As we shift our focus towards the sweeping vistas of Surrey, it is time for us to welcome John Arter, a singer-songwriter whose music speaks of the spirit of the open road. More commonly known for his role as the front man of London’s very own John Arter & the Eastern Kings, Arter is one artist who is renowned for his ability to merge country, rock, neo-folk, and Americana seamlessly together. Influences from artists like Frank Turner, Zac Brown Band, Foy Vance, and Ray LaMontagne have contributed to Arter’s unique musical style. It was on March 31st when John Arter once again came into the limelight with his newest track, “Homegirl”. As is characteristic of Arter, “Homegirl” is a powerful song of a seasoned traveler arriving back home after a long journey. While “Homegirl” is sure to touch your heart, there is much more to be found within its lyrical verses. Hence, grab a drink, settle in, and let us delve into the meaning behind this new and fascinating release.
The tune comes alive thanks to an acoustic guitar part that sounds both modest and enchanting. While the introductory chords appear to be simple enough, it is their delivery that gives this piece its true charm, the ability of the notes to come to a sudden stop, as if meeting a little obstacle along the way. This rhythmic element makes the listener focus their attention on the song, turning what could have been a common folk introduction into a captivating experience.
Ultimately, however, “Homegirl” is an uneasy exploration of the wanderlust we feel between the lines, that deep desire to explore the world via the tales we read. It conveys the escapism that we can feel from literature, but without ever forgetting how much weight there is in the idea of home. It’s about the time where you wished you were in the Capitol for the Hunger Games, the times when you wished you were in hogwarts, the time you wished you tasted Tiana’s famous gumbo, and the days you dreamed you too were getting ready for Cinderella’s ball. This song exists in that tenuous realm where the excitement of the uncharted meets the familiarity of the known. It is an ode to the paradoxical beauty of the place where you imagine you will find your true self, but where you actually are at your purest.
The process of creating the “Homegirl” track is similar to creating a musical fairy tale that exudes a feeling of joyous creativity. The basis of the tune is a thick acoustic guitar, yet it is the introduction of the sparkling sound of harmonies along with the rhythmic xylophone playing that brings the whole picture into life. It is the unusual percussion instrument that introduces a sense of magical surprise that reminds one of a young explorer who travels around new lands full of wonder.
As the song illustrates how literature can be a portal into another dimension, it is also a reminder of how music is just as much a refuge for one to escape from reality. In this song, we meet a character who lives through the pages of his books through the use of his imagination. It is a clear depiction of how the mind goes on its own journey, yet the story doesn’t end there. It also serves to be an artistic accompaniment for the music, showing the extent of the artist’s knowledge when it comes to visuals. Through depicting a house being engulfed by the swirling sands in a sand storm, it provides immense understanding regarding the central conflict of the song, which is basically the battle between one’s home as a symbol of stability, as well as something that is meant to provide security and protection from all the forces that seek to blindfold or take us away.
“Homegirl” is one of the rare and wonderful things that give the sensation of reflecting what it’s like to have one’s heart quietly beating in wonder at the act of reading. It provides an outlet for all of us trying to run away from our monotonous reality by reading. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to John Arter for this amazing piece of music. He’s succeeded in turning his unique feeling into such a wonderful melody that the bar is now high, and I look forward to seeing which world he will bring to life in the future.
Stream “Homegirl” on Spotify
Follow John Arter here and their socials: Instagram, YouTube
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