Arc Iris is an American indie rock band from Providence, Rhode Island, that… Read Full Bio ↴Arc Iris is an American indie rock band from Providence, Rhode Island, that began in 2012 as a solo project of Jocie Adams, formerly a member of The Low Anthem. Arc Iris has had several lineup changes since their inception and have since settled on a trio that is the nucleus of Jocie Adams (lead vocals, guitar), Zach Tenorio Miller (keyboards), Ray Belli (drums).[

The group initially comprised of a rotating cast of members, including Zach Tenorio-Miller (keys), Ray Belli (drums), Robin Ryczek (cello), Mike Irwin (trumpet), Max Johnson (bass), and Charlie Rose (pedal steel, trombone).

Arc Iris’ influences include music as varied as Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Grizzly Bear, Miles Davis, Frederick Chopin, and the Muppets’ Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem. Adams’ unique backround as a classically trained composer, stint as a NASA researcher, and time served on the indie rock circuit, combined with an array of colorful influences executed by masterful players create the genre-bending and original sound heard on Arc Iris’ debut, eponymous record (due April 1st on Anti/Bella Union).

Adams’ early classical training included Brahms (a big repertoire for clarinets - Adams’ first instrument), and the French impressionist composers, but also modernists like Stravinsky. The modernist influence can be heard distinctly in the angular cello that binds the orchestral centerpiece of the album, the 2-part suite “Honor of the Rainbows” (played by the essential Robin Ryczek, who’s day job is running a music school and recording studio in Kabul). But there are touches throughout, and even the vaudevillian stomp “Singing So Sweetly” veers into a vocal breakdown that could come straight out of a Fauré art song.

Arc Iris also features a strong folk and country foundation, developed largely during Adams’ time with The Low Anthem, who shared the stage with artists including Bruce Springsteen, Fleet Foxes, Mumford & Sons, The Avett Brothers, as well as one of Adams’ heroes, Emmylou Harris. Adams writes bluesy country songs that are distinctly Arc Iris: “Whiskey Man” and “Powder Train” may start out as rootsy country songs, but the ambitious arrangements and advanced song structure quickly translate them into something unexpected. Adams is aided immensely here not only by Charlie Rose on the banjo and pedal steel but by her new rhythm section. Max Johnson on upright bass, Ray Belli on drums and Zach Tenorio-Miller on piano have been playing together since high school and cut their teeth at the School of Rock sharing the stage with musicians such as Perry Farrell, Gene Ween, Slash, and Jon Anderson (Yes). Mike Irwin, who’s resume as a trumpet player includes work with TV on the Radio and My Morning Jacket, rounds out the ensemble. Having played extensively with his cousin, Orlando Marín (also known as The Last Mambo King), Irwin brings yet another dimension to the project.

Zach Tenorio-Miller, Adams’ songwriting partner and keyboardist, further expanded Adams’ musical pallet to include a strong 70’s classic rock influence. Adams notes, “I was more immersed in folk and classical music until Zach showed up and saturated my mind with a waterfall of 70's classics.” Inspired by Randy Newman, Harry Nilsson, and Van Dyke Parks, Adams incorporates a wide range of instrumentation and sheer love of classic American song forms into Arc Iris’ music.

In Arc Iris, the shifts between orchesteral sophistication, grimy outlaw country, delicate soulful harmonies and whimsical cabaret pop - sometimes even in the same song are all tied together by the voice and vision of Jocie Adams. Rolling Stone magazine describe Adams’ performance as “demonstrating how to play without replicating, how to pay tribute without ripping off and how to honor something old by making it something new.”

Turn On Your Radio
Arc Iris Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I don't know where I'm goin'
Now that I am gone
I hope the wind that's blowin'
Helps me carry on
Turn on your radio, baby
Listen to my song
Turn on your night light baby
Baby I'm gone

I don't know how it happened
Now that I am gone
I hope I never hear it baby
Just in case I'm wrong
Turn on your record player
Listen to my song
Turn on your night light baby
Baby I'm gone
I don't know where life's goin'
But soon it will be gone
I hope the wind that's blowin'
Helps me carry on
Turn on your radio baby
Baby, listen to my song

And turn on your night light baby
Baby I'm gone

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Arc Iris's song "Turn on Your Radio" depict a sense of uncertainty and reflection on the unknown journey ahead. The singer expresses a lack of clarity about their destination now that they have embarked on this path, but they are hopeful that the wind blowing will provide them with the strength and guidance to continue moving forward. There is a feeling of detachment and departure implied in the lines, with the repetition of the phrase "Now that I am gone" emphasizing a sense of departure or separation from a past situation or state of being.

The singer urges the listener to "Turn on your radio" and "Listen to my song," suggesting a desire to connect or communicate despite physical distance or emotional detachment. The act of listening to music through the radio symbolizes a shared experience and a form of reaching out to the other person, even if they are physically apart. The lyrics also mention turning on a night light, which could symbolize a sense of comfort or reassurance in the darkness, highlighting the vulnerability and emotional fragility present in the situation.

The repetition of the phrase "Baby I'm gone" throughout the song further emphasizes the theme of departure and separation. The singer acknowledges that they do not know how or why this situation came to be, but they express a hope to not have to confront it directly in case they are mistaken in their assumptions. The mention of a record player adds a nostalgic element to the lyrics, suggesting a longing for a connection to the past or to memories that are being left behind.

As the song progresses, there is a contemplation on the transient nature of life and the inevitability of its passing. The singer expresses a hope that the wind blowing will help them continue on their journey and find a sense of purpose or direction in this uncertain time. The repeated plea to "Turn on your radio baby" and "Listen to my song" can be interpreted as a plea for understanding, connection, or emotional support amidst the turmoil and confusion of the moment. The lyrics come full circle with a final reminder to "Turn on your night light baby" as a symbol of comfort and reassurance in the face of the unknown.

Line by Line Meaning

I don't know where I'm goin'
Uncertainty about my future

Now that I am gone
Reflecting on past decisions or actions

I hope the wind that's blowin'
Seeking guidance or support from external forces

Helps me carry on
Finding strength to continue moving forward

Turn on your radio, baby
Listen to the message I am sending

Listen to my song
Pay attention to my words or emotions

Turn on your night light baby
Seek comfort or solace in my absence

Baby I'm gone
Acknowledging that I have left or moved on

I don't know how it happened
Confusion or disbelief about a certain event

I hope I never hear it baby
Wishing to avoid a painful truth

Just in case I'm wrong
Considering the possibility of being mistaken