Arthur Squawks! is a bird-like human storyteller. Part 1 of his debut EP, Heroes, Limerence, and Scooters, was released on February 19, 2023. I’m Yours is what he has often jokingly called ‘his only true love song'. It is based on the notion that one can only love authentically once they realize their own mortality. In the first part, everyday moments are set against pillars of lyricism (Orpheus in the Underworld, Johnny Cash shooting the ‘Man in Reno’, and Ferlinghetti’s love for San Francisco), while the second is an honest confession of unconditional surrender. An ode to all his heroes, Lament for a City Night (for T.S.) is a frantic journey through his creative process while watching the day break from a city rooftop.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Arthur Squawks!, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
Hi Kamil, thank you for having me! That’s quite the difficult question. In a way I remember being tremendously drawn to it; still, it’s not easy to trace the motives and intentions of a child. It was around me and I was around it like a little satellite, begging my mother to let me take up one instrument after the other, never having the discipline to truly learn any of them. I think it was songwriting that solidified it for me, with which my relationship is constantly evolving.
How do you balance your time in the studio with other commitments such as a part-time job, family, admin?
Well, music lives in my brain rent-free, I guess. Lately - and to my surprise, because I’m working insane hours, I’ve been very productive, writing on the tube and during lunch and in my sleep, maybe. The more difficult part is to arrange rehearsals and gigs because it demands my physical self, but the rest of the Squawk team are simply the best so we support each other through it.
Your latest release is 'Heroes'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
Heroes is the first part of the EP ‘Heroes, Limerence, and Scooters’; I’d say that the unusual thing about it is that I finally found the courage to make the decision to self-produce. It started with a long exploration of the medium and these versions of the songs emerged from my inexperienced and, perhaps thus, brave approach to recording. Fun fact: ‘I’m Yours’ is 90% recorded with an sm58 beta and my MacBook’s built-in mic, as they were the only microphones I had access to.
Where did you get the inspiration for this EP?
This first part is a tribute to my personal heroes; poets and songwriters: Orpheus, Cash, Waldman, Ferlighetti, Dylan, Ginsberg, Di Prima, Steele are just some of them. Even the name, Arthur Squawks, refers to Arthur Rimbaud, and as he mentions in his mini epic poem ‘Season in Hell’ his ‘final squawk’, his swan songs that gave creative breath to countless artists. Writing these songs, I felt like a child and they were the grownups, holding my hand through the busy street and kissing me on the forehead.
How long did you work on the 'Heroes'? Was it an easy process for you?
Well, I honestly can’t tell! Writing is always hard until it flows out of you and becomes the easiest thing in the world - for a very brief moment that is. The recording process was somewhat new but the same; give or take I’d say I was working on it for 5-6 months.
How do you know when a work is finished?
When it comes to writing I just know; never doubted myself much. When it comes to recording now, it’s extremely difficult for me, but I’ve noticed it’s as difficult for experienced and talented sound engineers and producers, especially when recording their own music. This infinite access to technology, the countless options. It’s truly overwhelming and often counterproductive. ‘Bit more reverb or a bit less?’ It never ends until you force yourself to end it.
Can you write what was your best performance in your career? How do you remember it?
We have only started performing as Arthur Squawks, and already had a wonderful gig as part of the Community Sessions series in The Finsbury; We loved that because we got the chance to try the ensemble and introduce the project to a beautiful attentive audience, in an excellent venue. Still I’d say that my all time favourite performance was opening for The Stranglers in 2014 with my old band in Athens. The raw energy that emerges from sharing a stage with one of your favourite bands is incredible. I’m happy to say that we have very special things lined up which I’m confident will top that experience soon, though.
How do you find yourself in the music business? When you started out in music, did you know it would be like this?
I’m really trying not to locate myself in the music business at the moment; I don’t see value to it. The industry is ever changing and is something very different from the last time I had a project going on. My intentions have luckily changed: I used to write for the song itself and the audience’s reaction to it. Now I’m writing for the process of writing and the brilliant effect it has on my life; and that’s truly freeing.
Who is your favourite musician?
If you asked about my favourite songwriter it would be Bob Dylan, hands down. As a complete musical experience, I’ll say The Velvet Underground. By the way, in case another Velvet maniac reads this, a brilliant book with interviews by their true scholar, Ignacio Julia, has just been published by (name of publisher). It’s called ‘Linger On’ and you should but it.
What are your plans for the future?
Well, keep writing and thus keep sane enough to enjoy my time with the people I love. Currently, we’re working on a full-length album, which is very exciting and utterly creative. Before that we hope to release the rest of the EP, but not abiding to the so called ‘rules’ of the industry (whatever that may be tomorrow) allows you to do as you please.