“I’m the problem”: Arthur Hill gets real about love, lyrics and lesbians
The singer-songwriter gets candid about his new EP, viral beginnings and why being a bit of a mess makes for perfect indie-pop.
Photo: Press
With a sold-out UK and EU tour kicking off November 17th and a new EP landing October 30th, Arthur Hill is stepping into his biggest chapter yet — even if he’s still figuring things out. The former TikTok and YouTube creator turned songwriter has built a loyal fanbase with tracks like Appetite and Iced Coffee, blending sad-boy sincerity with radio-ready hooks. We caught up with the rising indie-pop provocateur from LA to talk candid songwriting, submissive energy, and how a passing lyric became an accidental queer anthem.
Let’s start with the tour — it hasn’t even begun and it’s already sold out. That’s huge! How are you feeling about it all?
Yeah, I’m still kind of gobsmacked, to be honest. When we upgraded the venues, I was like, ‘This is stupid. I do not have this many people who care. I’m going to be performing to empty rooms.’ But they all sold out, which is crazy. It always felt really far away, and now it’s like — ‘oh no, it’s actually happening’.
You’ve also had a couple of new singles out recently, and She’s So Handsome in particular has really taken off with the queer community. Did you expect that kind of response?
[Laughs] It wasn’t intentional, but I’ve had loads of messages from lesbians saying it feels like a lesbian anthem, which is amazing. I’m honoured! Maybe I’m a lesbian in another life. I seem to be surrounded by them, so maybe that aura got into the song.
The track centres on a dominant woman — when did you realise you were more on the submissive side, and what made you want to write about it?
Wow, straight in! I think the older I get, the more submissive I’m getting. I was braver in my teenage years, and now I’m like, ‘Yeah, take the lead, please’. I’m fine with it — maybe I even enjoy it. A lot of my songs are self-deprecating, and I think maybe that’s part of it.
There’s definitely a theme here, I think. Your other single Man in the Middle is about liking two people at once. Were you worried about how people might react to that one?
I don’t think I did it too well, to be honest. I tried not to make one sound better than the other — that was kind of the whole thing. I didn’t really have a favourite, which is why I was so confused. But yeah… I didn’t really get away with it. I got shouted at.
You got shouted at?
Yeah… [Laughs] It’s fine. I’m the problem, you know? That’s the first step, isn’t it?
Sounds like we’ve entered the therapy portion of the interview.
Is this the session?
I charge 50 quid an hour, if that’s good?
Honestly, bargain. I’ll send you an invoice.
Speaking of therapy, you’ve said before that songwriting is basically that for you. Why do you keep coming back to these emotional themes?
They keep happening! I’m still learning how to navigate relationships and all that. I’m clearly not great at it. It’s not good for my mental health, but it’s great for songwriting. It’s a vicious cycle. But it is fun. I promise I’m fine.
Do you feel like you give too much away, or not enough?
Maybe too much. I think that’s why people connect with the songs — I probably overstep a bit, but I say how it is.
Even with all that emotional weight, your songs never feel moody. I would say they’re upbeat! Is that contrast intentional?
Definitely. I love mixing sad lyrics with happy production. You can be heartbroken but still dance about it. It’s like a balance — pain you can move to.
Speaking of visuals, will there be a music video for She’s So Handsome?
Sadly not. We ran out of time… and budget for the lesbians. But there’ll be a lyric video, and we’re saving up ideas for the EP visuals.
Well, even without a music video, there’s plenty for fans to look forward to. With the EP dropping on October 30th, what are you most excited for people to hear?
Just releasing new songs together. People have only had the singles for a while, so I’m excited for them to hear it, even if it’s basically just me being an emotional mess for six tracks.
Do you think about how the songs will be received when you’re writing them?
Oh, definitely. I think about how they’ll feel on stage a lot. There’s something cool about writing sad lyrics to upbeat production — it gives people a middle ground. You can cry, but you can also dance.
Of course, performing isn’t the only way you connect with fans — your online presence is huge! How do you balance your music career with your TikTok fame?
I used to be funny — now I’m emotional. Once I started focusing on music, I couldn’t think of funny TikToks anymore. I’m unpacking too much trauma! YouTube’s more my vibe now — just hanging out with friends and doing fun stuff.
No plans to follow George (Clarke) on Strictly, then?
I’d love to do it. My mum would love it. Maybe I can sneak on as one of the singers in the back. But I couldn’t do I’m a Celeb. If I saw a single spider, I’d be out. Unless… ask me again in ten years. I might be a horrible politician by then and end up on there.
You’ve clearly got a lot going on with writing, recording, prepping for tour and keeping up with content. Do you ever think about what’s next or where you want to take things creatively?
Yeah, I am. Especially when I get home from here, I’m locking myself in for winter and learning instruments and production and all that kind of thing. I’ll get on stage at Brixton with a harmonica and a full one-man-band rig — shock the world.
Before we wrap, I’ve got a couple of lighter ones to throw in. First up — would you rather headline Glastonbury or see Arsenal win the Champions League?
That is a horrible question. It’s like, do I want to get Arsenal tickets ever again? Or do I want to… I mean, it’s obviously headline. That would be the most insane. Selfish, I know, but imagine it! By then I’ll have a million fans anyway, so it’s basically the same as Arsenal winning.
And finally — what’s a question you wish people asked you, but no one ever does?
Wow, that is a good question. Probably ‘how are you? How are you really?’ No, I… God, I… that stumps me.
You know what? I went to Turkey before this — not for a hairline, for a holiday, I promise — and I thought I had a really good tan. Then I come here, it’s hot, I’ve been sitting outside every morning, and no one’s gone, ‘Wow, how did you get that tan?’ — I thought I looked amazing!
Hopefully, when you go on tour, someone will ask!
Yeah, I hope. I’ve been working it out in my head — will it last till November? We’ll see. Maybe I’ll have to self-tan. George (Clarke) has been getting the spray tans for Strictly, so maybe I’ll sneak in there. Could be the new concept for the album.
Arthur’s mix of humour, honesty, and chaos is exactly what makes him one of the most exciting voices in indie-pop right now. With a new EP on the way and a sold-out tour about to begin, it’s clear he’s only just getting started — harmonica and all.
Missed Again is out now.
