Brian Vander Ark - ProfilesArchive

About Me

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After hours of sweating it out over this bio section, I've decided to just make some comments on what was once my "major label" bio. I think you'll get the gist of it. Here goes:
BRIAN VANDER ARK
Massive success and its aftermath have sent many artists into oblivion, forever trying to recapture the moment when the world first bowed at their feet. (Seriously? Massive? Who was bowing? How did I miss that?) That moment came for Brian Vander Ark when, as the lead singer and principal songwriter for The Verve Pipe, he sold more than 3 million albums worldwide (I seriously had no idea it was that much....where the hell is all that money? I can't afford health care!) and produced a string of hit singles, including the 1 song 'The Freshmen.' ("A string of hit singles"? I recall a very minor hit called "Photograph" that I thought enabled me to quit my job at MC Sporting Goods. I ended up re-applying after the fall of our next single, "Cup Of Tea".)
More than just the frontman, Vander Ark was its literal and figurative voice, providing the creative spark and writing songs that gave the band its devoted following. (Well, that's true. I was more than just the "frontman". I remember a show in Orlando when I actually had to set up my own amplifier. IMAGINE!) Although the songs were cast in the style of the era, they remain singular and special. His gift is one of tremendous storytelling clarity expressed through melodies and rhythms that are unique, riveting, intensely personal and entirely gripping. (Hmm...that's nice..we'll keep that.)
Rather than blindly attempt to reclaim a throne that was fleeting at best, the Michigan native struck out on his own, sold all his possessions, hit the road and released his acclaimed debut solo CD, Resurrection, in 2005. (Well, I did keep some clothes. Not the "rock star" ones. I gave all of those to a friend who wears them on occasion. Whenever I see him, I always feel very nostalgic. "I remember those pants from when we opened for Kiss in '96. Look -- you can still see the stains from the audience's spit!") This inspired collection of original songs recalls an era when artists were not afraid to express their hearts direction and soul's design. (Give me a break. That's just a taaaad pretentious..) Vander Ark continues that commitment with the release of his latest solo CD, Angel, Put Your Face On. Both earnest and reflective, this music once again takes an intimate look at life while exploring themes of family, love and loss. (Wow. They nailed that one. I'll have to use that for interviews.)
His journey has resulted in a lyrical, engrossing collection of songs wrought from an experience that many have dreamed of but few have faced. On the way, Brian rediscovered his love for performing and now revels in a freedom that few can claim as he travels the road playing his songs and connecting with audiences.
(Whaaat? That's it? What about Mark Walburg lip-synching to my voice in Rockstar? My acting debut in Rockstar? I had a couple of lines! What about the movies I've scored? I wrote a play! What about all the nay saying ex's who said I couldn't commit! I'm married now! We have a baby! We're traveling the U.S. in an Airstream trailer. And I"m driving it! Hello? Heeeeellooooo??)

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 6/8/2004
Band Website: brianvanderark.com
Band Members: Brian Vander Ark
Randy Sly (Piano)
Influences:

Click here to find more info on Brian Vander Ark, including his current playlist!

Sounds Like:

Brian Vander Ark Merchandise
Note: If you purchase an autographed CD and would like it personalized, please type (in the "Special Instructions" box) EXACTLY what you would like Brian to write.

Live At Aquinas College - DVD (2008)
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1. We Heard, We Saw
2. And Then We Fell
3. Little Man
4. I Went With The Road
5. Lily White Way
6. You'll Be The Death Of Me
7. Optimism's Glow
8. Evangeline
9. Fit To Be Tied
10. Love So Deep
11. Monday Morning Girl
12. We Were Never The Same
13. Someone Like You
14. 1229 Sheffield
15. Colorful
16. The Freshmen
17. I Don't Want To Be A Bother
18. Resurrection
19. Another Good Man
20. Survival
21. And Then You Went Away

* Includes "Karma Generator"
a short film on the making of
Brian Vander Ark's self-titled album.
The concert was recorded March 22, 2008 by Brian and Brad Kelly. This is a perfect companion to the new self-titled Brian Vander ARk album. All of the songs from the new album were performed, along with songs from the other solo albums, as well as some Verve PIpe songs. You can watch a sample of it at the new web site in the "Video" section..

