What’s your stage name and where are you from?
My stage name is Arkin. I am from the UK but currently living in Australia, Melbourne, after moving here late 2023.
What’s the story behind your stage name?
My name is Richard King, so I took the initials R. King to make Arkin!
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
I’ve had a deep love for music since I was young, starting to write lyrics when I was in middle school and dabbling with recording. However, since moving to Australia, I’ve really started to take things seriously and try to make a name for myself.
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
My latest record, “Ain’t It Funny,” is the quickest track I’ve written to date. It was completed within 15 minutes as it touches on a close topic—going through a breakup.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
I want to spread good vibes and create easy-listening music.
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
Finding the right studio/producer/engineer was a challenge. I had recorded songs at a previous studio, but when I got the mastered tracks back, I was unhappy with the result. I was on the lookout for another studio to record, and that search eventually led me to a better fit.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
T.I., as I grew up listening to him, and he is my all-time favorite artist!
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
I can see my music helping me become known around Melbourne and gaining more exposure (and hopefully beyond).
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
My next big step is to perform at more events/shows and network with like-minded people.
Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?
Any streaming platform!
What is the best way to contact you if fans want to give feedback or if other artists/producers want to collaborate?
Please give me a message on my Instagram – @arkinmusic
