Last Spring, 5 Seconds of Summer has performed for the first time in Hungary, at Budapest Park, and today, on October 10, they’re back to shake up the Arena, as well. This time around, they’re bringing not one, but two opening acts along with themselves: Charlotte Sands, and AR/CO will hype up the crowd before the Australian band’s show. 5SOS fans are probably no strangers to the latter duo, as one of its members is Mali-Koa, Calum Hood‘s sister. The singer met Leo Stannard at a songwriting camp, and in the beginning, they wrote songs for other artists, before starting their own band around two years ago.
Their first single as AR/CO was released last year, and since then, they shared many more songs with the world, and worked with artists such as the wold-famous DJ, Tiesto. Their first full-length album is coming next year, and from what we’ve heard, we can expect a dance-y, feel-good project – the kind of music that instantly makes you feel good and makes you dance.
We caught up with Mali-Koa and Leo before their first concert is Hungary, and they told us about touring, new music, their career so far, what they plan to do in Budapest while they’re here, and of course, they shared a message with their Hungarian fans, as well – exclusive interview with AR/CO.
We’re so happy that you’re coming to Budapest! Will you have the time to take a look around and explore the city a bit? Is there any sight you really want to visit?
It’s been really crazy this tour so far, we did we did 6 countries in 7 days last week so time in cities can fly by quick! It’ll be our first time visiting Budapest, we’re super excited. We’ve heard lots about the Széchenyi baths (which look insane) and the A/38 Boat if there’s any time to let our hair down.
Since you are on the road with the 5 Seconds of Summer guys, let’s talk about touring a bit. Can you tell us about your very first concert experience as the duo AR/CO?
We did a showcase in London just under a year ago! We did that gig for 200 people and now to be playing for over 10 thousand a night on this tour is pretty mental.
What’s one thing that you just can’t leave at home when you’re travelling on tour?
We’ve recently discovered the power of an eye mask to help us sleep on the go, and a speaker for pre show to play bangers.
Do you have any pre-show rituals that you always do before every show of yours?
Something active, vocal warm ups, and listening to Fat Boy Slim Right Here, Right Now.
For Mali-Koa: How does it feel to be on the road with your brother, Calum?
It’s amazing to be sharing the stage as a family! We’ve come from a small place called Mt Druitt in Australia and after years growing into our musical spaces separately, bringing it together is really special. A real once in a lifetime opportunity.
For Leo: What is your favourite part of creating your songs? What is the hardest part for you personally?
My favourite part is the initial spark of the idea, where you don’t know where it’s going but that’s the exciting thing, shaping it. The hardest part is choosing which songs do and don’t make the cut.
You have already worked with such talented artists like Tiesto, Sub Focus, Don Diablo, who are your dream collaborators that you would love to work with in the future?
Marshmello sent us a DM the other day and we’d been wanting to work with them! Calvin Harris the godfather of modern dance, or Tame Impala would be something a bit different for us!
Which song of yours would you show to a person that doesn’t know you yet?
We have a new song coming out in a few weeks called All Over The World, it’s been a favourite for a while and it shows a really fresh side to our sonic! Otherwise Night Feels or MOVE for some classic AR/CO.
And what is your favourite song from your own setlist?
We wrote a song in LA last year called 808, which is unreleased but we’re playing on the road. Crazy thing is when we perform it, it just always goes off live and people really love it. That’s a fun one for us!
If you had to pick a theme song for your lives, what would you choose?
You explained many times before how the two of you met at a writing camp, so we were wondering if you had a time machine and you could go back in time to when you were starting out and give your younger selves just one piece of advice, what would it be?
Keep creating authentically, follow your instincts and don’t be scared to get loose and be free with it all! Doesn’t have to always be serious when it comes to music making.
If you take a look at your whole career, what is your proudest achievement so far?
We recently played our first ever major festival as a duo in Madrid at Madcool festival! We completely packed out the tent, no one could get in or out and there were people lined up. It was hot and summery and it was our own thing. It really felt like the beginning of something exciting for us.
Can you tell us, what is next for you?
We’re working on album to come for next year, we’re gonna have our own UK/UE headline tour early next year (so stay tuned for dates) and yeah, plenty more dance music till then!
Finally, is there a message that you would like to share with your Hungarian fans?
AR/CO’s a great time, and a place to let yourself go in the music! We’re excited to come and dance with you guys and hope to see so much more of you as we continue partying around the world!