Brian Vander Ark (2008)
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The latest studio album from BVA, this album was produced by legend Bill Szymczyk. (Bill also produced The Eagles 'Hotel California' and The Who's 'Face Dances'.) It was recorded in North Carolina over the fall of 2007. An acoustic rock album, it has been described as " ...his best album yet, adroitly meshing acoustic grace with penetrating rock and pop power." (John Sinkevich, The Grand Rapids Press)

Angel, Put Your Face On (2006)
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1. I Don't Want To Be A Bother
2. Too Good For This World
3. Belong
4. Nothing But Time
5. Survival
6. Another Good Man
7. History
8. A Trip To Omaha
9. Based Upon The Way
10. The Heart That Keeps You

Produced by Ken Coomer (Wilco) and Charlie Brocco (George Harrison, Fleetwood Mac) and featuring some of Nashville's most accomplished musicians, the newest release from Brian Vander Ark is his most ambitious record to date. This collection of 10 songs was inspired by two of Brian's favorite albums, "Madman Across The Water" by Elton John and "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon And Garfunkel.

Within Reach (2005)
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1. 1229 Sheffield
2. Second Hand
3. Reverend Girl
4. Gotta Move On
5. Written And Erased
6. Someone Like You
7. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
8. Happiness Is
9. When I'm Gone
10. Villains
11. Colorful
12. And Then You Went Away
13. The Freshmen

Recorded at the Fox Theatre in Boulder, CO, this live, uplugged recording features songs from Brian's first solo effort, "Resurrection," as well as acoustic versions of favorites from The Verve Pipe. Also included is a cover of "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" and a soulful, a capella version of the 1 hit "The Freshmen."

Resurrection (2004)
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1. 1229 Sheffield
2. A Million Things
3. And Then You Went Away
4. Resurrection
5. Written And Erased
6. Mileage
7. When I'm Gone
8. Someone Like You
9. Second Hand
10. Hollywood Ending
11. To The Front Row Junkies
The debut solo album from Brian Vander Ark. Produced by legendary engineer/producer John Holbrook, this critically acclaimed (amazon.com - 5 stars) album has become a favorite of fans of the storytelling singer/songwriters of the 70's.

Live at Eddie's Attic - 10/21/06 (2006)
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1. Nothing But Time
2. I Don't Want To Be A Bother
3. Belong
4. 1229 Sheffield
5. Too Good For This World
6. Reverend Girl
7. Thunder Road
8. Survival
9. Another Good Man
10. Miles Away
11. Someone Like You
12. The Freshmen
13. Colorful
14. And Then You Went Away
15. Whiter Shade Of Pale

This is the first disc of what Brian calls his official "Bootleg Series." It's a live performance at Eddie's Attic in Atlanta, GA with Randy Sly on the keyboards. Those who attended the show said it was one of his best. It includes a cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Thunder Road" and Procal Harum's "Whiter Shade Of Pale." This one's not to be missed at the low price of $8 (plus S/H)!
THERE IS NO ARTWORK FOR THIS ALBUM

Lawn Chairs And Living Rooms (2007)
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1. A Trip To Omaha
2. When I'm Gone
3. Survival
4. Lily White Way
5. I Don't Want To Be A Bother
6. The Freshmen
7. Someone Like You
8. I Just Went With The Road
9. And Then We Fell
10. 1229 Sheffield
11. Little Man
12. Too Good For This World
13. Photograph
The "Lawn Chairs And Living Rooms Tour '07" spawned this great live recording. It was a show that Brian Vander Ark did in the living room of superfan Todd Van Hammond, in Appleton, WI: . It's a recording of Brian, on a small homemade stage (that he built for the occasion), in front of a crowd of his friends and family. There was no PA system, just him playing and singing to the intimate group. You can pick up this disc at the low price of $8 (plus S/H)!
THERE IS NO ARTWORK FOR THIS ALBUM
Type of Label: None

My Blog

INTRODUCTION

I killed a puppy when I was four years old.Most analysts will tell you that killing an animal is a sign of a mental health disorder, but I dismiss that. I didn't kill the puppy acting on an impulse t...
Posted by Brian Vander Ark on Fri, 27 Jul 2007 06:55:00 PST

Onward (inaudible) Soldiers

There was a time when I was born again, and listened to nothing but Christian music. I was born again out of convenience, I think. I was young and frightened, and joining the army. No matter what w...
Posted by Brian Vander Ark on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 05:28:00 PST

We Are The Champions

A friend sent an old video of me, acting like a fool, and loving every minute of it. In 2006, after the release of The Verve Pipe's album Villains, we set out on the road to promote. One of the many...
Posted by Brian Vander Ark on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 03:43:00 PST

The Devil On My Little White Radio

I'm sitting here in front of my Denon AVR 2800 receiver, and I can't figure out why it won't stay in the quad stereo mode. Probably because it's outdated.In 1973, I had a little white AM radio, with ...
Posted by Brian Vander Ark on Tue, 23 Jan 2007 12:46:00 PST

I Love It Too

The Verve is alive and well, or at least on the tongue of many who come to my solo shows, or write me fan mail. I received another email this morning, gushing over "my" song (I didn't write it). That ...
Posted by Brian Vander Ark on Fri, 19 Jan 2007 05:56:00 PST