By: Staff
Arctisky's recent release, "Let Freedom Ring," delivers a powerful message that traces back thousands of years, urging listeners to see past diversity and unite.
The song brings forward music with a heartfelt message of love and inclusivity, tackling the challenging realities of living in a world where governments often seem uncontrollable and egos and lies dictate the destiny of countless lives.
Using music as a platform and leveraging the far-reaching influence of the internet, the artist has chosen a message of hope with the admirable intent of changing minds and actions. The title, which reflects something deeply cherished by Americans, was an intelligent choice, given the country's significant power to influence through money and influence. The song begins with a powerful excerpt from a speech by Martin Luther King Jr., setting the tone for the emotional and introspective vocals that follow. The slightly upbeat melody suggests a sense of optimism, forecasting a future where we can truly address and benefit by actions against these pressing issues. The slow, seamless delivery of the lyrics conveys the artist's deep passion and the gravity of the message they wish to convey. Vocally we were impressed by the emotional and emphatic delivery. Arctisky possesses a beautiful tone and displays terrific talent and control. The lyrical cadence is awe-inspiring and very uplifting. The musical arrangement uniquely combines reggae and orchestral elements, creating an intriguing and beautiful performance. Arctisky pleads, "Can we stop the fighting for a second to feel?" likely in an effort to soften hearts and evoke empathy in those affected by the actions of ill-intentioned individuals. However, the artist also encourages a more proactive response, urging listeners to stand up, unite, and make a tangible change. This production showcases an excellent choice of message, artist, and musical support. The clean, clear track highlights the artist's abilities effectively, allowing the powerful message to resonate with the audience.
Arctisky's "Let Freedom Ring" is more than just a song; it’s a call to action for the world, and you will make a difference if you playlist and share with everyone you love this amazingly well-intentioned beautiful creation!
From the artist, a powerful direct quote:
“This song explores a range of sociopolitical issues, tracing conflicts from biblical times to today’s power struggles. Written in October 2023, it reflects my frustration with global conflicts driven by egos and manipulation. Featuring samples from Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream," it urges listeners to see past divisive narratives and embrace equality. This song is an anthem of freedom, hope and peace. It's really important to me to get this message out to as many people as possible.”
Wait, there's more!
We caught up with Arctisky, an exciting and emerging artist, for “The Cage” Music Blog to talk about music and learn more about them.
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview
Can you tell the fans something they might not know about you and why you create music?
My music and brand identity is a collection of ideologies I've learned about from lots of different ways of life from all over the world - some of which may seem a bit unorthodox to some people. I really didn't see how I could achieve the full effects of what I was going for if I didn't fully embody it. Another thing is, even though I use some of the issues I've experienced in Maldives as a reference point to highlight and storytell some of the core issues faced by societies - it's easy for people to overlook the fact that these things happen everywhere in the world, just on different levels. It's a voice and antidote for the oppressed, and we know there are victims of societal injustices everywhere in the world. Ignorance is bliss, that's why I made it a point of raising awareness of these issues - simply because awareness is the first step of healing (adopting a growth mindset is crucial, staying in a fixed one is the perfect way to stun any growth). The level of awareness we have about these issues is highly influenced, and usually clouded, by mass media. So some of this work could either serve as a reference point or compass for one to identify the emotional and spiritual wounds they need to heal from, or it could just serve as a beacon to how much mass media brainwashes us to serve a certain narrative. I think an MTV executive mentioned back in the day that MTV was "not all things for all people" after turning down Michael Jackson down because of the colour of his skin (before M.J's 'Thriller' saved them), and there are people who are still subscribed to quite a bit of prejudice systematically woven into policies. Trust me, this happens everywhere - and it's quite frankly brushed under the rug more often than not. We've come a long way, but let's still acknowledge the fact there's still quite a lot more to do to bridge that gap. Like I said before, the first step to healing is awareness of the problem. Other than that, I just wanted to write music that spoke to the soul - or at least try to achieve that with the best of my abilities.
Can you walk us through your songwriting process and where the inspiration comes from for this latest project?
