ARK IDENTITY Shares Laidback New Alt-Pop Release, “Bleed Out In The Night,” About Standing Firm in One’s Beliefs
ARK IDENTITY‘s Noah Mroueh of Toronto is sharing a new glimpse of his forthcoming debut EP, ANNDALE, out this fall on November 8th.
The deceptively laidback and bass-led new indie pop track, “Bleed Out In The Night,” finds Mroueh reflecting on holding onto your integrity when someone threatens to dictate your path for you, going against your core values.
“This song is all about standing firm in your beliefs, even when everything around you is pushing you in the opposite direction. It’s about those moments when you have to say, ‘I won’t go that way,’ even if it means going through pain or conflict,” Mroueh elaborates.
The sing-song verses of “Bleed Out In The Night” comfort the listener over a distinctive bass melody and summery guitar strums, juxtaposing the song’s subject matter as Mroueh delivers the chorus refrain: “You leave me there to bleed out in the night, you run so fast the impact is a fight.”
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
According to my parents, I was named after Dr. Carter from ER, played by Noah Wyle. With a name like Noah, adopting ARK IDENTITY as my musical alias felt natural—it’s a subtle nod to that connection. Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up exploring different genres and learning various instruments. By 2015, I started writing my own songs, and after years of refining my sound, I felt ready to share my music with the world.
Your upcoming debut EP, ANNDALE, is set to release in November. What inspired the name of the EP?
ANNDALE is named after the street I grew up on. That neighborhood shaped who I am as a person and as an artist. It’s where I first began writing music and recording demos in my basement. A lot of the songs on this EP started there, so naming it ANNDALE felt like the perfect way to honour those beginnings and the journey that followed.
“Bleed Out In The Night” explores the idea of holding onto your integrity despite external pressures. Was there a personal experience that inspired this song, or does it speak more to a broader, universal struggle?
This song comes taps into more of a universal truth than a specific personal experience. It’s about staying true to yourself, even when everything around you pushes you to change or compromise. I’ve had moments where I had to stand firm in my beliefs, no matter the cost. It’s about navigating those situations where you have to choose between what’s right for you and what’s expected of you.
The song has this laid-back, summery vibe with the guitar and bass, but it contrasts with the heavier themes you’re singing about. How did you approach creating that balance?
This is one of those instances where the chords, lyrics, and melody all happened at the same time. I literally wrote it in 20 minutes. I didn’t overthink it. It just flowed out and the balance happened naturally. There’s something powerful about creating a vibe that feels easygoing and carefree on the surface but has a deeper, more intense undercurrent. With “Bleed Out In The Night,” I wanted the laid-back, summery groove to pull you in, but the lyrics to carry emotional weight that hit harder the more you listen.
How does the Toronto music scene influence your work, and what role has the city played in shaping your artistic identity?
I’ve been plugged into Toronto’s music scene since I was a teen. Every time I attend a show, I leave motivated to push myself creatively. The diversity here—musically and culturally—is inspiring. There’s an authenticity to the indie scene in Toronto. The city has shaped my sound and encouraged me to embrace my identity as an artist.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for ARK IDENTITY as a project, and how do you see your sound and vision evolving in the future?
My hope is to gain more listeners globally and continue to evolve as a musician and songwriter. I want to continue experimenting and pushing myself musically and exploring different creative canvases. I think the sound will naturally become more refined as I keep developing, but I’ll always keep that raw, honest core that defines what ARK IDENTITY is all about.
Last but not least, what’s up next for you after the release?
After the release of ANNDALE, I’m really looking forward to performing more live shows outside of Toronto. There’s something magical about connecting with an audience in real time, and I can’t wait to bring the energy of the EP to the stage. Beyond that, ANNDALE feels like a closing chapter for me—putting these songs out there gives me the space to move forward. I’m already working on new music, and I’m excited for the next chapter in my journey. There’s a lot more to come, and I can’t wait to share it.