Meet David Arlo: The Multi-Hyphenate Changing the Game in Music and Film

David Arlo is a name you need to know. Hailed as "an artist to watch" by Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, this London-born, Nigerian multi-hyphenate has been making waves across music, TV, and film. Dubbed the UK’s answer to Donald Glover, Arlo’s career is on fire, with a Sony Music deal under Arista Records and a groundbreaking TV series in the works, co-produced by his production company and the creators of Sex Education.

In music, David Arlo is redefining modern pop and R&B with his kaleidoscopic soundscapes and jaw-dropping vocal range. From intimate truths to soaring anthems, his music captures life’s struggles and triumphs with unparalleled emotional depth. His hit single Speeding—a genre-bending fusion of electro-pop and soul—was hailed as “an exhilarating sonic voyage” and cemented his place as one of the UK’s brightest talents.

Co-signed by Sir Elton John and compared to icons like Adele, Frank Ocean, and Sam Smith, Arlo’s music has earned him critical acclaim from Complex, Metro, Highsnobiety, and BBC Radio 1. On stage, he’s sold out venues like the O2 Islington Academy and The Camden Assembly, leaving audiences spellbound with his electrifying performances.

As he gears up for a massive 2024—with his debut EP, an exciting new single, and a highly anticipated TV project—David Arlo is poised to take his storytelling to new heights. Whether through music, acting, or writing, Arlo’s artistry is a force to be reckoned with.Get ready to dive into the world of David Arlo—a voice for the future and a name you won’t forget.

You’ve been compared to artists like Adele, Frank Ocean, and Sam Smith, and praised by legends like Elton John. How do you carve out your own identity in the music industry while embracing such high-profile comparisons?

I’m a huge fan of both Adele and Frank Ocean, so being mentioned in relation to them is truly a blessing and a great compliment. I can only be myself; there’s no way I could be anyone else, even if I wanted to. I believe that’s what sets me apart—my unique experiences and story. Those are things that can't be replicated or imitated. As long as I keep embracing that, I trust people will see it.

"Speeding" tackles themes of self-worth and personal growth through a blend of electro-pop and soul. What was the creative process behind the track, and how does it reflect your journey as an artist?

Speeding is truly about self-acceptance and recognising your worth, finding your tribe, and surrounding yourself with people who genuinely vibe with you. I often say I fuck with people who fuck with me, and while some might interpret that as being a people pleaser, I believe it's more nuanced than that. It's about investing your energy in those who reciprocate it, supporting those who support you, and being there for those who show up for you. Life becomes so much simpler when you connect with the right people, and that's what speeding represents. I wrote speeding with Marcus Semaj and B00Ts, and it felt like a genuine moment for all of us in the studio. Each of us has our own unique journeys as creatives and artists, and we really connected over the idea of seeking out spaces that love and accept us for who we are, without wanting to change us. At its core, that message reflects how I see myself as an artist.

Balancing music, TV, and film, you’ve been called the UK’s answer to Donald Glover. How do you approach storytelling across these different mediums, and what unites them in your creative vision?

I’m a huge fan of Donald Glover, and I find his work in TV, film, and music incredibly inspiring. If I could achieve even 10% of his success, I’d be a very happy man. So, being mentioned in the same breath as him is the highest compliment. I love storytelling and see myself as an ideas person—I have countless ideas, some better than others. My passion spans all forms of entertainment: TV, film, music, theater, books, and podcasts. I enjoy breaking stories, building worlds, and developing characters; it’s something I’m truly passionate about, and I believe I’m the common thread that connects all these mediums. Creatively, I have a slight obsession with ambition. I admire ambitious people who are willing to go the extra mile for their dreams. It's a theme I find myself writing about a lot.

Working with acclaimed producers like Malay and Boots on your upcoming EP must be an incredible experience. How have these collaborations influenced your sound and the direction of your music?

B00Ts is so special and talented. We often speak about what music means. I’m from the school of thought that more is more, but I think B00Ts really taught me that sometimes less is more, and it’s okay to strip things back a little. Malay is Malay; he produced "Channel Orange" and "Blonde." I mean, could he be more iconic? Malay  and I often talk about the feeling and the way the music makes you feel. He is truly a genius, and I learned a lot working with him. Marcus Semaj is one of the best songwriters in the world and an amazing artist in his own right. I love writing with him because he listens and questions, but he also gives you the space to try and find what you are truly trying to say. He is one of my favorite people in this industry and a dear friend, and I believe he will be someone I write with for the rest of my life.

With your debut EP, a TV series, and even an authorial debut on the horizon, 2024 is shaping up to be a massive year. What can fans expect from this next chapter in your career?

My book, "Damien Ike and the Fallen House of Draven," was released in October, and the response has been great. We are currently working on a sequel, and I have another adult fiction book coming out next year as well. I'm really excited about all the new music I have coming out, and I'll be playing shows next year. I can’t wait for people to see everything I’ve been working on in TV, music, and film, as well as a few other mediums I’ve been exploring. Hopefully, people will get to experience some of those things next year. There will be lots of new music coming very soon!