Arlo Parks Embraces Hedonistic Nightlife with New Album 'Ambiguous Desire'
In her teenage years, Arlo Parks was confined to tour buses while her peers reveled on dancefloors. Now, at 25, the Mercury Prize-winning musician is wholeheartedly diving into club culture with her third album, Ambiguous Desire, a vibrant tribute to nocturnal adventures. Parks, born Anaïs Marinho, reflects on this shift, noting that her early career left little room for the spontaneous, deep conversations typical of smoking areas and anonymous club spaces.
From Missed Opportunities to Musical Evolution
Parks rose to fame swiftly after signing a record deal with Transgressive at 18, releasing her debut album, Collapsed in Sunbeams, shortly after turning 20. This rapid ascent meant she bypassed the conventional party phase many experience in their late teens. "I definitely did come to the conclusion that I had missed out," she admits from her home in Los Angeles, where she has resided since 2022. "I hadn't really had the time to be silly and have crazy, deep conversations in the smoking area."
Her new album marks a departure from her earlier alt-pop sound, which was influenced by artists like Nick Cave and Erykah Badu. Ambiguous Desire fuses house, techno, and UK garage with Parks's ethereal vocals, though guitars haven't been entirely abandoned. This evolution wasn't a calculated move but a natural outcome of her lifestyle over the past two years, split between the west and east coasts of the United States.
Inspired by New York's Club Scene
Parks immersed herself in New York's vibrant nightlife, frequenting clubs such as Basement and Nowadays in Queens, the latter known for its marathon 24-hour raves. She delved into the history of iconic venues like Paradise Garage and Studio 54, drawing inspiration from their legacy. "All of that was so inspiring," she says, emphasizing that this period was about living authentically rather than chasing specific influences.
Her creative process involved close collaboration with producer Baird, with whom she spent two years crate-digging, attending clubs, and crafting hundreds of songs. Only a select few made it onto Ambiguous Desire, though Parks hints at potential deluxe editions. The album captures the exhilaration of nightlife, with tracks like Jetta embodying the ecstasy of dancing until dawn and Heaven reflecting the euphoria of a new day breaking.
Artistic Growth and Queer Identity
Parks's journey hasn't been without challenges. After winning the Mercury Prize in 2021 and experiencing burnout in 2022, she returned with the rockier My Soft Machine in 2023. However, Ambiguous Desire represents a more intentional creative phase, free from the constraints of touring. "I really did have to go away and create this insular bubble," she explains, highlighting her desire to explore spontaneity and freedom.
Her unapologetic queerness shines through the album, aligning with electronic music's history as a refuge for outsiders. "Clubs have provided this refuge for people who feel like outsiders or aliens," Parks notes, acknowledging the loss of many queer nightlife spaces in cities like New York. Yet, she remains hopeful, pointing to grassroots DIY parties that continue this spirit.
Collaborations and Fan Connection
The album features collaborations with artists like Sampha, whose timeless voice blends seamlessly with Parks's on Senses. Parks values these connections, drawing inspiration from Black British musicians who operate in genreless spaces. Despite her artistic repositioning, she maintains the candidness that defined her early work, as seen in the yearning lyrics of lead single 2SIDED.
Parks also reflects on her relationship with fans, who have often shared deeply personal stories with her online. Over time, she has learned to balance empathy with self-preservation. "It's such a high compliment that what I'm making touches people on that level," she says, emphasizing her commitment to providing hope and release through her music.
Living on Her Own Terms
Ultimately, Ambiguous Desire is a testament to Parks's growth as an artist and individual. She rejects the notion of being a "tourist" in club culture, asserting that she has fully embodied this world. "This isn't this kind of costume I'm putting on," she insists, underscoring the authenticity of her experiences.
As she looks ahead, Parks remains grateful for her platform and the opportunity to create music that resonates. With Ambiguous Desire set for release on April 3 via Transgressive, she offers fans not just songs to dance to, but a soundtrack for embracing life's pleasures and complexities.
