After more than two years of silence, Arlesque returns with ‘Eros’, a sweeping, romantic ballad that marks both a personal reawakening and a bold artistic step forward. Known for crafting deeply emotive soundscapes, the Punjab-born, Canada-based artist has long channelled his journey into music that resonates on an intimate level.
‘Eros’ is a song born from unexpected intensity: a fleeting summer romance that lit a fire Arlesque thought he’d lost. Laced with longing and vivid sensory memory, the single captures that intoxicating moment when life feels heightened, even if only briefly.
With his gift for lush pop melodies and reflective storytelling, Arlesque is carving out a unique space in the modern landscape; one where vulnerability, sensuality, and escapism intertwine. We sat down with him to talk about the emotional weight behind his creative process, and how a lifetime of searching has shaped the artist he’s becoming.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
I am a Toronto-based artist. I was born in India, and I had a rough childhood. I was bullied and harassed for being queer. That feeling of being an outcast made me want to develop a strong relationship with myself, which led to poetry and then songwriting. I’ve been writing songs for as long as I can remember, but my debut single, “Everything You Do,” was released back in 2023.
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
I am inspired by many artists, but I would say Lana Del Rey’s artistry has the strongest influence on mine. I absolutely love how she world-builds, and her lyrical expression is just unmatched. I just want to create similarly and carve my own path like she has for herself.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
I always wanted to do music, but my life got in the way. When you’re independent and don’t come from a music background, or when you don’t have a family that’s well-connected in the scene, it can be very hard to pursue it as a serious thing, but I have been doing music here and there, to be honest. It was after the pandemic that I decided that I’m actually going to release a song I wrote worldwide. I just couldn’t ignore my purpose.
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
My songwriting process varies a lot, and it has changed over the years. When I was younger, I used to hum melodies and create a whole song out of that, or sometimes I would write in my journal and then give that writing a melodic structure and adjust it accordingly, but lately, I go to the keyboard, play the chords driven by the emotion I am feeling in the moment, and the melody follows, or sometimes, the melody comes first, and then I go to my keyboard and try to find chords for it. It really fluctuates, but that’s basically how it goes for the most part.
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
Daily life, if I am being very honest. My own experiences and other people’s lives, haha! Some days, I’d be scrolling on my phone and getting inspired, and then I’d rush to my keyboard to capture the feeling because if I don’t in that instance, it will forever be wiped from my memory.
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I truly hope people feel represented and heard when they listen to my music. I want people who understand nuances to really feel seen. I want my music to be meaningful to the listeners.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
The biggest challenge as an emerging artist is to be seen by the right people, both in the industry and outside the industry. Sometimes, it feels like everyone has a network, everyone knows someone, and I feel so isolated and on my own, which can be disheartening, but my passion and love for the art just fuels me and keeps me going.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
The most rewarding aspect has definitely been people who have resonated with the music so far. The messages, the shares, and the coverage my song has gotten so far have made me feel inspired. It feels great to be heard, even if only 5 people are listening.
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
I just remind myself that I will go nowhere if I am not staying true to myself. I think in an industry that’s as saturated as the music industry, your best bet is to be yourself. Not only is it easier spiritually to be that, but also, that’s what you want to be known for as an artist. I think it’d be so draining to not be yourself, especially in the field of arts.
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
New music, more music, and more new music! I am excited about what I’m working on next, and I hope it resonates with my fans as well!
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
I see myself as an established artist in the next five years, with a solid discography and many shows under my belt!
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Listen to Arlesque’s new single ‘Eros’ below.
