Arctic Wave
Arctic Wave discusses the inspiration behind “Be Like That,” its message of individuality, musical influences, creative journey, and the genre-defying releases still to come.
1. “Be Like That” is filled with references to Post Malone’s music, yet it also carries a strong message about embracing individuality. How did you strike the balance between paying tribute to one of your biggest influences and creating something that feels uniquely Arctic Wave?
I’m most impressed with Post’s versatility – and I wrote “Be Like That” before his country pivot. Since Post embodies individuality, the salute to Post and the individuality mantra are related, as Post is a musical pioneer with respect to his “all genres” approach. “You do you” is the theme, captured by Post’s genres, and, hopefully, “Be Like That,” also, in terms of lyrics and somewhat unconventional musicality. Sidebar, it doesn’t hurt that Post is a fellow Dallasite.
2. The chorus, “Everybody frontin’, but I just like where I’m at,” is a powerful statement about self-acceptance. Was there a particular moment in your life that inspired this message, and what do you hope listeners take away from it?
In business and music, I’ve known people with unimaginable successes – people with lots of commas and lots of attention. Almost all exhibit unquenchable spirits, huge work ethics and groundedness, even humility. Yet the highest decibel levels usually emanate from those who are less accomplished and self-assured. I’ve had a fair share of crazy victories and crushing defeats and have learned to accept both – treating the former with humility and the latter as learning experiences.
3. Your personal journey—from overcoming significant life challenges to building successful businesses and supporting charitable causes—has clearly shaped your perspective. How have those experiences influenced your songwriting and the emotional honesty behind “Be Like That”?
I’ve always played the keys but had never written a song until my 4-year-old daughter drew a very poignant picture after her mother and I divorced. Within a few months, I also experienced job loss, family/friends’ deaths, and a move. I became a songwriter because the first few “wrote themselves.” Surprisingly, when my life stabilized, the songwriting font didn’t stall. Originally, I thought my age might be detrimental but now appreciate that life’s lessons unfold over time and while “cold beer and hot sun and lots of girls” can work well as song subjects, life’s more complex topics – love, sobriety, society, mortality, etc. – are more easily addressed by someone with lived experience and longitudinal perspective – and I have plenty.
4. Musically, the single blends pop, rock, and melodic hip-hop into an uplifting anthem. What was the creative process like in the studio, and were there any unexpected ideas that helped define the song’s final sound?
I remember this recording well, especially the distorted guitars and the responsive counter melodies. The pop/rock/hip-hop combo isn’t unusual for Arctic Wave as song types (plus funk and even gospel), but it was unusual to include them in the same song. This “blend” was the song’s central point – you can do anything. Post is probably the only person on the planet who could get Travis (another Texan) and Ozzy on the same tune.
5. Fans of Post Malone will enjoy discovering the many lyrical Easter eggs hidden throughout the track. Which references were your favorites to include, and did you intentionally leave a few subtle ones for listeners to uncover over time?
I’ll mention one and leave one for the listener. Post is from Dallas … and lives some in Salt Lake … the line, “’Goodbyes’ is so great, Dallas or Salt Lake, “Saint-Tropez.” The “Dallas” shoutout references our shared hometown, and nods to “Texas Tea,” an underrated Post tune, IMO.
6. “Be Like That” is a celebration of authenticity, resilience, and finding confidence in your own path. As Arctic Wave continues to grow, what can fans expect from your future releases, and how do you hope your music continues to inspire people to embrace who they truly are?
Living the theme, Arctic Wave will have more pop/rock/funk releases, along with a few quasi-country tunes, reggae and one gospel. We have ~20 unreleased songs. Expect some collabs that include a lauded horns player who led Prince’s section, an upcoming Jamaican rapper, and a vocal appearance by Bob Marley’s grandchild. As for inspiration, if the messages resonate and music hit home, we’ve succeeded.
I’ve never been much for labels and pigeonholes. Daryl Hall and Michael MacDonald are among the 10 great soul singers, Eminem is one of the top 5 rappers, Jimi is still regarded as the greatest guitar hero and Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” won a Grammy for album of the year. As in life, business and sports, in music, the only relevant question is whether the music is good. The rest is irrelevant – race, gender, age, etc.