Interviewed by Olivia Emigh

Quentin Arispe

A self-proclaimed theater kid, Quentin Arispe takes pride in their ability to shape shift — sonically, visually, and emotionally — transforming a central part of their artistic identity. Whether stepping into someone else’s world for a collaboration or constructing an entirely new aesthetic, Arispe refuses to be boxed in.

As their career gains momentum, Arispe has been channeling their creative drive into a long-awaited collaboration: a music video and single remix with Almost Heaven.

The high-energy club anthem “Dance Revolution,” originally part of their house-inspired So Below EP, released in August 2024, is taking on a new life — one that has been years in the making.

The Art of Transformation

Photo of Quentin Arispe with Stefan Barraza of Almost Heaven by Andrew Crumpton

Match Made in Heaven

Arispe and Almost Heaven’s Stefan Barraza have long admired each other’s artistry. They had often discussed the idea of working together but waited for the right moment. After years of anticipation, Arispe finally gets to hear their voice alongside Barraza’s on the same track, an experience they describe as surreal.

Not only did Arispe and Barraza collaborate on “Dance Revolution,” but they also shared a bill at this year’s Glazefest, the unofficial SXSW music and fashion event produced by Glaze Zine at Cheer Up Charlie’s. While they performed separately, their presence at the same event underscored the shared creative circles they move within — making their collaboration feel even more fated.

Photo of Quentin Arispe with Stefan Barraza and Jaelyn Valero of Almost Heaven by Andrew Crumpton

Almost Heaven’s blend of indie dance, post-punk, and electronic elements gives the remix a fresh, dynamic edge, a natural evolution of the original track. With drummer Jaelyn Valero in the lineup, the band’s unmistakable grit perfectly complements Arispe’s silky, polished dance sound on “Dance Revolution.”

“I’ve been obsessed with Stefan’s work for so long. To finally have a song where our voices exist together feels like magic,” they share.

Arispe describes the collaboration as fully immersing themselves in Almost Heaven’s world, much like they did with their remix and music video of “KUNT” with BabiBoi. This time, though, the aesthetic is grittier, embracing punk influences over BabiBoi’s polished and sexually charged glamour.

The music video’s visual impact is amplified by designer Durham Henderson, the creative force behind Durs By Durs, whose sculptural, avant-garde designs bring bold structure and unexpected details. Arispe first encountered his work at Glazefest — just days before shooting “Dance Revolution” — where his runway show featured 24 looks and 15 models.

Known for transforming deadstock into high fashion, Henderson’s striking pieces contrast with Arispe’s decision to shoot the video in black and white, heightening its raw, cinematic intensity. In the video Arispe wears a Henderson-designed blazer, its exaggerated spikes adding to the visual drama.

Still from the “Dance Revolution” music video. Creative direction by Quentin Arispe and Adrian Flores. Produced by Kinderr.

“This music video concept is messy but still editorial,” they explain. “I love the feeling of tension in a visual. I want it to feel like something you’d see in a ‘70s rock magazine, but also futuristic and high art.”

From assembling mood boards to editing their music videos, Arispe is hands-on with every detail of their projects. Every step is intentional, shaped by their evolving vision and relentless pursuit of artistic growth.

“This is what I love to do,” Arispe says. “If I weren’t an artist, I’d probably be a creative director. I love curating worlds and aesthetics.”

The Drive to Keep Moving Forward

Despite their rising success, Arispe admits that satisfaction is elusive. They are constantly striving for the next moment, the next project, the next challenge.

“I’m a very unsatisfied person. I don’t know if there will be a day — 16 Grammys in — where I’ll feel like I’ve really shown people what I’ve got,” they admit. “I don’t take in anything. I just keep going.”

This relentless drive is fueled by a deep understanding of the industry. Arispe isn’t just making art for art’s sake; they’re studying the mechanics of how underground artists break into mainstream consciousness.

“How do you get to that Chappell Roan moment? That ‘Pink Pony Club’ moment where suddenly everyone gets it?” they ask. “That’s what I’ve been obsessed with lately — seeing how the industry really works.”

For now, their philosophy is simple: just keep moving.

“When it stops, it stops. So I always have something ready before the next thing is even done. Keep it going, keep it going.”

A Message to Young Creatives: Staying Resilient

When asked what advice they would give to emerging artists, Arispe emphasizes resilience.

“You have to push forward. It doesn’t stop,” they say. “An artist’s job is to be still in the chaos, to reflect it, to heal it. But you can’t do that if you’re angry at everything all the time. You have to channel it into your work, your craft.”

They see artistry as both an outlet for rage and a tool for resistance.

“We can’t freeze. We can’t trauma-freeze. That’s where it gets dangerous. People want us to be scared and silent. But we will always have a voice. We will always be able to make change.”

For Arispe, visibility and self-expression are not just acts of rebellion — they are acts of survival.

Photo of Quentin Arispe by Andrew Crumpton

Just keep moving.

Looking Ahead: The Next Era

Arispe’s upcoming projects reflect this same expansive, transformative spirit. Their next album, two years in the making, will be their most personal yet.

“This is the album that I want to be my Ctrl,” they say, referencing SZA’s iconic record. “I want it to be that first album where people go, ‘Oh, okay. That’s who Quentin is.’”

And while they’re still in the thick of writing, recording, and refining, one thing is certain — whatever comes next will be intentional, immersive, and entirely on their own terms.

“Don’t ever think that because I went one direction, that’s the direction I’ll always go. Reinvent, change it up every day. That’s my superpower.”

As they enter this new era, Arispe is not just making music — they’re building a universe. And they’re inviting us all to step inside.

Check out Dance Revolution (Remix) feat. Almost Heaven!