Trailblazing 21 year old multi-instrumentalist and producer, Ukiyo returns with his transcendent new single Go, featuring breathtaking vocals from Chymes, out now. Ukiyo, otherwise known as Timothy Arnott, has also dropped an exquisite video (see it below) to accompany the track; a meditative amalgamation of vision capturing the beauty of the Austrian Alps. 2018 is set to be a massive one for this exciting young artist, but he’s taking it all in his stride – major festival appearances and all. Ukiyo says, “Expect some new sounds & directions this year, and Go is just the beginning.” Ukiyo took the time to ponder a little Q&A for us.
What was the spark which lit your flame for music?
I’ve always been hugely interested in the filmmaking process and was completely obsessed with the impact music could have. I was obsessed with movie soundtracks as a kid and my world was opened up when I got my first laptop with Garageband and discovered all the instruments I could play and things I could do without leaving my bedroom.
What was your first band/artist t-shirt?
The first one I bought was Owl City, I remember collecting up my pocket money and getting one through some luck of the draw type thing they had online. The shirt I ended up with was rubbish but I think I’ve still got it somewhere.
A record that changed your life?
It’s gotta be a draw between Flume’s debut and Porter Robinson’s ‘Worlds’ – both super influential electronic albums that took me on a journey over and over. If i can make music that opens up people’s imaginations half as much as they did for me I’ll be happy.
Which other producers do you look to for inspiration?
There’s a huge bunch of people in the Aussie scene that are all doing amazing things at the moment. I’m very much involved with the whole “vlog music” chillhop movement which has got great tracks popping up all the time, I’ve got a playlist going right now while I type.
What’s your gear set up? Hardware and software
Pretty minimal. Ableton is at the core on a Macbook and that’s really about it. I’ve got a pair of Yamaha HS8s to monitor on and an AKAI MPK to play on. The live setup is where it gets a bit more interesting with drum pads, a Launchpad and some midi control stuff.
What’s your fave plug-in and why?
A little plugin called Vinyl Strip by AudioThing, I use it constantly to add little wobbles and noise etc. It’s really handy for adding some extra dynamic between sections as well.
What’s your latest recording and when will you be back in the studio?
My laptop is my studio so I never really leave. At the moment I’m working on some live edits and unreleased stuff that I’ll be playing in the shows starting next month. Excited to see how people react.
What would be your dream collaboration?
There’s a bunch of producers I admire that I’d kill to sit down in a studio with but if we’re talking dreams here I’d have to pick John Williams. I have no idea what we’d make or how we’d collaborate but it would definitely be a dream come true.
What would you consider to be your greatest musical achievement to date?
I’ve had some really respected people that have heard and supported my tunes. Will Smith, Pharrell Williams, Martin Garrix, Casey Neistat, PewDiePie…. It blows my mind. I think my biggest achievement so far is that I was able to quit my job to focus purely on the music and I haven’t looked back since.
What’s coming up for you in the next few months?
A bunch of music, a bunch of shows & some super cool things that haven’t been announced yet. It’s shaping up to be a wild year.
TOUR DATES:
SAT 12 MAY | GROOVIN THE MOO, BUNBURY WA | ALL AGES
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | 1300 GET TIX | All Moshtix Outlets
SAT 26 MAY | ART BALL, PERTH WA | 18+
Tickets available from www.artball.com.au | 9492 6761