Sydney’s electronic architect Arky Waters is currently in the midst of a relentless creative streak, and his latest offering, ‘Run It Up’, might just be the most bruising addition to his catalogue yet. As he steadily pieces together the final fragments of his highly anticipated debut album, this new single serves as a gritty reminder of his ability to craft dancefloor weapons that carry genuine weight.
While Waters has previously toyed with the lighter flickers of breakbeat and tech-house, ‘Run It Up’ sees him plunging into the murky depths of the 140bpm and bass scene. It is a track built on a foundation of deliberate friction; there is a tangible sense of pressure that builds through meticulous sound design and high-velocity percussion. Designed as a high-octane "pivot" point for his live performances, the track thrives on a dual rhythmic personality, expertly stitching together a driving four-on-the-floor pulse with a sluggish, heavy-set half-time groove.
The real character of the track, however, resides in its snarling lead bassline. Eschewing the safety of clean digital presets, Waters utilised a software emulation of the iconic Moog analogue synthesiser to find a tone that felt suitably volatile. Regarding the process, Waters shares:
"I wanted something dark and gritty to cut into my sets. The main bass lead is made with a software copy of a classic Moog analogue synth; I think it provides so much warmth and character. It’s super unpredictable and hard to control, so you end up with these really cool moments where the filter opens up and it really seems to take over the whole track. Was so much fun to make!"
There is a clear nod here to the industrial, atmospheric textures pioneered by the likes of Bicep or Overmono, yet Waters ensures the output remains firmly rooted in his own reality. By filtering UK-centric club influences through a "suburban Australia" lens, he has managed to create a sound that feels both global in its ambition and deeply local in its execution.
As the road to his debut full-length record nears its end, ‘Run It Up’ stands as a bold testament to an artist who refuses to play it safe. You can stream the new single across all major platforms now, and be sure to follow Arky Waters on Instagram, Facebook, and X to catch the latest updates on his upcoming album tour.
