Q: I love the sultry, genre-fusing feel of “Ghost.” The instrumental is a mix of rock with electronic, and the vocals give a sensual vibe. Can you walk me through the creative process of the track?
ARCADE GHOST CLUB: I’d been playing around with the guitar riff for the verse for a while, it is a really simple riff and not particularly melodic but for some reason I kept coming back to it, once I found the right drum sample to go with it, it worked perfectly. The idea is for that main verse riff to act as a canvas for the vocal samples and the various audio fx that appear throughout. I wanted to make the chorus pretty heavy as it added a nice contrast to the rest of the song. Lyrically I really like the chorus too “you are the only drug that I like” is a phrase that stuck with me.
Q: Was there a pivotal moment in your life when you decided to follow your path as a musician?
ARCADE GHOST CLUB: I’d always loved music as a kid but was never really interested in being a musician. I remember seeing Bloc Party play “Helicopter” on Jools Holland on TV in 2005 (I think) and I vividly remember that being when I wanted to start learning how to play guitar. The way Kele played the guitar looked so effortless and fun. I got a guitar a few months later and ever since then I’ve always made music in some capacity!
Q: The mesmerizing instrumental ties the whole song together, adding to the overall enchanting aura of the track. Can you go through the production process?
ARCADE GHOST CLUB: I didn’t have much to do with the production process to be honest, I just have a good ear for what sounds work well together and writing music. The track was mixed and mastered by Johnny Malcom French (insta @johnnyxfrench) he did a really great job with the track and I will be working with him in the future for sure!
Q: Your sound is so unique, yet it also has a subtle feeling of nostalgia attached to it at the same time. In your own words, how would you describe the music that you typically create?
ARCADE GHOST CLUB: Unique with a feeling of nostalgia pretty much sums it up! I want to continue making music that has an authentic sound and isn’t trying to hard to sound like anyone else, I’m really trying to avoid making anything that sounds too generic or too perfect, more just trying to make music that makes people feel like its something they can genuinely relate too and care about.
Q: With such an individual sound, I’m curious who your biggest musical influences are.
ARCADE GHOST CLUB: I am influenced by so many artists and different genres – typically I listen to a lot of rap, dance and alternative music these days but i think growing up my biggest influences musically were Bloc Party, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radiohead, The Smiths and Pixies! The guitarists in all of those bands are in my opinion some of the best to ever play.
Q: I’m always fascinated with an artist’s journey. Do you remember who or what first got you into music? Were your families musical growing up?
ARCADE GHOST CLUB: My parents have a strong love for music, it was constantly being played around the house growing up and it was music of all different genres, every kind of genre you could imagine, so I think that definitely massively influenced me. My dad used to introduce me to different artists and lend me CD’s as a kid and tell me about who he thought the best guitarists were, so I became quite fascinated with the all time great guitar players at an early age and this helped me understand how to play the guitar.
Q: You already have such a distinct and unique sound; I’m excited to see what is next for you! Tell everyone what is coming up next for you in 2023!
ARCADE GHOST CLUB: I’m really looking forward to 2023 for Arcade Ghost Club. The first Arcade Ghost Club EP is due out on the 28th February. I am planning to get some live shows booked towards the latter part of the year and there will also be a second EP coming towards the end of summer! I’m also hoping to do some features with some talented musicians and release a few singles throughout the year!
Interviewed by Melissa Cusano
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