Next Wave #1219: South Arcade

      Building a vibrant community, the metal-pop band South Arcade from Oxford cultivates the inspiration that drives their music.

      In a conversation on a weekday afternoon, lead singer Harmony Cavelle and bassist Ollie Green share their journey with Clash. Engaging and lively, the thirty minutes pass quickly. Distilling their influences is not an easy task. “Our inspirations are diverse, in a positive way,” Ollie states. “When all these elements come together, you end up creating something unique that occupies its own space, while still being connected. It’s challenging to define it.”

      Their electrifying new single 'Supermodels' has just been released. An exciting year lies ahead for the four-piece as they infuse a fresh perspective into various genres. They have already marked significant shows early in their career, including sold-out performances at Manchester Academy and London’s Koko.

      They are gearing up for a tour with American act Bilmuri across Europe, and will continue their journey on the road alongside pop-punk band Magnolia Park. As the festival season approaches, they have performances lined up at Slam Dunk, Radio 1’s Big Weekend, and the main stage at Reading and Leeds.

      With an explosive live performance, South Arcade’s recent show at Koko was a fitting showcase of their capabilities. A captivating blend of punk and metal-pop, fans gathered in large numbers to enjoy the spectacle, bouncing off one another, laughing, and swaying in rhythm to hits like ‘How 2 Get Away with Murder,’ ‘Nepo Baby,’ and ‘stone cold summer.’

      Their high energy propels them, delivering intense live performances with striking precision, making every second count. This efficient use of time reflects their level of dedication and strong focus, showcasing their impressive dynamic.

      Oxford has produced several iconic British bands over the years. Considering the notable acts like Radiohead, Ride, or Foals, it’s clear that South Arcade has the potential to achieve great things.

      “It felt unique,” Ollie recalls. “It was quite contemporary; we wanted to have a heavy sound, but we were uncertain. It was like finding our direction. Then we discovered our mutual love for 2000s music, where rock met pop, dominating the charts with so many great songs.”

      —

      —

      Last year, the band released ‘2005’. This project showcased a significant aspect of their ambition, as the six-track EP was more expansive than any previous work. Harmony admits it took considerable effort: “We worked on it collaboratively. It was odd, as I’m not sure when we decided, ‘okay, this is going to be the EP now.’”

      Listeners are surprised by the diverse styles within the EP. With a range of songs, it caters to various moods. “We subconsciously aimed for each track to be distinct,” the vocalist reflects. “Considering how music is consumed these days, it’s advantageous to share as much as possible while ensuring variety.”

      A robust DIY ethos underpins their efforts. Building genuine connections with their fans is fundamental to all their activities. With creative and resourceful supporters, originality is essential, and there are no shortcuts.

      “It’s personally rewarding,” Ollie states. “It’s about doing it yourself. You have control over every detail without having to answer to anyone else. In the early days, if someone from a label gets too involved, it tends to lose its charm.”

      Maintaining authenticity for as long as possible is vital. “We want to keep it true to ourselves,” Harmony concludes. “I understand why some artists sign with labels eventually, as it requires a lot of effort. You want to pave your own way, and I see the value in personal achievement.”

      The outlook is optimistic. They are eager to release another EP before considering a debut album. With realistic objectives and sincere relationships, they have positioned themselves advantageously.

      —

      —

      Words: Susan Hansen

      —