Melbourne-based indie artist ARCTISKY is creating ripples in the music scene with his blend of storytelling, vibrant sonic palettes, and emotional depth.
His journey, marked by a move from the politically tumultuous Maldives to the creative hub of Melbourne, is testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft.Recently releasing his newest single 'Loose (feat. Nic Rippon)', which we premiered, ARCTISKY shares some insights into his creative process, inspirations, and the intriguing backstory behind the track.
ARCTISKY's journey began in the Maldives, where the political climate posed significant challenges for creatives. "The political situation makes it really difficult for creatives and people who are sensitive to energies around them to just be calm," he explains.
Seeking a more conducive environment for his art, he spent time in Southeast Asia before moving to Australia in 2019. "I needed space for my creative mind," he says, reflecting on his decision to leave his homeland.
In Melbourne, ARCTISKY found both a new home and a new name. "The name ARCTISKY came about during the lockdowns. I realised there are things I want to write about and messages I want to get out, but I needed to protect the person behind the artist," he shares.
ARCTISKY's music is characterised by its narrative depth and emotional resonance. 'Loose' exemplifies this approach. "I like adding flavours and bits and pieces from real-life stories and adding a bit of fiction to it," he explains.
The inspiration for 'Loose' dates back to 2018, during his time in Southeast Asia. "Some of the stories are pretty true. It's way more fun that way when we get to convey these stories to audiences, which are still not totally aware of these things happening," he adds.
His storytelling is not just about entertainment, but also about fostering empathy and understanding. "I feel like just me kind of conveying my work with a bit of emotional depth and vulnerability, I'm hoping that it could help other people be like, 'Hey, maybe I'm not the only one'."
ARCTISKY's collaborative endeavours with Rippon, a fellow artist he met at music school, have been instrumental in shaping his sound. "Our working style is actually pretty cool," ARCTISKY says.
"I am more of a storyteller, and Nic brings a lot of colourful flavours to the track." This synergy allows ARCTISKY to tackle intense and deep topics with a sonic ease that makes his messages more accessible, he believes.
Surrounding himself with musical legends on the walls of his studio, ARCTISKY draws inspiration from a diverse array of artists. "I love Elvis, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, and Pink Floyd. Johnny Cash, Jimi Hendrix, Tupac and Michael Jackson also make the list," he shares enthusiastically. This eclectic mix of influences is reflected in his music, which blends various genres and styles into a cohesive sound.
A notable feature of ARCTISKY's carefully crafted aesthetic is the colour purple, which he integrates into his visual branding. "I was brainstorming for the core messages from my brand – and when I say brand, my music – and how I wanted to approach my audience," he says.
"I needed to be able to capture people's attention, and yeah, I felt like purple was the way to go. You just see purple everywhere." From Deep Purple to Elvis' 1956 Cadillac Eldorado, the colour has historical significance in the music world, and ARCTISKY leverages this to create a memorable and distinctive image for himself.
With plans for a series of song releases leading to the eventual album release, ARCTISKY is poised for a busy creative period. His upcoming album, teased through his singles 'Unreal Love' and 'Loose', promises to explore a range of topics; from interpersonal relationships to collective growth. "I'm trying to build up the portfolio for each single, weaving stories through my Instagram tiles and artworks," he explains.
As for live performances, ARCTISKY is gearing up to hit the stage. "I've already started practising and getting my sets ready. I feel like around the third or fourth song, we'll definitely start hitting up local venues," he shares.
His meticulous approach to preparation, both in terms of music and visual presentation, ensures that his live shows will be as impactful as his recordings.
In a world where authenticity and vulnerability are increasingly valued, ARCTISKY stands out as an artist who is unafraid to bare his soul. Through his music, he hopes to inspire others to embrace their true selves and resist the pressures of conforming to societal and political expectations.
As ARCTISKY continues to carve out his niche in the indie music scene, one thing is clear: His journey is just beginning, and his voice is one that deserves to be heard.
