Acclaimed Jersey Shore singer-songwriter-producer and multi-instrumentalist Arlan Feiles once again performed in Europe, this time in support of “Diaspora,” his sixth album on his own notpop records. The album chronicles the many hardships the Jewish community has had to endure and was a great inspiration to recent audiences in Germany. PHOTO BY ARLAN FEILES
A winner of several Makin Waves and other awards, including Best Music Video at the recent Mesa International Film Festival, Jersey Shore singer-songwriter-producer and multi-instrumentalist Arlan Feiles has more than lived up to the potential Rock and Roll Hall of Fame producer Tom Dowd saw in him as he helmed what was intended to be his major label debut for Island Records. Instead, Arlan has produced and released six critically acclaimed albums on his own notpop records, including his latest and most challenging LP, "Diaspora," a chronicle of the hardships the Jewish community has had to endure. Like many of its predecessors, "Diaspora" landed on the Euro Americana Charts, reaching No. 5. That industry-oriented chart has been a boon to Arlan's career overseas, as has Netherlands-based booking agent Lucky Dice Music, which annually lands him shows also in Belgium and Germany, where the Holocaust-reflective "Diaspora" has been an inspiration.
Back home, Arlan has been padding his extremely impressive resume with two theatrical productions. Back in 1999, he participated in a Boston-based touring production of the rock musical “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” This summer, he returned to the role he had 26 years ago with a “Hedwig” production at Bell Theater at Bell Works in Holmdel starring Remember Jones.
Since its premiere in April 2024, Arlan also has appeared in “The Devil and Daisy Dirt,” a cryptic bluegrass musical about the Jersey Devil. Arlan wrote the songs for a book written by Alex Dawson, a Metuchen-based Rutgers University professor who has authored several other stage productions, as well as a novel. In association with the macabre travelogue “Weird New Jersey,” they will present “The Devil and Daisy Dirt” on Oct. 5 at Avenel Performing Arts Center in the Avenel section of Woodbridge Township; Oct. 11, Old City Hall, Bordentown; Oct. 12, Crossroads, Garwood; Oct. 18, Anahata’s Purpose, Darlingon, MD; Oct. 30, Pinelands Preservation Alliance, South Hampton, and Nov. 8, New Brunswick Performing Arts Center.
In addition to “The Devil and Daisy Dirt” shows, Arlan also will perform Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5 at The Polo Club in Holmdel; Oct. 10, Flounder Brewery, Hillsborough, and Feb. 28, Jersey Shore Arts Center, Ocean Grove, with Shannon McNally. Having already started writing and recording a follow-up to “Diaspora” expected to be released on notpop in 2026, Arlan took the time to chat about his successful independent music career, his hope for a unified peace movement and his passion to chronicle that hope within his soulful songs.
You originally are from Los Angeles. What brought you to the Jersey Shore, why, and when, and what’s kept you here?
Love brought me to New Jersey. Music brought us to the Jersey Shore. I met my wife Katie in NYC while I was living and working at a music venue called Tobacco Road. We would eventually be married and wanted to be close to NYC but also Asbury Park where all the good music in NJ was being made. We landed right in the middle. This is home now. We have a beautiful family and have fully integrated into the Jersey Shore community. Not going anywhere any time soon.
Is ‘Diaspora’ your best album?
I would save that for fans and critics to decide. I do know, for me, it may be my most important one. It touches on my deepest fears, sadness and anger in a world so broken. It reflects on the tragedies of my ancestors and the deep genetic memory of my cultural heritage. I needed to make this record. I will also say it was both the most difficult to make and scariest to release.
Is it your most political album?
I don't think so. It wasn't intended to be a political album. One song, ‘Ceasefire (Shalom Achshav),’ I’d consider political. It points to a current crisis. I think some people have viewed it as political based on the timing of the release, but that sounds more like a ‘them’ problem. The rest is intensely personal and points to past events and memories. I wrote it to remember myself at a time when people were telling me that I wasn't who I believed I was. That bugged the shit out of me. So I searched, studied, and listened. As it turns out they were wrong. I'm much more sure of who I am as a result. So, thank you, doubters.
What impact has ‘Diaspora’ had?
I think for many people it has been a mechanism for facing down their inner fears and reconnecting to their own stories. It's a catharsis. I've been told it is a ‘difficult’ but necessary listen. That sounds on brand (laughs). I think people are listening and remembering the painful events in their own lives that brought them to this moment. That speaks to their sense of self and belonging.