When I started 'Let Freedom Ring', the war between Palestine and Israel had gone back to high tensions and I started seeing more of these posts on socials, TV and other online platforms. Due to the unfiltered global news channels we got in the Maldives, I was always curious to see what the state of the world was outside the confines of Maldives and I always had these questions I just had no answers to. I would see this play on the news early in my life, on and off like an unstable toxic teenage relationship - these huge blowouts would go on (It has been going on for 75 years - I've just been alive for 26 though). Then the media would cushion the emotional blow on the public with another form of distraction while they gradually do what they do. I feel like they've achieved insidiously callusing the entire world's minds to normalise this barbaric behaviour. Y'know, as long as it's justified by false idols backed by power players to spread propaganda, it's just another form of the same B.S played out on a different level. This is why none of this sits right with me. People would go as far as dehumanizing an entire nation/race of people if it means they acquire resources or even just to maintain privilege. I love all people, and I will advocate for the equality of all people. This is why I chose music as my main form of communication - it's universal.
Where do you create your music, i.e., in a home recording studio or with a producer? How do you finalize your finished work, i.e., self-mixed/mastered or another source?
I mainly write my music in my home studio, where I've put together a little creative sanctuary to flesh out my ideas. It also serves as a crucial element in my writing process since it mainly works as a memory palace. As a creative who is a kinesthetic & visual learner, I learned that having personal touches around helps me internalise/contemplate ideas much better than I do without them. Ideas either stem from topics I may be journaling about, or they could just be something that stems from a seed of an idea, that's about 4-16 bars. Eventually, it gets fleshed out into a wall of sounds with elements that work complementary to each other. Then, I'd usually work around with larger cells to decide the overall structure of the music and then maybe double-check which elements stay on each part - based on whatever instrumentations lead the foreground of that section. I'd say that's typically my thought process in my approach to writing, however, a lot of factors play into it, such as the emotions I want to evoke, the stories behind it, the meaning, and finally - how I can make the sonic palette cater to the storytelling/message with the emotional contour I had envisioned before starting the writing process. After I'm done with my own mix, I send it to my mixing and master engineer Alex Emrich. He's helped bring these tracks alive! One of the biggest reasons being that these songs were written at a time that was quite mentally turbulent for me and I just could not sit with the songs for too long until he mixed them. Funny enough, my subconscious was just getting locked into the state I was in when I wrote it. I can actually listen to these songs and enjoy the meaning behind them now. Thank f*ck!
What was the most challenging part of bringing this project to life, from the initial idea to the final recording?
The most challenging part for me was honestly trying to find that middle ground between the two rivals that were at war, and identify and highlight that it has nothing to do with all this historic justifications they're feeding us - and feels like it's nothing more than propaganda to extend outreach and power. That's the hook that chants "Don't let the power players play tricks on your mind for Money and Zion". There are good people on both sides, it's just not the people who are taking the lives of innocent kids and the oppressed. It was difficult to strike that chord to deliver such a heavy message, packaged in some reggae & rock. I felt this was a great way to "Trojan Horse" a self-evident message with a catchy melody. Some get it, some don't. I had to package the messages of peace and love against oppression, in this euphoria-evoking palette. Maybe it could just be the vibe for an ideal society that's a utopia for social equality. My partner and I are from two very different backgrounds, and we just simply don't understand what the ruckus is about. What they show on mass media only adds fuel to the fire, which supports one certain point of view and a narrative. It's rubbish and brainwashing, pushed on to control the freedom of our minds.
Is any part of your music's message or your personal purpose you feel fans should know more about? If so, what is that element, and why is it so important to you?
