Hey Ade, congratulations on the new music. What are the origins of this new project? When and how did it start?

I wanted to return to performing and I wanted to make something new and interesting. I paused all other projects at the start of 2024, locked myself away in my studio and looked for the sound I wanted – something different. It was elusive. I scrapped everything at one point before starting again by adding a piece of all the previous things I’ve done before – classical composition, songwriting hooks, piano, recorders, electronic production – and tying them together into something cohesive. It took time but I eventually found what I was looking for.

Tell us a bit about the new single ‘I Am the Arrow’. What is it about, and what does it mean to you?

It’s called I Am the Arrow. To me, it’s about being decisive. It’s about momentum, and drive. I have layers of more personal meaning underneath this, but I don’t like to over-explain. The interesting thing about writing music without lyrics is that there is so much room for interpretation from the listener. Because of this, the titles carry a lot of weight – they’re the only direction given for story and meaning. They’re still only a start – they push the boat out and then everything from there is left up to the listener to project their own meaning. I put a lot of work into evocative titles that open up rather than close down by being overly prescriptive.

Are there any inspirations you look to beyond music when writing or performing?

Most of my inspiration comes from beyond music. Some is personal experience turned into music, or at least starts that way. I spend a lot of time mind-wandering, lost in stories (some real, some imagined), and then making music that reflects this. I also take inspiration from other forms of art: poetry, books and visual art.

Name the five songs that have informed your song writing more than any others.

Cherub Rock - Smashing Pumpkins
Hoppípolla – Sigur Ros
Hymn to Freedom - Oscar Peterson Trio
Frédéric Chopin’s Waltzes
The Daily Mail – Radiohead

What Australian artists are you listening to at the moment?

I’m enjoying Bodies of Water by Audrey Powne.

How do you hope your music might impact listeners?

I want listeners to lose themselves in the music and then want to know more.