Arlo Parks: How would you describe yourself in three words? — FLAPSS

The question

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

The Guardian's weekly The Q&A repeatedly uses this exact standing prompt.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

Arlo Parks

Singer-songwriter and poet; Mercury Prize winner

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

I want to be a voice for the kid. I mean, it sounds quite contrived, but I want to make music that I would have wanted to hear when I was 14.

The Talks, The Talks, 18 September 2021 source ↗

Others on this question

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One handsome dude.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 24 May 2025 source ↗

Scruffy, infuriating and kind.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 23 December 2023 source ↗

The three things I strive for are authenticity, presence and empathy. You’d have to ask my loved ones if I’m pulling them off.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 March 2025 source ↗

Juicy, funny, impulsive.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 13 December 2025 source ↗

More from Arlo Parks

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Question What does love feel like? Relationships

I want to be a voice for the kid. I mean, it sounds quite contrived, but I want to make music that I would have wanted to hear when I was 14.

Recorded The Talks, The Talks, 18 September 2021 source ↗

Question What important truth do very few people agree with you on? Values & belief

I want to be a voice for the kid. I mean, it sounds quite contrived, but I want to make music that I would have wanted to hear when I was 14.

Recorded The Talks, The Talks, 18 September 2021 source ↗

Question What is the most rewarding part of being a parent? Relationships

I want to be a voice for the kid. I mean, it sounds quite contrived, but I want to make music that I would have wanted to hear when I was 14.

Recorded The Talks, The Talks, 18 September 2021 source ↗

Question What is the worst job you have done? Craft & work

I want to be a voice for the kid. I mean, it sounds quite contrived, but I want to make music that I would have wanted to hear when I was 14.

Recorded The Talks, The Talks, 18 September 2021 source ↗

Question What has been your biggest disappointment? Failure & regret

I want to be a voice for the kid. I mean, it sounds quite contrived, but I want to make music that I would have wanted to hear when I was 14.

Recorded The Talks, The Talks, 18 September 2021 source ↗

Question What is your greatest fear? Identity & self

I want to be a voice for the kid. I mean, it sounds quite contrived, but I want to make music that I would have wanted to hear when I was 14.

Recorded The Talks, The Talks, 18 September 2021 source ↗

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