The deluxe edition of Arctic Lake’s acclaimed 2023 EP, How Do You Make It Look So Easy?, was released via Astralwerks. Four new recordings lead off the collection – the enchanting title track and live versions of three songs from the original EP.
Now, the London-based duo – composed of vocalist Emma Foster and multi-instrumentalist/producer Paul Holliman – unveiled the song that inspired the essence of the entire EP. Glistening with a bright, electronic-infused pop, “How Do You Make It Look So Easy?” is melodically layered with a mystical sonic energy.
Sharing the story behind the song, Emma Foster recalls, “Our friend was going through a really traumatic time with a relationship and it was all I could think and write about. Just before we entered the session that day, she sent the voice note that’s embedded into the song. ‘How Do You Make It Look So Easy?’ is written from her perspective. Watching someone who dismantled you move on easily while you’re still reattaching the pieces they stole. The song has also come to encompass the feeling that we think a lot of us share in this digital age – how the hell are they all making it look so easy…”
Arctic Lake recorded the live versions of “Hold Me,” “Fireflies” and “Fool” that are found on the deluxe edition during an intimate session in London. The performances were captured in a series of one-shot videos. Watch “Hold Me” HERE, “Fireflies” HERE, and for “Fool” HERE.
Upon its release last fall, How Do You Make It Look So Easy? won support across all DSPs, including TIDAL, where it took the cover of the Pop Somber playlist. The EP has amassed over 1.3 million streams to date and “Fireflies” earned the support of BBC Radio 1 Introducing.
“Arctic Lake’s alt-pop is an exploration of revealing vulnerability,” said 1883 Magazine in this recent feature, which examines the duo’s artistic approach. Rollacoaster noted, “Lamenting a universally held habit of feeling unable to let go of love even when it’s hurting us, ‘Fool’ is not only a simmering soundscape but also a cautionary tale that binds together those who feel lost, allowing space to feel those hard-to-face feelings.” Wonderland Magazine praised “Are You Okay?” as “soul-drenched, evoking and immersive” and Popdust observed, “When it comes to making a heartfelt, soulful track, Arctic Lake are somewhat geniuses.”