The core message under most of my writing holds values that go along the lines of 'lead with love and respect', and this really does apply to everything. The opposite of this would be, 'hate and fear'. How we talk to ourselves plays a huge part in how our internal dialogues function and, in turn, reflects how we communicate with the outside world. Eckhart Tolle talks about the concept of the 'painbody' in his book 'A New Earth'. The painbody's bread and butter is hate and fear, it's kinda like the energy field in your body that absorbs all the negative energy. We all have this, the ego loves this and the ego loves using fear and hate as jet fuel to keep itself relevant and add fuel to the fire. After all, the ego doesn't care how you do it as long as it stays relevant. This can also mean subconsciously going through the motions of behaviours that may have gotten you into the mess in the first place. I find it extremely helpful to journal and to put these thoughts on pages since it frees up my mind to think, and actually approach my own problems subjectively without being too close to the problem myself.
What has been the most motivating force in creating your music?
The itch I can't seem to scratch with bringing a change in the sociopolitical dynamics in my home country and the world. I believe it's a joint effort and I'm so glad we're already seeing some changes take place.
If there was one thing you could change about the music industry, what would it be?
I would like to address any more systematic barriers artists of colour face in getting ahead in the industry. Be it ignoring it or consciously doing everything to not acknowledge those artists. A lot of us are dubbed as things we're not, be it stereotypes or whatever. What stereotypes are meant to do is fill up the subconscious minds of minorities with self-doubt. It's psychological warfare, and a lot of people are force fed these ideas and we're expected to normalise these things. I do recognize my strengths and weaknesses, and I play to them accordingly. I have identified the systematic barriers that I've had to maneuver around and I'm mindful of who I associate myself with. This is why I know how important representation is. I know the 6-year-old me would've loved to have someone to look up to who is a lot more like the person I am today, or the person I am still trying to be. The work never ends, and improvement is not something that has a deadline on it.
What instruments do you play? Which is your favorite?
Ooh! Good question, my absolute favourite is always gonna be the drums. Different rhythms with each limb? Oh, come on! Such an advantage in my personal life too, especially when these skills are put to use on a whole different stage. Aside from that, I have picked up most of the traditional instruments over the past 20 years, starting with rhythm guitar and vocals. Then eventually, learning the basics of bass. During lockdowns, I was able to absorb the theory behind the keys while I was learning music theory, and the keys have become a crucial component in my music-writing process now. I actually write my music on the piano first, and if it sounds great just with that and vocals - that's when it buckles up for the next steps of development. I've recently gotten back to nurturing my vocal cords after a lecturer told me, "The voice is the only instrument you can't change the strings for." I'm a lot more mindful now, for sure. In terms of instruments, I'd say most traditional instruments. Definitely a lot better at some than the others, but the drums are the OG - because I started at such a young age, I feel like every time I play my default central nervous system and core neuron-network gets liiiit!
Was there ever a time when you emotionally felt, “I can’t do this anymore”? Can you tell us why this happened and how you found the strength to continue?
Around 2022, I had a personal incident that took me out mentally for a couple of years - where I didn't want to touch the name ARCTISKY at all because I had been psychologically ambushed by an unexpected source, and had to identify what the problem was. I guess what gave me strength was knowing that I had grown through some heavy personal struggles no one knew of prior to that, which made me step back and rejuvenate from the psychological effects of this. Aside from that, I do nurture my personal life away from all this. I hope I learned early on that I needed to take care of the person behind the performer. My partner has been a blessing and she's been such a healing energy for me, and my family has also had my back throughout this entire process. which I am eternally grateful for. I felt it was unfair for me not to shed light on these issues if awareness of it is all it takes to start the healing process. If more people heal, we all heal.
What advice would you give your younger self?
"Don't forget to take some time every day to try and play with kids your age, and hold on to these childhood relationships into your adolescence and adulthood. Enjoy being young while you can." This is mainly due to a recent realization that I was unable to fully solidify foundations with a lot of my formative relationships - mainly due to being a performer at a young age and being in and out of school for performances and events.
Also, "Please stop rushing to grow up! Calm down bro, chill!"
What is your favorite quote?
"You don't set out to build a wall.
You don't say I'm going to build the biggest, baddest, greatest wall that's ever been built.
You don't start there.
You say, 'I'm going to lay this brick as perfectly as a brick can be laid.'
You do that every single day.
And soon you have a wall."
