Arthur Russell is very important to me on many levels, and when I read Tim Lawrence's biography on him, 'Hold on to Your Dreams,' one of the things I took away was: first thought, best thought. I live by that when I make my own music.

Arca’s quote, "Arthur Russell is very important to me on many levels, and when I read Tim Lawrence's biography on him, 'Hold on to Your Dreams,' one of the things I took away was: first thought, best thought. I live by that when I make my own music," reflects the profound influence of Arthur Russell on her creative process. Arca draws inspiration from Russell’s innovative approach to music, particularly his philosophy of trusting the initial, raw instincts that emerge when creating. The idea of "first thought, best thought" suggests that the first impulse or idea is often the most genuine and authentic, and following it can lead to true creative expression.

The phrase first thought, best thought is associated with a spontaneous and intuitive approach to art, which allows creators to bypass overthinking or self-doubt that may dilute their original ideas. For Arca, this concept, drawn from Tim Lawrence's biography of Russell, is central to how she approaches her own music. It encourages her to trust her initial instincts, allowing her creativity to flow without hesitation or second-guessing.

Arca’s connection to Russell, known for blending avant-garde pop, experimental sound, and emotional vulnerability, suggests that she values the freedom to explore music that is deeply personal and unfiltered. She admires how Russell’s work was an expression of his inner truth, which resonated with Arca’s own pursuit of authenticity in her compositions. The quote also reflects the broader ethos of experimental music, where the process of creation is often just as important as the finished product.

The origin of this quote ties back to Tim Lawrence’s biography of Arthur Russell, "Hold on to Your Dreams," a work that highlights Russell's unique artistic journey and philosophy. Arca’s admiration for Russell’s approach to music and his influence on her creative process is evident in this quote, illustrating how Russell’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists like Arca to trust their instincts and remain true to their artistic vision.