UKIYO Go Interview

New Single and Video for Go ft. Chymes

Trailblazing 21 year old multi-instrumentalist and producer, Ukiyo returns today with his transcendent new single Go, featuring breathtaking vocals from Chymes, out today, April 18. Ukiyo, otherwise known as Timothy Arnott, has also dropped an exquisite video to accompany the track; a meditative amalgamation of vision capturing the beauty of the Austrian Alps. The exciting Perth local has also announced a string of hometown shows, including the renowned festival, Groovin' The Moo in Bunbury on May 12, and Art Ball in Perth on May 26.

Go moves mountains with subtle, assertive ease; modern, exciting production moulds itself around organic, reassuring piano, and that sweet, intimate vocal sits atop the arrangement like a queen upon a throne. The track is evocative of Flume's groundbreaking production style, but there is something distinct about Go that is incomparable to others within the genre. Thoughtful and introverted, Go is the result of a contemplative plane trip, as Timothy explains, "Go was a track that came about after my first Melbourne show last year. It was my first Ukiyo show outside of my hometown and the first time I'd flown for ages. Being up there is always a harsh reminder of how small we are.. the idea was centred around a feeling of adventure and the possibility of happiness out of sadness. It's about fixing relationships, whether that be with yourself, someone you love, or something you love."

The music video for Go is suitably meditative and magnificent all at once. Aerial shots of the Alps in Austria fill the screen and warp, twist, invert - it's hypnotic and kaleidoscopic, but in a comforting, cyclical way. Directed and shot by the artful Kevin McGloughlin with creative direction and colouring from Brendan Canty, it is truly a wonderfully apt visual representation of the music as it unfolds. Reflecting on the process, Timothy says, "My biggest inspiration for music is always nature, so when it came around to a video clip for Go, I knew the only actor I wanted was the Earth," as Kevin adds, "I aimed at evoking a sense of atmosphere and adventure while complimenting the beauty of the track, to express a feeling of exploration, and create a calming journey for the viewer…it was an absolute pleasure to work on this project."

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."

Stream: GO                                     Watch: GO                               Buy: GO
 
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

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Interview with UKIYO

Question: How would you describe your music?

UKIYO: I make what I want to hear. I start each song with some kind of new (and usually pretty wacky) idea and then try to package it in a way that maintains an aesthetic and makes it approachable. If my Mum doesn't like a song I won't put it out.


Question: Can you tell us about the song, Go?

UKIYO: Last year was a bit of a rollercoaster, I found myself cracking hard under the pressure of following up an EP and a crazy number of tracks that went so much further than I ever thought they would. A few months of self-doubt and writer's block later, Go was the track that pulled me out. It's about tackling the unknown and fixing relationships with yourself and the people you love. It's a really special one to me and I hope people can connect to it.


Question: Where did the idea for the Go video come from?

UKIYO: I can't really claim having the idea for the Go video, that was the genius of Kevin McGloughlin and Brendan Canty. I knew I wanted something beautiful and breathtaking that took viewers on a little journey over telling them a story. I had ideas for different effects but they went so above and beyond what I'd envisioned.


Question: What was it like working with Chymes?

UKIYO: Super weird, it's the first song I've done with people that I haven't met. I sent them the demo of the track last year and they sent back their parts and it was done! Super easy and meant to be, I couldn't imagine anyone else on the track.


Question: What are you looking forward to most about your upcoming Groovin' the Moo shows?

UKIYO: It's the first Festival I've played so that's exciting enough for me. Also super cool that I don't have to fly for this one so I'm definitely going to be going all out with it. Expect some cheeky new unreleased tracks woven in as well.


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend your show, who would it be?

UKIYO: Oh geez, I probably wouldn't go with an idol or anything because I'd be a nervous wreck. I've got family over on the east coast as well as up in England; I'd love them to see a show!


Question: What should we expect from these performances?

UKIYO: Expect some brand new songs and a wacky live version of an oldie.

Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

UKIYO: Probably Kaleidoscope, there hasn't been a venue where it hasn't gotten an awesome response and I love playing the keys part before the last chorus comes in.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

UKIYO: My appreciation for performing live has increased a lot over the last year and there's no feeling quite like it, but I'll always be more comfortable with my headphones on somewhere spending an hour tweaking a bass drum sound. I think I'll always prefer recording, the feeling of creating something out of nothing is why I love music.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

UKIYO: I don't write about my life but I find different places, atmospheres and nature are the biggest motivators. I'd much rather be sitting in a cafe somewhere struggling to see my laptop screen working on a track than in my studio. I'll go out of my way to put myself in a new situation or to make myself feel uncomfortable to get the creative juices flowing.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

UKIYO: MUTO, Kendl, Kllo, Flume, Joakim Karud, Baths, Porter Robinson, Young Franco, Tourist, Kasbo and Hayden James.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

UKIYO: I never really chose to go into the music industry, but it was the magic of Owl City and John Williams that inspired me to make music as an escape. Music is so wonderful because it keeps me sane making it & the music I make can help keep others sane too. Super cool!


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

UKIYO: I've been obsessed with Kllo for so long, I'd love to do something with them. Something with John Williams would be a dream come true but my skills definitely aren't at that level yet.


Interview by Brooke Hunter