Tim Arnold –  The Super Connected Discussion!

1. Can you tell us more about your upcoming concept album, “Super Connected”? What inspired you to create this album?

The concept album I’ve been working on is called “Super Connected,” and it has been a labour of love for the past five years. I was inspired to create this album by the impact of technology and social media on our lives, particularly in terms of mental health and relationships. With styles sculpted from the music of my childhood I delved into the complexities of our digital age and explored the potential risks and consequences of being excessively ‘connected’.

2. How would you describe the overall theme or message behind “Super Connected”? What do you hope listeners will take away from it?

The album encompasses a wide range of musical styles, drawing inspiration from the epic and atmospheric soundscapes of Pink Floyd, the artistic curiosity of Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel, and the energy of early Radiohead that I’ve always admired.

But the overall theme of “Super Connected” revolves around the delicate balance between our online and offline lives and examines the reality of ‘information’ being the new ‘oil’. I believe we are living in the first wave of ‘data colonialism’ where the slavery is harder to see due to the shackles being among our most treasured possessions: our phones.

3. The album explores the theme of connection in the digital age. Could you elaborate on how this theme is reflected in the songs and lyrics?

Throughout the songs and lyrics of “Super Connected,” the theme of connection in the digital age is reflected in various ways. I wanted to explore the addictive nature of social media and the potential erosion of real-life connections. It is disheartening to witness how our digital interactions can lead to a detachment from meaningful personal connections. Research has shown that a significant number of young people experience mental health problems as a result of their engagement with platforms and devices. It is crucial that we recognize the impact and hold big tech companies accountable for their role in this matter.

4. What was your creative process like while working on “Super Connected”? Did you face any challenges during the album’s production?

The creative process behind “Super Connected” was both challenging and rewarding. As I embarked on the musical journey, I kept in mind that understanding the profound themes of albums like Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side Of The Moon or Radiohead’s Ok Computer isn’t necessary to appreciate the music itself. It’s important songs stand up without the listener knowing what they are about. It was essential for me to approach “Super Connected” with a similar mindset, which I think I’ve achieved, and thankfully seems to have been acknowledged in the British music press.

When I lived in a Buddhist monastery in Thailand, the abbot used to tell me that it was always more effective to share important information with others in a light-hearted way.  That’s why there’s a lot of humour on Super Connected. Everyone knows about these issues.  A lot of Super Connected is like sharing the joke with everyone.  We’re all in this together after all. And laughing traditionally eases the pain of shared trauma.

5. You collaborated with various musicians and artists for this album. How did these collaborations enhance the overall sound and concept of “Super Connected”?

Collaborating with various musicians and artists greatly enhanced the overall sound and concept of “Super Connected.” I had the privilege of working with Jonathan Noyce, known for his work with Jethro Tull, who contributed hugely to sound design with vintage synths, drum machines, and bass. Additionally, the inclusion of spoken-word passages by Stephen Fry and the participation of many talented musicians enhanced the depth and diversity I feel these songs really deserve.

6. Is there a particular song from the album that you feel especially connected to or proud of? Could you share the story behind it?

There are several songs on the album that I feel deeply connected to, but one that stands out is “Send More Light.” It was my own personal prayer for the light to find us when we are in a truly dark time in our lives.

7. The album artwork for “Super Connected” is quite striking. Can you tell us about the concept behind the artwork and how it relates to the music?

It’s style is inspired by the work of the late dancer, Lindsay Kemp, who I had the honour of working with before he died. The concept behind the album artwork for “Super Connected” was simply to create an avatar that the fictional tech company in the album would create for the character I play in the story. 

8. How do you feel your music has evolved or progressed since your earlier works? Are there any specific elements or styles that you’ve incorporated into this album that are new for you?

Over the years, my music has evolved and progressed in so many directions, and “Super Connected” represents a significant milestone in that journey. The blend of contemporary and vintage sounds sets this album apart from my earlier works.  I think it shows how much of a ‘collector of sounds’ I am.

9. Are there any particular messages or emotions you aimed to convey through the lyrics and melodies of “Super Connected”? How did you approach balancing the conceptual aspect with creating accessible and enjoyable music?

In “Super Connected,” I aimed to convey many messages of reflection, awareness, and emotional enquiry into our tech-assisted lives. But the one message I really felt was worth sharing is something that computer scientist Jaron Lanier explained in one of his lectures.

He explained that in social media, we willingly provide our personal information for free, allowing companies to build profiles of us and sell products to us based on our preferences. The final lyric and sing-along ‘mantra’ from the title track of “Super Connected” reflects this: “You can have my soul for free, so you can sell it back to me.”

10. What are your plans for promoting the album and connecting with your audience in the coming months? Will there be any live performances or other exciting events related to “Super Connected”?

Our plans for the future include expanding the immersive experience of “Super Connected” beyond just the album. Alongside the release, I made a feature-length silent film drama that complements the music.  Using the film, theatre director Kate Alderton has devised a multimedia theatrical show, with me performing live with musician Sarah Kershaw, in sync with the film. This fusion allows audiences to truly immerse themselves in the music, story and entire world of “Super Connected”.

We recently launched the show at the Roundhouse in London last May, and the response from the audience was incredible. I have never witnessed such an overwhelming reaction. Building on this success, we are now focusing on refining the production and exploring opportunities to tour the show. I am so excited about the prospect of bringing this version of the show to more locations and sharing it with audiences around the world.  Naturally, I hope to bring the “Super Connected” experience to Greece as well, so please stay in touch via the new Super Connected website: https://superconnected.technology/