-Will Smith
When I came across this quote, it really struck a chord with me. My action plan, paired with that analogy, completely switched up my perspective on breaking things down. This helped me segment an enormous goal into little baby steps and smaller chapters. This has set me up with habits that will take me to that stage, then it's another step up from there. Growth is a perpetual process, and should not be limited to some single ideology that sabotages one's personal growth as well as compromises any hope for growth for a society in the process. Obviously, nothing is set in stone and it's all a work in progress.
If you could go on any late-night talk show, which would it be? And based on present life, what would be the topic of discussion?
I'd love to have a chat on any show that's got Trevor Noah on it, or Russel Brand. I love the raw unfiltered truth, these guys are unhinged, and I would love to have a chance to see what their views are on the political lines that divide us.
When you reach the stage where you have the admiration and respect of other world-known artists, what band or artist would you love to call and say, “Let’s go on tour together”?
Ooft, that's a tough question! Especially given that there are so many great artists everywhere in the world, and me being a firm believer in collective growth - I would say I'd scout opening acts locally, but in terms of a world tour, I'd say I will be extending my hand out to people who I find are genuine and support my work, than leeches and snakes to take advantage. I'm extremely mindful of the energies I let near my work and my craft - it doesn't matter if you're family, or my closest friends or not. If a person disrespects me or my work, that energy will simply no longer be welcomed in my life, and I would probably extinguish any bit of power I may have subconsciously given that person. Art is subjective, and my work may not be everyone's cup of tea. I would be on the lookout for new talents at all times unless I find a sound that makes me go 'I NEED THAT'. It's pretty subjective I reckon, but will definitely be effective.
We have experienced many people performing acts of selflessness each day. Once your artistry has reached far and wide, how will you use that more powerful voice to have a bigger positive impact on our world?
I most definitely have wanted to make enough money so that I could help more and more people in need. There's one project which I've visualised for since I was 9 from what I can remember. I think any measures taken to be a voice for the children of societal neglect. The thing is, children of neglect WILL turn to anywhere that will validate their experience. Currently, the Maldives has a bigger issue with maintaining the internal workings of the society. The national children's home (Kuda Kudhinge Hiya) needs a relocation and a revamp, with people who actually care for these children. I'm not saying they don't care - but the people in power need to be mindful and realise that they need care just like any other child. These are the children of the nation. These children are being neglected by society as a whole, and do people really have the right to blame them when they act out? Not really! It's not right. Any kid for that matter.
In addition, I would love to see rehabilitation centres in the Maldives actually prioritising mental health, and strictly mental health without shoving politics down helpless peoples throats. We have given into the idea that it's okay to allow people with extreme ideologies to run these centres. I wanted to bring about a full reform to the rehabilitation system in Maldives. We need to destigmatize the social weight a person carries from being associated with substances. It only invalidates a valid experience and cancels any chance of progressing forward. The government would do a hard crackdown on gangs, but will consciously continue to overlook the fact their oppression actions are what breed these victims of societal injustice. It's all control.
I wouldn't limit myself to these, I've always wanted to help whenever I can and wherever I can. This was just something that's always been on my mind. Ripple effects work in marvelous ways!
What is the most inspirational thing a fan, or anyone, has told or shown you about your music?
The most recent thing I heard from an admirer was actually one of the sweetest things I've ever been told about my work and it instantly cancelled any bits of self-doubt that was stirring about my work. They had said something along the lines of, "So you had simply said 'get fu**ed' to all the people that are trying to assert societal dominance, by giving a voice for the victims of societal injustices - and saying 'f*ck off, this is the reason why we have to find forms of self-medication'." It's simply because there are major mental diseases that need to be treated, while they're being collectively shamed and ignored by the masses - until a scholar said mental health is a real thing in a seminar. Come on! We actually really do have the ability to think for ourselves. It's actually a thing yo. The whole concept of external validation is a scam if you do not have a grip on your own mind 100% first. I believe in being able to create spaces where these shared experiences of oppression can be validated without people getting attacked or cancelled.
END INTERVIEW
Check out this latest release and listen to more of Arctisky on Spotify & YouTube.
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