ARXX joins the Gibson Artist Spotlight program
Brighton power pop duo ARXX are best friends Hanni (guitar and vocals) and Clara (drums and percussion). In the past two years, they have released two albums and played over 100 shows, including supports with YUNGBLUD, Fletcher, and MUNA, all while spreading their message of queer joy and inclusion. They have also had their first taste of writing music for the screen, with original songs from the band appearing across the BBC series Riot Women in 2025.
ARXX burst onto the scene with their debut EP, ‘Daughters of Daughters’ (2018), followed by the ‘Wrong Girl, Honey’ EP (2019), capturing attention with their fierce lyrics and relentless instrumentals. The band’s music is characterized by its pulsating rhythms and empowering vocals that challenge societal norms and celebrate individuality. Their anthemic music appeals to fans who appreciate energetic and emotionally charged performances.
Since its inception, ARXX has evolved both musically and lyrically, delving deeper into themes of empowerment, self-discovery, and the complexities of human emotions. Their music resonates with listeners who crave authenticity and unfiltered expression in an era dominated by manufactured sounds.
Looking forward, ARXX continues to break boundaries with upcoming releases and live performances, promising fans more tunes that challenge, inspire, and resonate deeply. With their steadfast commitment to authenticity, ARXX is poised to make a lasting impact on the music scene.
We caught up with Hanni, guitarist for AARX, for a quick interview.
How would you describe your music?
“A pop band stuck in a rock band’s body.”
What is your favorite piece of gear?
“My baby pink SG™ called Sheila! I got it pretty much at the start of ARXX in 2018, and it’s like my baby. I love everything about it: the look, the sound, the way it makes me feel when I’m playing it. As we’re a two-piece, I wanted something with enough personality to fill the space, and it definitely does that. When I play Sheila, I feel at least 95 percent cooler.”
What has been the highlight of your musical career so far?
“It probably has to be playing the Royal Albert Hall. It was a dream for me and Clara that we never saw coming this early on.”
What would be your dream artist or producer collaboration, and why?
“There’s so many people we would love to work with! I’m obsessed with anything Labyrinth does, and in terms of collabs, I’d love to work with Haim, Robyn, Little Simz, and CMAT. There’s so many people I’m inspired by, and collaboration is always interesting because it makes you create something you never would have.”
What does being part of the Gibson Artist Spotlight program mean to you?
“It’s crazy to me, really. I grew up worshipping artists who were synonymous with Gibson. Gibson to me has always been a cornerstone of live music. When I decided to switch to electric guitar, it was because I saw a video of Sister Rosetta Tharpe playing her famous white SG, and I just felt this pull to want to do that. I thought she was the coolest person in the world, and I still do.”
What’s next on the horizon for you?
“We have a really exciting project that’s coming up this year. We’ve been working on writing the music for Sally Wainwright’s new show, Riot Women, which will be out later this year. We have some exciting live shows, and we’re having a lot of fun writing new music and cooking up plans for 2026.”
Check out the 2025 roster for the Gibson Artist Spotlight program and visit the Artist Spotlight profile for ARXX.
Image credit: Svenja @shotbysvenja
