an Ink 19 Interview
C.L. Turner of Arctic Wave
by Randy Radic
Arctic Wave recently released their latest single and music video “Where There’s Smoke There’s Fire,” a song about songwriter C.L. Turner’s experiences while utilizing an internet dating site.
The song’s lyrics reflect the truth of the matter: “airbrushed faces and photoshopped smiles” and “you’re the prettiest girl I never knew.” Musically, the song blends elements of funk, rock, pop, and an episode of rap-lite flow into a contagious tune that’s at once humorous and advisory — there’s a definite divide between reality and curated illusion.
Produced by Will Hensley, the video for “Where There’s Smoke There’s Fire” depicts the central character meeting up with a series of women who are nothing like their dating profiles. Until the end, when a “normal” person arrives.
“Where There’s Smoke There’s Fire” follows Arctic Waves’ previous singles “Air to Breathe,” “Aftershock,” “Stay,” and “Permanently.” A prolific songwriter with more than 100 compositions, Turner mirrors authentic intimacy in his songs, an intimacy born out of personal familiarity with the visceral emotions that make up the human condition.
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Randy Radic: What inspired your new single, “Where There’s Smoke There’s Fire (WTSTF)?”
C.L. Turner: After a divorce, I enthusiastically embraced internet dating. I found that many internet profiles “fudge the truth” – age, marital status, etc. The “WTSTF” title references the fact that “small lies” often explode to more important untruths, with time.
Who produced the song and where was it recorded?
Album 1 and Album 2 were recorded in Brooklyn at Mission Sound. All Arctic Wave songs were produced by Grammy winner Will Hensley, who also doubles as the guitarist. Album 3 was recorded in L.A. at EastWest, a famous studio (Beach Boys, Tom Petty, Whitney Houston, Ariana Grande, Olivia Rodrigo, Ziggy Marley, Frank Sinatra). At EW, I got to play Frank Sinatra’s piano.
What’s the story behind the name “Arctic Wave”?
As a very young man, I was briefly in a band, Dry Ice. The Arctic Wave moniker is a play on the “Dry Ice” name.
How, where, and when did Arctic Wave first get together?
I had written 75-100 songs and wanted to record an album. I connected with Will Hensley, who had relationships with several world-class musicians, including touring pros with prominent bands and a lead singer with several top 40 hits with his former band.
How did you get started in music?
I learned to play piano by ear at an early age. Was in a band, but mainly played as a hobby. If I could hear it, I could play it. My early band largely played Marley covers. I also played in church some. My songwriting started oddly. When divorcing, my 4-year-old daughter drew a box house with a dad, a box house with a mom, and a little girl (her) in the middle, pulled in opposite directions. That drawing turned into a song that will be released soon: “Two Houses.” Then I entered a “spin cycle” — mom died, two friends committed suicide, ugly divorce, job loss — and the songs just flowed. Surprisingly, when my life stabilized, the songwriting font continued. I’ve written ~150.
Which singers/musicians influenced your sound?
My biggest musical influences, chronologically, have been Earth Wind & Fire, Bob Marley, Prince, and Post Malone. On Album 2, we have a tribute song to Bob Marley, “Nesta” (Robert Nesta Marley). On Album 3, we have a tribute song to Post Malone, “Be Like That.”
If you had to describe your sound to the uninitiated, what would you say?
A mix of pop, rock, and funk with intentional lyrics based on real-world issues.
Why do you make music?
As an expressive outlet. I write about things that affect me or those around me: love, loss, aging, addiction, etc.
Which artists, in your opinion, are killing it right now?
Billie Eilish and Post Malone. Billie’s voice and approach to vocals are spectacular. Posty has had numerous hits in rap, rock, pop and now, country — his versatility is unprecedented.
How do you define success?
If the message resonates with the listener and the sound is enjoyable, then we’ve succeeded.
What’s next for Arctic Wave?
We will finish releasing Album 1 by year end, and Album 2 will be released in the first half of ‘25. Album 3 will be finished by early 2025, and releases will begin in the second half of ‘25. ◼
Arctic Wave • [EastWest] Studios](https://www.eastweststudios.com/)
