Three-piece Yorkshire powerhouse The Marble Arches are on a mission to carve a path between accessibility and noise, all while cutting out the nonsense. Influenced by anything and everything, the band have gone from strength-to-strength since their emergence with 2018 EP Under The Marble Arches, which saw the trio open the main stage of Bingley Weekender, sharing the stage with the likes of IDLES, Echo & The Bunnymen, and Miles Kane.
As they look towards the future after 2022’s HEADS UP, The Marble Arches maintain that they should not be pidgeon holed, whether that be live or on record. Let’s see what they have to say for themselves...
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Probably my voice, I remember singing passionately before I could even play an instrument.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
The Beatles. A lot of alternative / indie music from the 90s & 2000s which my dad got me into. I remember liking swing and big band. Had the phase of being into a lot of terrible punk rock that you only really listen to when you’re 12.
What was the first album you remember owning?
‘Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not’ – Arctic Monkeys
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
‘Motion Sickness’ by Phoebe Bridgers. Her songwriting is powerful and direct whilst being thought provoking and colourful. She makes me want to write better songs, her music is enviably beautiful and undeniably moving.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
For me, the inception of a song is different every time. It could start with a beat, a lyrical idea that turns into song or a set of chords. Usually the best ideas happen at 3 in morning or whilst doing something completely mundane, so I guess that’s something I habitually do when writing new music.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Erykah Badu, Caroline Polachek & Kaytranada.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Westlife
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Having an outlet to truly express myself, to create something with a lasting impact that I get to share with the world and getting to do it all with my two best friends.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Being undervalued and not taken seriously. Whilst making music is incredibly rewarding, it’s insurmountably difficult to have your music be heard and have it resonate with an audience. It can be quite invalidating and disheartening, but I try not to let it discourage me.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
You’d better be good.