Arlo Parks: Complete Biography, Age, Career & Notable Facts

Early Life and Background

Arlo Parks, born Anaïs Oluwatoyin Estelle Marinho on August 9, 2000, in Hammersmith, West London, is Onicplay a British singer-songwriter and poet. She is of Nigerian, Chadian, and French descent; her mother was born in Paris, and Parks learned to speak French before English. ​

Growing up, Parks was an introspective child who found solace in literature and music. She began writing stories and poetry at a young age, which later influenced her songwriting. ​

Musical Career

2018–2019: Early Releases

Parks began her music career by uploading demos to platforms like SoundCloud and BBC Music Onicplay Introducing. Her debut single, “Cola,” released in 2018, garnered attention for its poetic lyrics and mellow sound. This was followed by her first EP, Super Sad Generation, in 2019, which included tracks like “George” and “Sophie.” ​

2020–2021: Collapsed in Sunbeams

In January 2021, Parks released her debut studio album, Collapsed in Sunbeams, which received critical acclaim and peaked at number three on the UK Albums Chart. The album explores themes of mental health, identity, and love. It won the 2021 Mercury Prize for Best Album and earned her nominations at the Brit Awards for Album of the Year, Best New Artist, and Best British Female Solo Artist. ​

2023: My Soft Machine

In 2023, Parks released her sophomore album, My Soft Machine, showcasing a more experimental sound Onicplay influenced by electronic and pop music. The album reflects her growth as an artist and continues to delve into personal and emotional themes. ​

Personal Life and Advocacy

Parks is openly bisexual and often incorporates themes of queer identity and mental health into her work. She has been recognized for her candidness and advocacy, aiming to create a safe space through her music for listeners dealing with similar issues. ​

Notable Achievements

• Winner of the 2021 Mercury Prize for Collapsed in Sunbeams

• Nominated for Best New Artist at the 2021 Brit Awards

• Included in the BBC Music Sound of 2020 list

• Released poetry collection The Magic Border in 2024 ​

Discography

• Studio Albums:

  • Collapsed in Sunbeams (2021)

  • My Soft Machine (2023)

• EPs:

  • Super Sad Generation (2019)

  • Sophie (2019)

• Notable Singles:

  • “Cola” (2018)

  • “Black Dog” (2020)

  • “Hope” (2021)

  • “Weightless” (2023)

Online Presence

• Official Website: arloparksofficial.com

• Instagram: @arlo.parks

• Twitter: @arloparks

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Arlo Parks continues to captivate audiences with her introspective lyrics and soulful melodies, establishing herself as a significant voice in contemporary music.