Arrays - Interview with JP Carroll / Arrays
Arrays is the current side-project of JP Carroll, the lead singer and songwriter of renowned hard-rockers Armed in Advance. The three-piece act enjoyed loads of airplay on The Rock with their hit singles Same Old Story and Stay, as well as supporting Villainy and I Am Giant live on the stage. For two years, JP has quietly been embarking on another musical journey a little more personal, releasing music under his pseudonym Arrays.
Muzic.net.nz's Steve S. hit up JP himself for a chat about his ambitions, the benefits of being in a one-man band, and what Kiwi groups rocks his socks.
First round’s on me – What’ll you be having?
I'll have a half raspberry, half coke - I'm driving.
In a dozen words or less, describe what Arrays sounds like.
Like one guy playing all the instruments in a rock band. Twelve.
What are some direct – and some not-so-obvious – Influences on the sonic aspect of Arrays?
Direct influences would have to be Incubus and Deftones; indirect influences are bands like Periphery and Northlane. I love heavy melodic rock that borders on metal.
What are the biggest pros and cons between writing music as a solo artist and writing in a band?
The pros to a solo project: Cheap travel - Not a lot of band arguments - Easy to organise everybody.
The cons to a solo project: Can't play live - They say, "By yourself you can go fast, but with others you can go far." I'm still not sure what that means, but it sounds pretty smart.
Run us through the lyrical background to your single The Enemy – what inspired it?
The Enemy is about recognising that emotions and thoughts represent just an aspect of ourselves, and that there is an inherent power in observing these mind states, rather than being carried away by them.
As a musician, what do you think is the most important quality in creating music that captivates listeners?
First of all, I have no idea. But it might be making the music sound as good as you can and executing the ideas in your head to the highest standard you can.
What have been some important turning points in your musical career so far?
In my creative journey I think it's realising that being creative is a process and not an outcome, and that enjoying every step in the process is more important than the end product.
With an album and a handful of singles released to date under the Arrays banner, which track to date is your personal favourite and/or the proudest of?
I'm most proud of Centre of the Earth, which was the first single I released under Arrays. It was eye-opening to me that I could produce something in my home studio that could be compelling enough for people to want to listen to.
Which three bands would you most like to share a stage with and perform?
Pearl Jam, Deftones and Mouse Rat.
What Kiwi artists/bands have you been jamming lots of lately?
Coridian and Outside In.
Do you have any plans on making Arrays a live, full-band experience?
I'd love to, but there is a lot of work that goes into getting a live band happening. I think it's a supply and demand issue, so if there's a demand, I will supply it.
Care to share any words on the current status of Armed in Advance or any other musical projects in the works?
Current state of Armed In Advance: Dead... Current state of my new band, Swerve City: Soon...
Be sure to keep an eye on Muzic.net.nz for future releases from JP Carroll and Arrays!
About Arrays
The new album Light Years is a tour de force of melodic, guitar heavy, metal-infused rock. This record is proudly independent, self produced and funded, and another way point on the journey JP is on to achieving the sound he hears in his head.
No Way Out presents a visceral, aggressive aspect of Arrays, driven by a palm muted riff, before the syncopated, stomping bridge lands. Little Blue Dot reveals a softer side, until the anthemic final chorus. Home is a twisted time capsule for our shared experience in lockdown, and the title track sets off the record with introspective lyrics and an arrangement big and wide enough to carry them.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Arrays
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