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.

“Aeroplane” was born from a creative collaboration between ARK IDENTITY‘s Noah Mroueh and Double Wish‘s Philippe Andre, following years of sharing ideas and musical visions. This moment of collaboration marked a turning point, as Noah sought to bring Double Wish into the fold for a fresh approach to songwriting. The track came together during a final recording session in California, where the duo crafted a song built on a distinct, disjointed energy, with acoustic guitars locked in a tug-of-war, creating an emotional pull between two separate worlds.

The song features a unique blend of acoustic instrumentation and modern synth textures, capturing the essence of tension and release. Philippe‘s engineering of the sound leans into a dry ’70s vibe, while the song’s contemporary feel is sharpened by Double Wish member Adam Sabolick‘s synth work and a playful nod to rap-influenced vocals. The result is a captivating, genre-blending track that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

The aeroplane symbolizes being in transit—not fully here or there, just suspended between what you’ve left behind and what’s ahead. It’s that strange, in-between space where a lot of emotions surface—whether that’s leaving a place, a person, or even just old habits. It’s about taking that leap, even if you don’t have all the answers yet. There’s this duality of holding on to the past while also wanting to escape it. “Aeroplane” is about learning to sit with those feelings instead of running from them.

Sometimes you think leaving will set you free, but once you’re in the air, you realize freedom isn’t just about distance—it’s about letting go of what’s inside. – Noah Mroueh

Auteur Research

“Eyes,” Noah’s first release under the ARK IDENTITY moniker, was born out of a past relationship and the feeling of watching someone change right before your eyes.

The downtempo and laidback indie pop track is carried by a prominent bassline, shimmering guitars, and psychedelic flourishes which unfurl in the latter half of the song.

“I fell in love with someone for who they were at a certain point in time, and when I went to later revisit that same relationship, I realized they were no longer the person they once were. It’s a song about letting go, and surrendering to the universe.” – ARK IDENTITY

Familiar gaze that’s no longer defined

I see it when you open up your eyes

Noah draws inspiration from an eclectic mix of influences, including Tame Impala, Oasis, Bon Iver, Foster the People, and The Beatles. This array of inspirations has shaped his sound. 

As ARK IDENTITY, Noah invites his listeners into the introspective world he has crafted, one instrumental part at a time.

Auteur Research