First EP from ARKTA

Alternative rock duo ARKTA released their first EP digitally worldwide on February 23rd.

From Where the City Lights Burn contains five tracks, including The Lily, which was released as a preceding digital single in January.

The EP is described as the band’s “Phase 1”, as most aspects of the production for the release, including recording and mixing, were done by the members. This allows the EP to reflect the “raw and genuine essence of ARKTA at this moment”.

The title From Where the City Lights Burn was chosen with the hope that their voices and music will reach the world from both the cities of Tokyo and Los Angeles, where the two members of ARKTA reside.

The common theme running through the entire EP is “the transience of the present reality and the fleeting nature of the life [people] are currently living”. The band members have explained that the term 'transience' is not solely negative, it carries the sentiment that "something vague, fragile, and easily crumbling can be beautiful and precious". Subjects touched upon in the songs include “unrequited feelings and eternal farewells, the emotions of longing, yearning for life, and thoughts towards companions on the journey of life”.

Links to download and stream From Where the City Lights Burn on various music platforms are available here. 

To celebrate the release of their EP, ARKTA will also be holding two events in Tokyo, Japan this April. They will perform alongside visual kei band ACME at SHIBUYA MILKYWAY on April 28th and host a fan meeting at SHIBUYA Rockaholic on the 29th. Tickets are available for purchase here. 

ARKTA commented:

“On the year of 2020, when 'freedom' was taken away from all around the world, two individuals, despite being in distant in Tokyo and LA, gave birth to ARKTA. They turned adversity into strength and packed their own identity that had been cultivated over time into these five songs. The conclusion of 'Phase 0' with this EP marks the beginning of ARKTA. May the emotions woven by ARKTA, in overdrive, reach beyond Tokyo and LA to the entire world with this EP.”

The music video for The Lily can be viewed below.