Arcando & Sam Harper Deliver a High-Energy DnB Track With “Wide Awake”

For Arcando, “Wide Awake” started with a very specific goal. The idea was to create a track that could open a set in a powerful way, something that immediately sets the tone and works perfectly with stage visuals and SFX. The first version came together when he got booked for his Liquicity summer set, pushing him to finally build the kind of intro track he had been wanting for a long time.

The result is a drum and bass track that carries influences beyond the genre. It blends DnB with a more intense, bass house-driven energy, using vocal chops and synth shots to create something that stands out from more traditional releases. That mix reflects his background as a producer who originally came from bass house, future bass, and trap, bringing those elements into his current sound.

The track also evolved through collaboration. While the core idea came from him, the addition of Sam Harper’s vocals played a major role in shaping the final version. He highlights that her contribution lifted the track to another level, helping it reach the emotional and energetic balance he was aiming for.

His production process stays creative but grounded. He often records his own voice to build melodies and tonal layers, later transforming those recordings into pads or ambient textures. He also uses tools like Quanta to design custom atmospheres from scratch, keeping the sound unique without relying on overly complex techniques.

Arcando’s journey into music started early, around the age of 14, experimenting with GarageBand and building his first big room tracks. His early influences came from artists like Skrillex, Jack Ü, Martin Garrix, Flux Pavilion, and even Headhunterz, shaping his taste before he moved into drum and bass. Today, his inspirations include names like Kanine, SOTA, and Andromedik.

His sound is built around three ideas: nostalgia, energy, and approachability. That direction became clearer after a turning point in 2023, when he considered stopping the project entirely due to a lack of bookings and industry traction. The shift came when he moved into drum and bass, which changed how his music connected with listeners and opened new opportunities.

Live performance plays a major role in how he approaches music. He puts strong emphasis on visuals and energy, inspired by shows like Rampage Open Air where artists like Hedex, Marshmello, and Excision combine visuals and music into a full experience. At the same time, sets like RL Grime at EDC Las Vegas have influenced his approach to structure, mixing throwbacks, mashups, and unexpected moments together.

His connection with the crowd is built through energy and interaction. He values using the mic, staying active on stage, and creating a shared moment rather than just playing tracks. In smaller venues, he takes it further, recording videos on fans’ phones or even bringing people on stage, turning the set into something more personal.

Outside of music, his interests stay wide. He listens to all kinds of genres in his free time, from house and techno to rap, phonk, and dubstep, with recent tracks like “Addicted To Your Love” by Bausa, “GRAMS” by thekidszn, and “Okayyy We Back” by Andy Mineo on repeat. He also spends time traveling, going to the movies, and gaming, especially within thriller and horror genres.

Looking ahead, his momentum continues to build. He recently completed his longest tour so far, with seven shows across Asia, New Zealand, and Australia in just three weeks. More touring is already planned, including another Asia run, while he is also working on his first full album, set to release next year.

At its core, “Wide Awake” is about a feeling. He describes it as a track that makes you feel like you are levitating, starting with an eerie and mysterious atmosphere before pulling the listener fully into the drop. That balance between tension and release defines the experience he wants to create.

For new listeners, his message is simple. His music might not feel like traditional drum and bass to everyone, but that is exactly the point. It sits somewhere between EDM and DnB, focusing more on melody and euphoria than aggression. And for many listeners, that difference is what makes them connect with it.

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