Meet... A Is For Arrows

A year since making a debut, Arrows (formerly known as Alessia) is gracing us with affectionate pop that is too hard to be ignored.

Photo Credit: Kelsi Gayda

Since showing no sign of slowing down, the Toronto alt-pop artist A is for Arrows has rocked the music scene and now back with her debut EP Roses. Delving into alluring melodies and, evocative songwriting - listeners are taken on a journey of a seven-track EP that shows vulnerability yet self-belief. From the anxiety expressed 'Talking in My Sleep' to the maturity of 'Roses'; listeners resonate with the personal experiences Arrow takes from the heart.

As 2020 comes to a close, we caught up with Arrows as our final Meet... feature. Where we talked about 2020 and what has occurred, the meaning behind her debut EP and what to expect from 2021.

Firstly, how are you doing and are you up to anything special before 2020 closes off?

I’m doing well! I’m taking it all in stride. This year has been interesting. This extra time has really helped me a lot in prioritizing the things that matter, like taking care of myself and my mental health and spending time with friends and family!

I’m excited for Christmas, It’s always so magical to me for so many reasons!

Recently, you released your debut EP Roses - What is the meaning of the overall project and, what do you hope to gain from it?

Great question! I think to me, the project is and always will be about personal growth. Being unapologetically human. Always moving forward and celebrating individuality. Growing up, I was always inspired, by bands that were themselves. I liked the bands where if you went to their show, you’d see a thousand different types of people but always felt like you belonged no matter what. That's what I hope for with this project. I want to be the kind of artist that people feel comfortable and safe around. Never judged, only accepted. We’re all human and, I believe that at the end of the day, we all want the same things, so I hope to create a community and a safe space for anyone who wants to be a part of it.

With seven tracks on the EP, is there a specific song you enjoyed the most producing and why?

'Talking in My Sleep' and 'Roses' was my favourite because they happened so quickly. It was a flash of inspiration and, then it was done. No questioning, no second-guessing.

Formerly known as Alessia, where did your stage name 'A is For Arrows' come from and what inspired you the most to pursue music?

Whoa, that’s cool! I’ve never actually heard anyone refer to me like that before!

It came from a quote and then I turned that quote into a song. The quote, reads “An arrow can only be shot forward by pulling it back…” I just felt like I had been in so many dark places in my life, that I wanted a new start. For me, A is for Arrows is about perseverance and self-growth. I’m constantly learning from my mistakes and I’ve realized that there’s power in making them. Oh, and you can call me Arrows for short!!

With a unique sound to your name, how would you describe it to listeners?

Dreamy, moody, a little bit angsty haha! I always say that it’s the kind of music to listen to on a midnight drive.

Being just over a year since you made your first move within the music industry with your debut single 'Without You' - how has it been overall and what has been the one most important thing you've learnt?

It’s been cool, scary at times! You never know if people are going to like it, but honestly, I’m just so grateful with all the great, reception. It’s been one hell of a ride so far and, I think the most important thing I’ve learned is to always stick to your guns. There’s always, going to be a lot of outside opinions, but I had to learn that I have to trust myself and my own decisions.

As a rising artist, who are your top three artists that you have on repeat and who do you hope to work with in the future?

They’re always changing, but right now I’m listening to a lot of; Miley Cyrus, Blackbear and Deb Never.

With this year coming to an end, what has been the most challenging moment you've overcome and what one thing have you achieved?

Having doubts. Self-Doubt creeps in almost every day, and there’s never a moment I’m not fighting back against it. I’m very open about that and, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made. Also, I think it was pretty fucking cool that one of my songs was on the radio! That was a dope accomplishment that I'll never forget!

Whilst we know the unknown for live performances, how excited are you to get back out and, what is your dream place to perform at?

You have NO idea! I love performing more than anything and, I’m itching to get back out there and play shows. There’s nothing like connecting to people at live shows! The energy is insane!

My hometown Arena is a dream of mine to play!

Finally, do you have anything planned for 2021 that you could tell us about?

A ton of new music that I’m very excited about! Stuff I’ve been waiting to write about for as long as I can remember- a lot of truths that I’ve never spoken about before!

Stay tuned!