Arlo Parks is one of the most compelling artists to watch. The singer-songwriter won the 2021 Brit Award for Best New Artist and the Mercury Prize for her critically acclaimed debut album Collapsed in Sunbeams. Parks’ uniquely crafted sound and piercing lyrics has truly positioned her as a rising star in the Alternative space.
LISTEN NOW: Arlo Parks Talks with Nicole Alvarez
Audacy spoke exclusively with the 21-year-old artist about her experience navigating the music industry, particularly as a young woman in a male dominated arena. “I believe it’s about having a sense of balance," Parks tells Audacy’s Nicole Alvarez. “It’s about having a sense of mutual respect and it’s about creating a future where women are uplifted, celebrated, and championed without having to stomp on anyone else.”
Referring to women as the cutting edge of art, Parks is entirely aware of the hurdles her musical peers encounter. However she doesnt view her womanhood as a personal hindrance. “Being bold is something that I had the privilege to do because of myself, my circumstances, my family and my community,” Parks explained. “I acknowledge that it’s not something that is even possible for everyone in certain spaces.”
According to a 2020 report from the University of California, women in music have been underrepresented in recent years. In a study of 800 top songs, less than 23 percent of artists and less than 2 percent of producers were women. Parks’ hope is that society can move toward a more progressive future for women in music.
In her words, Parks wants all women to walk the earth unafraid. “Sexism has been a deep rooted problem since the dawn of time essentially,” she expressed. “But I think that now [today] it seems like representation is now starting to happen and starting to trickle down as well."
Listen to Arlo Parks and more on Audacy’s ALT New Arrivals now
The award-winning singer also believes that being a woman has allowed her to find a sense of community with other Alternative artists such as Phoebe Bridgers. “Strength is in community. Strength is in supporting each other,” Parks expressed. “There’s nothing productive in butting heads or fighting another person. I think it’s all better when we are together and pull our resources and pull our strengths.”
Listen to the entire International Women’s Day conversation with Arlo Parks and Nicole Alvarez above.
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