Newcastle-based Central Arcade are building something special. We caught up with the band to talk about origins, their creative process, and what it feels like to bring their new EP No Place To Be to life on stage.
If you ask Central Arcade what people do, if they hear their music in a pub, they hope you will listen closer. As Carly, the band’s bassist, puts it: “A lot of our songs have a deeper meaning about historic events and the current state of the world.” Central Arcade’s lyrics draw from different directions and influences but always belonging together and reveal something new. Whether you are actively tuning in or catching their melodies over a couple of pints – they do not mind. From hard-felt ballads to rock-influenced tunes, they make sure their music captures you.
Photo Credits: @hans_c_a_m
Meet Central Arcade – From origins to creating the band
Central Arcade have been steadily releasing music for two years now. Their debut single Apple of Your Eye (2024) already sounded like a band who has been working together for far longer. When we go back to their beginnings, Central Arcade isn’t their first project together. Conall, their frontman, and Ben, the band’s drummer, already met in school when the two played in the same band. When the band eventually went their separate ways, Ben and Conall knew they wanted to keep making music together.
Their shared history laid the foundation – but it was the arrival of Joe Mooney, their guitarist, and Carly that completed the picture. “We went on the lookout for a bassist & lead guitarist, luckily finding both within the space of a few weeks,” recalls Conall. When Mooney and Carly joined the band, the chemistry clicked and Central Arcade was born. “It was quite a natural transition, and we knew the direction we wanted to go, although it took some time for us to get going,” Conall reminisces.
For some Central Arcade might ring a bell already. Their name pays homage to Newcastle’s shopping centre “Central Arcade” – Conall remarks: “We are a band from Newcastle and it’s one of the most iconic landmarks within the city, so we knew it’d be memorable especially to Geordies and it’s also a bit of free advertisement for us.”
Beyond their origins, their writing and producing routine is a collaborative effort. As Mooney explains, sometimes their songs start as something that is “pretty bare bones.”
“Conall will tend to have lyrics and an idea of chords for a rough structure, and then once the four of us are together it just kind of naturally develops,” Mooney tells us, “I think there's definitely some tunes that come together a lot quicker than others but that's all part of the fun. It's definitely one of my favourite parts of being in the band just seeing what a simple idea eventually ends up sounding like over time.”
Photo Credits: @hans_c_a_m
No Place To Be – A momentous point for the band
Their new EP, No Place To Be, marks a turning point. More experimental, more refined, and more ambitious. From playing songs live to sitting down with Newcastle based producer Ben Squire, who in the words of the band “really brought the songs to a new level”, they pushed their sound. There is a clear feeling of pride and one they are eager to share. As Mooney reveals: “I don't think it's too much of a surprise but we all just had a class time in the studio when recording them, we're all just huge music fans so getting to spend time in that kind of setting with someone as talented as Ben, who can really get the best out of us, is a real privilege that we don't take for granted!”
When it comes to their EP it shows their dedication towards working hard and trying new things to get the best results. When the band started, Mooney remembers, they already had a good idea of their arrangements. It was in the studio, when things shifted. He reveals, “We'd been playing all of the songs live for quite a while before we went in to track them properly but spending the time with Ben Squire at his studio really brought the songs to a new level that we're really proud of.”
Their EP marks an important moment for the sound of the band. Ben recalls, “In the studio we experimented more than ever before on all of the tracks, dedicating time solely to new ideas on how we can be different to anything we had done before.” While all their songs have different meanings, they are all connected through topics of conflict like war or relationships. It feels like a deep exploration to what makes us human and where we can relate to others.
That is exactly at the core of what makes Central Arcade’s writing stand out. “I try and make my lyrics as relatable as possible,” explains Conall, “which is why they are also not specifically focusing on one thing.” This approach paired with their curiosity to learn more and try new things is what catches people’s attention.
But every writing process is different for the band – From writing during for their song Liar In The Heart and finishing the music at home, Hero had a different approach. “Hero’s lyrics were all written along with the music, apart from the opening line. “Do you know the shadows, like those under the rocks” which I stole from a movie,” reveals Conall. Drawing from their different approaches, their songs are always undoubtedly theirs. Always with a twist, something new and raw for their listeners.
Cover of Central Arcade's brand new EP No Place To Be - Cover shot by @hans_c_a_m
But the band does not just write their music, they also share it live on stage. They have supported Everything, Everything and played their own headline gigs since they started. Carly explains what happens when he steps on stage: “It takes a while to get a feel for it but after the first few songs if the crowd are responding well and everything sounds good it, you’re guard starts to drop. I never get nerves for a gig but I’m always a bit worried something will go wrong.” But playing more back-to-back, exploring unfamiliar places and traveling around is something they’ve come to love.
Central Arcade are buzzing to share the result of their hard work. But that is not all from them! The band is hitting the road again to play A Stone’s Throw festival in North Shields with many talented artists like Luvat and Croíthe to enjoy! So, if you are able, go and check them out. Central Arcade is proving they are the ones to watch now!
Photo Credits: @hans_c_a_m
NO PLACE TO BE OUT NOW.
Words by
Melina Ernst, 2026.