Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with A is for Arrows

Toronto electro-pop duo A is for Arrows has taken the music industry by storm. Singer Alessia Balasbas and guitarist Eric Robbs met over a decade ago and found perfect harmony within their craft. We caught up with Alessia to learn more about the band’s start, their new single, and their upcoming EP.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
A is for Arrows: To be honest, it was kind of a clouds-parting moment. For years before I found my passion with music, I’d struggled with not knowing what I wanted to do with my life. I remember holding my guitar one night, learning a cover that I would later post on YouTube, and it just hit me like a ton of bricks. It’s this feeling I can’t really explain. I just knew it was right. I had this overwhelming instinctual feeling that I had to make music.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
A is for Arrows: Paramore was part of the spark in the beginning. Watching them play live, I’d always say in my head that one day I would be doing that.

PC: What has been the key to the band’s success?
A is for Arrows: For me, I think it would be patience and having a work ethic that tells me to do better every single day.

PC: Tell us about your single, “Talking in My Sleep.” What inspired the track?
A is for Arrows: It’s about anxiety and love. Having anxiety and not being able to sleep. Having a go-to person that helps you through it and so you’re scared of the words “I love you” slipping from your mouth and it not being enough to fully express what this person means to you. In your head, they save your life. How do you just say that one thing?

PC: You’re about to release your debut EP. What can fans expect?
A is for Arrows: To me, it feels like a midnight drive.

PC: What did you learn about each other during this process?
A is for Arrows: Listening is sometimes more useful than talking.

PC: If you had to pick one song off the debut EP that best encompasses the band, which would it be and why?
A is for Arrows: Definitely “Talking In My Sleep” because I think it does its best to showcase the possibilities of all of the avenues this band wants to explore.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
A is for Arrows: I’m not sure anyone would be surprised with anything that’s on our playlist. [laughs] I’m so inspired by all types of music!

PC: First album you bought?
A is for Arrows: I think it was Oops!… I Did It Again by Britney Spears, but it also might have been Britney self-titled. I was a huge Britney fan.

PC: First concert you attended?
A is for Arrows: I think it was Ricky Martin. [laughs] I wore leather pants and everything!

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
A is for Arrows: There have been so many that have changed my life. I think there’s more than one answer, but what sticks out to me is blink-182’s self-titled album. I just remember feeling on top of the world while listening to that album. I felt powerful. I felt like here are these guys that seemingly write pop-punk joke anthems—at least it was what it seemed to me as a preteen girl—that completely turned it around and made this incredibly emotional album full of songs that were so well written. It was undeniable to me.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
A is for Arrows: The Scotiabank Arena, Toronto.

PC: A must-have on the road?
A is for Arrows: For me, sleep and nutritious foods. Otherwise, I’ll feel horrible, and then I can’t rage on stage!

To keep up with A is for Arrows, follow them on Instagram and Spotify. Check out their latest single “Can’t Stop” below!

Photo Credit: Kelsi Lux