Virality is a rising phenomenon. North-east London’s Arz has been one of the UK’s biggest beneficiaries of the influence of social media towards an artistic career, with his breakout track “Alone With You”, rocketing him to widespread industry and public acclaim via blowing up on TikTok.
Since the success of his early music, Arz has continued to impress with a sound that amalgamates hip hop, drill, garage and more, bridging the gap between homage and progression. His stellar debut EP, “Love Letters” was now been followed by a longer, more visceral and in-depth mixtape “Can’t Commit”, the latest indicator of the diversity of his talent. Across the 10 tracks, the rapper flaunts an emotional resonance beyond his 19 years, thoughtful and provoking yet charismatic and cocksure in his lyricism.
We had the pleasure of linking up with Arz for a conversation about his musical origins, the UK rap scene, the influence of social influence and the progression of his sound.
Listen to “Can’t Commit”…
Read the exclusive interview…
Who and what inspires you in your music?
Day to day I take inspiration from what I’m around & what I experience. Plucking different things from my life. From the people I talk to, the subjects spoken, the places I go, relationships & the things I find interest in. Pretty much everything around me & also other artists music. Two artists who have always inspired me are Brent Faiyaz & Young Thug.
How did you first develop a love for music, writing and performance?
I’ve always loved music growing up, everything I done & almost everywhere I go I listen to music. I loved listening to instrumentals growing up & I kinda feel like that’s where the love for music as a whole began. Starting writing seriously at 14 & since then been working on how I can talk about my life in the most detailed & picture painting ways.
How did you first find your feet in the industry and begin building your fan base?
I feel like my fan base started forming in 2021 when I dropped my first EP “Love Letter’s”. “No Games” & “Alone With You”, two singles from the project had been received really well & helped me get in front of more people to increase the people who where already tapped in. Finding your feet in the industry at a young age isn’t easy for anyone in any genre. You have to be hard headed, build your team & water your flowers.
How would you define your essence as an artist?
I think the UK rap scene is in a dope place. I feel like a lot of guys are barring off correctly and putting the ends on the map to other countries in & out of Europe. Saying that, at the same time I feel like there’s so much cold, refreshing talent cutting through but being overlooked and aren’t where they deserve to be.
How have you used social media effectively in your rise?
I feel like learning from experiences not only in life as a whole but in music & the industry is super important. I’m only 19 but in the years I’ve been doing this I’ve had to learn & adapt to so much, not easy but you just have to make wise decisions and definitely learn from everything you do, that will without a doubt give someone a better chance at success
What’s your opinion of the current UK rap scene?
I feel like my sound has matured this project round. My bars are way more detailed, rapping about more complex & intricate things that go on around my life. There’s a range of crazy production from producers I work very closely too. It’s a big big level up & a peak of the direction I’m heading in sonically.
You’ve achieved so much despite only being 19 years old still, where do you pinpoint your maturity to be able to succeed?
Emirates was one of those tracks I just felt like I could talk my head & my thoughts. it’s a rap song, so it’s slower than the drill & fast paced trap like beats that are coming out the UK regularly. I have a more laid back approach whilst still attacking subjects my supporters love. Definitely top 3 in my favourites from the whole tape.
How has your sound progressed since your first project, “Love Letters”?
“Can’t Commit” is a 10 song mixtape taking the listener through my development as an adolescent. Growing up, leaving my teen stage & talking about how that looks & what that means. From family, to relationships, to making music, to work, to music & how in the ends of distractions it can be difficult to commit to what we wish.
We love your recent single “Emirates”, talk us through the creation of the track?
Like I said earlier it’s a level up & that will always always be my goal when releasing projects. Making sure it’s better than the last, I can definitely say this tape is one to listen to & take in.
Is the track a sign of things to come in terms of style and sound?
I feel like everyone will take something different away from the tape, different parts will connect to people differently. More than anything I want everyone to leave feeling inspired & also understanding more about me & who I am in & away from the music.
Where do you want to take your artistry?
The furthest it can go, there’s no limits in this marathon.
What’s to come from you this year?
More everything.