ARK IDENTITY‘s new single, “Take Me To Tokyo,” is a high-energy track that captures a yearning for escape and the thrill of new experiences. Blending elements of 80s synth-pop, indie sensibilities, and modern pop, the song is an anthem for those dreaming of breaking free from the ordinary and embracing the unknown. “Take Me To Tokyo” is both a personal expression and a universal anthem of wanderlust, inviting listeners to reflect on the impulse to explore and reinvent themselves.
The song’s inspiration comes from a long-held dream between ARK IDENTITY‘s Noah Mroueh and his best friend to one day visit Tokyo—a dream that has yet to be realized. The track blends that aspirational longing with the infectious energy of chasing adventure.
“Musically, it began as a droning synth idea that I jammed on with Ron Lapota, my producer. It evolved into a track about breaking away from routine, chasing something new, and embracing uncertainty,” Noah explains.
The song’s title speaks not only to the literal journey to the Japanese capital but also symbolizes a desire for reinvention and change. For Noah, Tokyo embodies a place full of possibility—culturally rich and dynamic—offering a perfect metaphor for personal transformation.
The production of “Take Me To Tokyo” marks Noah‘s first time working with producers and songwriters Ron Lapota, Bryn McCutcheon, and Kirstyn Johnson. “Collaborating with Ron, Bryn, and Kirstyn really pushed me into a space I hadn’t explored before. It felt like we were all chasing something new musically, and the result is something fresh,” says Noah.
Stylistically, the song features a vibrant mix of 80s-inspired synths, punchy drums, and dreamy vocal effects, designed to evoke excitement and a sense of urgency. “We leaned into 80s and indie influences to capture the feeling of running toward something new without hesitation. There’s a certain fun, upbeat vibe to it, but there’s also an undercurrent of emotional tension,” says Noah.
“This verse really hits on the feeling of guilt and overthinking that I think we all have. It’s about pushing past that to take a leap,” Noah reflects.
For ARK IDENTITY, a key theme in his music is the search for clarity amid chaos, and “Take Me To Tokyo” is no different. Whether it’s a literal journey or a more introspective escape, the song speaks to the universal desire to find something more meaningful in life.
“This song makes me feel restless but excited, like I’m standing at the airport gate, ready for an adventure. And maybe—just maybe—it’s time to book that flight to Tokyo,” Noah adds.
ARK IDENTITY is the dream pop project of Toronto musician, Noah Mroueh. EARMILK hailed him as “one of the most exciting new artists to enter our attention in 2024.” Mroueh‘s talent for crafting anthemic dream-pop that blends “shimmering melodies with introspective lyrics” got the attention of the online blog.
His first EP, ANNDALE—named after the street Mroueh grew up on—was released in November 2024. The five songs on the EP were written in his childhood home. ANNDALE introduced us to ARK IDENTITY with the first single, “Eyes,” being added to Apple Music’s New in Alternative playlist on the same day that Billie Eilish’s “Lunch” hit that playlist.
It was a sign of things to come, and a recognition of Mroueh’s talent: he was writing alt-pop songs that could go toe-to-toe with the world’s biggest pop stars. It’s no wonder that within a few months of his first release, he was signed to a distribution deal via Warner Music’s Alternative Distribution Alliance.
