CITIZEN DEEP: THE EVOLUTIONARY ‘ARCADE TRILOGY’

THE BUILD-UP TO ARCADE TRILOGY

The journey to Arcade Trilogy began years ago with the release of Arcade 1 in 2021, followed by Arcade 2 in 2022. The series has been more than just albums for Citizen Deep; they’ve been a reflection of his personal and musical growth. Speaking at the session, Citizen Deep shared, “I feel like it needs to keep on going for me. The boy that I was when I dropped the first one is different from the man I am today. There’s growth, new things that I want to share, and music has always been evolutionary. It’s a beautiful thing to share imperfections with people.”

He explained how Arcade Trilogy captures the essence of evolution in both the music and the artist. The project, much like an arcade game, offers a rare collection of art designed to entertain but also holds deeper meanings rooted in nostalgia, growth, and self-reflection. “I grew up loving arcade games like Street Fighter and Cadillac’s and Dinosaurs. So, putting together music and what I love was part of my process, it’s how I clear my mind,” Citizen Deep added.

A MASTERCLASS IN QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

Citizen Deep’s approach to music has always been centred on quality over quantity. While some artists are content to release music constantly, he focuses on making every project a masterpiece. “It’s not only this project; I’ve always wanted to express myself in a certain way. I need to make music sound great, for it to be palatable, easily consumed. Quality is something I’ve always been after,” he said.

The session gave attendees a taste of the rich, ambient soundscapes and emotionally charged compositions that define Arcade Trilogy. Each track is carefully crafted to convey a mood, a moment, or a story—an approach that has come to define Citizen Deep’s work. This meticulous attention to detail is what sets him apart as an artist and ensures his place among South Africa’s elite house music producers.

Citizen Deep
MUSICAL INFLUENCES AND DREAM COLLABORATIONS

While showcasing his new album, Citizen Deep also touched on some of his musical influences and dream collaborations. When asked about his all-time favorite local vocalist, he didn’t hesitate to name the legendary Thandiswa Mazwai. “She’s a powerhouse,” he said. As for his dream collaboration? “It would be amazing to have both Thandiswa and Sjava on one track.”

This balance between reverence for the past and excitement for the future is a hallmark of Citizen Deep’s work. His ability to draw from his influences while still forging his own path speaks to his versatility and growth as an artist.

Citizen Deep, Arcade Trology
THE FUTURE OF CITIZEN DEEP

The evening ended with Citizen Deep thanking his fans and supporters, many of whom have followed him since his early days. He reiterated that Arcade Trilogy is just one milestone in his career, and he has many more stories to tell through his music. “With every single album I’ve dropped, I’ve felt a sense of reliving my journey. I connect with the young boy I was as I transition into the man that I am,” he said.

Looking ahead, Citizen Deep is committed to continuing his evolution as an artist, with aspirations to collaborate with some of South Africa’s most celebrated musicians and explore new creative horizons. His vision for the future is clear: to keep pushing the boundaries of what house music can be while staying true to his unique artistic identity.

Citizen Deep, Arcade Trilogy
ARCADE (A RARE COLLECTION OF ART DESIGNED TO ENTERTAIN) TRILOGY

The listening session for Arcade Trilogy was not just an event—it was a celebration of growth, music, and artistry. As Citizen Deep played track after track from the upcoming album, the crowd couldn’t help but feel the passion and craftsmanship behind each note. The Arcade Trilogy represents more than a body of work; it’s the soundtrack to an artist’s evolution, one that will undoubtedly resonate with listeners long after its release.

With Citizen Deep’s release of the Arcade Trilogy, the excitement surrounding the album only intensifies. Fans are thrilled to experience the latest chapter in his musical journey, finding it just as ground-breaking as those before it.

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