Interview with Arula & Quiet Son

With their dreamy, dark, sensual sound, Arula & Quiet Son form a duo whose music combines the qualities of urban electronica, dance, and experimental folk with an infusion of melodic pop sensibilities.

Initially starting as a remote song collaboration between the two California artists & producers, the project blossomed into a fully realized LP that winds through themes of self-discovery, reclamation, climate consciousness, and romantic vulnerability.

Arula x Quiet Son Press Photo 2 Horizontal

How would you each describe the music that you typically create? How has creating music together been different?

A: I love creating music that feels “haunting” and “sensual” and I feel like Quiet Son also has a similar style which allows us to understand each other in a unique way. So it’s been very similar in some ways, but also fun to see where our musical paths diverge.

QS: Totally agree, “haunting” and “sensual” are great descriptions. I also try to work “cinematic” and “dreamy” vibes into all of my work. It’s important to me that the sonics of each song evokes some sort of unique world. In some ways, working with Arula has been different in that she really brings a similar vision to the table. While I’m an artist, I also produce quite a bit for other artists which means working within their vision. I absolutely love that process because it’s a fun challenge, but it’s also really amazing working collaboratively and equally with somebody who lives within the world I also inhabit.

What lead each of you to become a musical artist and what advice can you give to others aspiring to do so?

A: Hmm for me it didn’t feel like a conscious choice exactly, it’s something that I’ve always done and so it felt like a natural path to continue to explore and expand my many different paths as a musical artist.

QS: Same here, I just always gravitated toward music and sound. There was nothing else I wanted to do; I was actually bored by pretty much everything else. My one piece of advice would be to just have fun and find ways to get out of your own head. I think a lot of artists (myself included) struggle with comparing themselves to other artists. We’re all unique and all bring something amazing to music, but it took me a long time to really internalize that for myself.

What is the best advice you have been given?

A: Release expectations around your art. Share art from your heart, and because you deeply desire to create and communicate through it.

QS: Don’t sweat the small stuff, or the small stuff will sweat you.

Who are your top two favorite artists of all time? Why those artists?

A: Tori Amos, Robert Plant. It’s honestly so hard to pick two but these two definitely influenced me early on so their voices and work will always be near and dear to me.

QS: FKA twigs and James Blake. Similar to Arula, it’s so hard to choose just two but those two stand out immensely to me as visionaries, artists, and producers.

What are your top two favorite albums of all time? Why those albums?

A: Boys for Pele by Tori Amos and

QS: Blonde by Frank Ocean and EP2 by FKA Twigs

Do you have any lucky items, objects, or traditions?

A: I love doing cleansing practices before recording or performing. Typically doing some kind of breath work, visualization, or burning copal.

QS: Meditation is key for me. I aim for at least 15 minutes every day, and the clarity and focus it’s brought to my life have been huge for my creative practices.

Each of you is a new addition to a crayon box. What color would you be and why?

A: I’m feeling red right now because I’m feeling the desire to take up more space and red is such a powerful color.

QS: I’ve been really gravitating towards tones like Sacramento Green, Cognac, Champagne and sand lately. Something about those tones feels really grounded and creatively stimulating to me.

If you could ask your future self-one question, what would it be?

A: Are you having enough fun while staying true to your heart?

QS: What’s the thing you learned that you wish you did earlier?

If you could learn any language fluently, what would it be?

A: I love speaking Spanish and while I’m not entirely fluent I’m continuing to try and learn.

QS: Same! I actually almost majored in Spanish in college.

If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?

A: I would encourage myself to stay open to the possibilities whenever challenges arise and be the most authentic version of myself no

QS: Trust your gut, lead with love, and remember to be kind.

Both artists are super excited to share their track + music video for “Found” Here’s what they had to say about it: “‘Found’ is a reclamation of the power that can only be harnessed from within. It is an ode to anyone who has ever felt lost, confused, or like they don’t fit it. It is a reminder that we can always be found within ourselves, and within the receptive energy of nature and earth” -Arula

Quiet Son elaborates: “The production of this song is really special to me. It was such a unique challenge, because when I heard the initial demo I realised the message of the song is so clear that I had to make sure the production supported Arula’s vision precisely. It was an exploration in creating and subsequently releasing tension: to build the sound around Arula’s vocals as the message of the song evolves from one of self-doubt into one of complete reclamation, empowerment, and ecstasy. It was fun to let that huge bass synth take over in the last chorus; I think it really opens the song up and symbolizes the feeling of relief and blessing we can feel when we give ourselves permission to take control of our lives and destinies.”

Arula continues: “Our hope is that this song reminds you that you are powerful and enough, just because you exist. May you always feel found within yourself.”