. In Europe, from what I saw, it was a lot more relaxed and crowds of people will just go out to a music venue….just because. There’s nothing like playing a home town show though. I headlined Barfly for the first time a few weeks ago for the single launch. By far my favourite London venue and it was great to see so many familiar faces singing along.
HTF: Your music is pretty eclectic, taking on influences from both rock and pop. Are there any artists or bands that influence you more than others?
AW: I will forever have a place in my heart for the early pop punk/emo bands I grew up with. Even heavier bands like Atreyu and Funeral For A Friend as well! But there’s something about modern pop that just reels me in. Been listening to lots of Chris Brown recently. Drake too. I think the production’s a lot cleaner than rock records most times. Pretty much anyone that’s got good lyrical content and catchy hooks, I’m all for it!
HTF: In February, you co-headlined a tour with singer/songwriter Taylor Ames. What were the highlights of the tour?
AW: When Taylor and I get together, it’s always the best time. We’re two Essex lads, so hitting the road together was a great. We played a really intimate show in Birmingham and I remember the lighting being really dim and cool. That was nice. I actually just produced/mixed and directed the video for his new single which was a new venture for me! It’s honestly a great song, can’t wait for everyone to hear it.
HTF: As a songwriter, what do you feel is the most important part of the process? Do you have any advice for any budding songwriters out there?
AW: Sounds cheesy; but you need to believe in what you’re doing. Don’t try and write a political punk song if you’ve never watched the news or care about the issues. I don’t really write songs to change the word or change how people think, but every song I’ve written has been from the heart and I’ve meant/cared about everything I’ve said. Even musically, don’t just lay down any old melody. Believe that those chords are the absolute perfect chords for the song you’re trying to get across.
HTF: Finally, can you give us a sneak peak of what’s next for you and your music in the coming months?
AW: I’ve been quite busy in the studio this summer working on some records with other unsigned bands, so now it’s time for me to get some new material of my own down! I’m constantly writing, so I’m locking myself away in the studio and not coming out until I have a new set of bangers ready to release. I should be hitting the road in the fall as well as the postponed date for the Wembley Arena show with Street Dance XXL (Sept 21st). So far, it’s looking like the biggest tour I’ve been on! So I’ll hopefully get to reach out to a lot of people in cities I’ve not played in for a while.
