What people are saying:
"While some guys would give anything for a smidgeon of musical talent...Herstand can tease out jazz, folk and even ska melodies from more than eight different instruments"
-University of Wisconsin's Daily Cardinal
February 15th, 2008 (featured photo preview
"Although the wind chill reached a low of minus 27 that night, an audience began lining up for Herstand's show before the doors opened at 7 p.m."
-University of Wisconsin - River Falls' Student Voice
February 7th 2008 (featured photo review)
-Concordia College's The Concordian
Friday, January 18th 2008 (featured photo review)
"Ari Herstand, music's next big thing."
- University of Wisconsin Green Bay's Fourth Estate
Thursday, November 29 2007
"...it'll be his percussive acoustic guitar work and live looping that will be center stage. His quick slap guitar style takes his music from pop and rock to hip-hop and jazz."
-Green Bay Press Gazette
Thursday, November 29 2007 (featured photo preview)
"While many musicians mold themselves to fit into one genre, an increasing number of them instead try to create their own. One such artist is Minneapolis-based Ari Herstand, who combines rock, hop-hop, jazz and folk music together in order to create a sound of his own"
-Minnesota State University, Mankato's Reporter
Tuesday, November 6 2007 (featured photo Interview)
"Of the many acts that come and go through Lawrence, there are always a few that stand out. Ari Herstand's set Friday night in the Coffeehouse was clearly one of those acts. Mixing acoustic melodies with hip-hop beatboxing, Herstand started with an energy that was sustained throughout the entire night. A one-man show, Herstand displayed his looping skills in several songs, stacking layers of guitars, vocals, trumpets and keyboards on top of each other."
-Lawrence University's The Lawrentian
Friday, November 2 2007 (featured photo concert review)
"His music blends acoustic pop, folk, hip-hop and jazz into a style you might call 'folk hop.' He's got a cool percussive guitar style that reminds us a little of Australian acoustic guitar phenom Jeff Lang...but the Minneapolis songwriter is a one-man band"
-Post Crescent (Fox Cities Weeknd)
Thursday, October 25 2007 (featured photo preview)
"Minneapolis favorite to perform at The Cabin...variety of styles, emphasis on lyrics found with Ari Herstand"
-Unversity of Wisconsin - Eau Claire's The Spectator
October, 11 2007 (featured concert preview)
"Whether Herstand's writings concern political issues, personal relationships, current events, or a variety of other subject matter, his unique sound allows a musical reprieve that addresses issues with honesty while still managing to comfort the listener...The amount of dedication and drive that Herstand shows through the songs on One Take, all written by him, is a quality that is not seen often enough in today's music industry."
-North Dakota State University's The Spectrum
Friday, September 28 2007 (featured photo preview)
-Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Friday, June 29 2007 (feautred photo review)
"Ari Strikes Gold on 'One Take'
...Herstand recently released his sophomore solo album, One Take, which showcases his unique “folk hop†genre that sounds unlike anything you’ve ever heard....no wonder he has become a success; at such a young age, his sound is both a combination of the music you love listening to and his own unique creation all at once."
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"Herstand’s music dwells seldom on the superficial. He’s not your average guy with an acoustic guitar. In a unique style that blends elements of pop, folk rock and jazz — think jam man Keller Williams, with an air of Dave Matthews and (more energetic) hints of Jack Johnson and Norah Jones — Herstand’s new album leaves little to be desired."
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"Twenty-one year-old Ari Herstand supported Zox and Tally Hall at the High Noon Saloon as a one-man band of vox, acoustic guitar, trumpet, beat box, and loops. At first glance, this "Poster Boy Celebrity" looked like just another folk act, but quickly pleased with a voice similar in texture to Ron Sexsmith, and songs filled with catchy hooks and intricate layers..."
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...An acoustic pop/rock genre bending treat from one man, one guitar, one trumpet, one piano, and one loop station. His fusion of folk, hip-hop and jazz breathes much-needed warmth and verve into the acoustic rock formula...."
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"Minneapolis' Ari Herstand layers his acoustic pop with plenty of introspection and strummy sweetness... His new album One Take features Ari in a solo setting, but he's got plenty of back-up courtesy of guitar, keyboard, trumpet, and a loop station. A particular favorite of the young female set, Herstand uses his dreamy vocal style to explore deep English-major philosophies and high-school memories..."
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"...The best thing about One Take...is that all of the songs on the live album feature the sweet looping stuff that Herstand does in concert, but are absent from Baby Eyes. Suffice it to say, the fans really wanted to hear Herstand’s looping talents on an album, and he delivered with this new release..."
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"...The album intimately blends emotional lyrics ranging from the familial to the political... an eclectic new genre known as 'folk/hop.'..."
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"The positive, intimate nature of Ari's writing and singing bring to mind artists such as Cat Stevens, but his style is current enough to sound right at home on the radio"
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"...upbeat melodies similar to those heard in songs by The Dave Matthews Band, and a unique style that combines the subtle charm of Ben Folds and the articulate frankness of Sage Francis..."
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"...Adding to the complexity and uniqueness of their sound was Herstand's loop station, with which he created impressive vocal percussion and instrumental back beats. These additions made the band sound huge, which the audience appreciated..."
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"...His lyrics further separate Ari from the pack, defined by a sense of realness and a propensity for discussing actual people, relationships and issues...In the music of today, it is hard to find an artist who has the daring to uncompromisingly tell real stories without resorting to empty cliches, gimmicks and conventions..."
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"...It's clear he is good enough to play on the same stage as any of his idols..."
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Listen to an interview with Ari:
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Check out this sweet commercial featuring clips from The Unknown Order!