Apple Music Home Session: Arlo Parks

Arlo Parks’ music is beguiling at the best of times. But ask the South Londoner to pare back three of her signature songs and re-record them all at home with no frills, fancy production or band and, well, the result is even more magical. This Apple Music Home Session—part of our series where some of our favourite artists reimagine their signature tracks and covers—is a powerful reminder of why Parks’ has established herself as one of UK music’s most exciting names. “I picked these songs because it felt like they would give the listener a holistic view of the thematic and sonic core of my music,” the singer-songwriter tells Apple Music. “‘Cola’ was the first song I ever put out and I think playing it stripped down helped me re-engage with the sense of wonder and creative freedom I had that summer. ‘Black Dog’ perceptibly changed my life and is my favourite song I’ve ever written. ‘Eugene’ is sonically my favourite and I enjoy the surrealism of that first verse.” And while the process of recording music at home felt familiar (“Basically every song I’ve ever put out has been recorded in a living room or a bedroom”), the context in which the session happened, of course, was anything but. “Lockdown has been a rollercoaster,” she says. “I’ve learnt how much I fear being out of control or feeling uncertain. I’ve been reading, drawing, cooking and writing a bunch and I’ve learned to DJ, which has been a lot of fun.” Either way, she’s ready for life on the other side. “I’ve missed the emotion in people’s faces and merch table chats,” she adds. “I think when I step back on stage, I’ll feel reborn.” Let Parks’ stunning session tide you over until then.