I think the most meaningful impact it has had so far stems from a performance in Germany. I have a song on the album called ‘The River Takes.’ It's a song inspired by a Jewish German man who after fighting in WWI on the side of Germany as a proud German Jew, began to be regularly interrogated about his loyalties as WWII approached. It became clear to him that his German pride wasn't going to keep him from the camps for long, and on one fateful return ride on the train, instead of walking home, he walked himself to the river and threw himself in. The River Takes.
The gentleman who hosted my concert in Germany happened to be a history teacher. He told me he would be using the song in his curriculum to teach his students about this awful incident that happened in their hometown. He and three other Jewish families just simply and quietly disappeared one day. It’s amazing that a Jew can return decades later and help teach the story, and hopefully inspires the kids who will shape the future of this town. It’s a great honor. It’s what I always hoped music would do for me: Make an impact.
Also, the video for ‘Ceasefire (Shalom Achshav)’ was just named the winner of Best Music Video at the Mesa International Film Festival, so it’s gratifying to see the message getting out and embraced. Peace Now!
Please summarize your TED Talk, ‘Songwriting, Activism and the Passion to Create for a Better World?’
It’s about owning your power as a human and an artist. I have learned that I should never underestimate the impact I can have on the world as a songwriter. This lesson I first learned when my song ‘Viola’ about the murder of civil right martyr Viola Liuzzo managed to reach her children and began an incredible relationship with the family, Sharing adventures with them from Las Vegas to Detroit to Selma, sharing her story and inspiration.
Passion, intention and action, incredibly powerful tools. Want to make a better world? You can. You can't fix it, but you can change it for the better.
Will there ever be peace in the Middle East and why?
I hope so. Everyone will need to want it. There are too many fractured coalitions and special interests. The world will have to have one voice to make peace happen.
Ending the current crisis has been failing for the same reasons. We need a peace movement, not finger-pointing movements. I call out both sides of the conflict on that.
War is over if we want it but do we really? I think people get a high off righteousness when they feel they are proven right about one side or the other. It's like a drug. You know it’s bad for you, but you want more and more. You don't really want it to end because you like the fight and the rush. A unified message isn't as sexy, I guess.
Do Netanyahu and Trump represent Israel’s best interests and why?
I’m not a fan of either man. And no, I do not believe they do. But please don’t leave Hamas out. It is important to add that Hamas doesn’t represent the Palestinian people's best interests either.
All these people and the groups they represent are governing with ideologies that cannot survive the idea of coexistence. They require bad guys and evil actors to stimulate their base to stay in power. They represent the worst nature of people, and they lend permission to those who share their depraved vision of world order to act badly as well. There will be no lasting peace if these nations continue to allow people and organizations like these to hold power.
You tour Europe nearly every year. And ‘Diaspora’ reached No. 5 on the strangely named Euro Americana Chart. How did you build your European following and support?
It is The Euro Americana Chart that has been in great part responsible for building that support. The chart is reported to by music industry professionals who love American roots music throughout Europe. Bookers, managers, music bloggers, radio DJs, journalists. Unlike other charts, this ranking is based on support of the industry itself, not record sales. Each month, contributors submit their Top 5 recommendations. I have been very fortunate to have several records recognized on this chart.
The late, great Greg Trooper introduced me to my wonderful booking and management team in the Netherlands, Sandra and Luciano of Lucky Dice Music, and with every visit, the venues and the guarantees have been going up. The people there are diggin’ it, I guess. I feel very fortunate, and I very much look forward to my next visit.
Arlan is pictured performing in Utrecht in The Netherlands. With the support of the Euro Americana Chart and Netherlands-based Lucky Dice Music, he tours Europe annually. PHOTO BY FILIP HEIDINGA
What advice would you give independent artists to build up their European followings and support?
That is a very tough question. I don't really know. I got lucky. If you are in the Americana/Folk/Country scene, I would start by submitting your albums to bookers and bloggers who are active in Europe and also report to the chart. And I do mean albums. This community is still very much interested in albums, not tracks.
Build your catalog and your brand. Have something to say and sell. The Americana scene is still very much friendly to independent artists in Europe.
Are you and American roots music in general more appreciated in Europe than America and why?
That is also a very tough question. I think American roots is doing quite well in America these days. I’m not sure why I am not, but doing better there (laughs). I think, as I said, they are friendlier to indie artists there, so you can break through the noise with a solid release. In America, it is very much a game of taste makers and shelf builders. I don’t have access to the kind of funding that is required to compete in the American markets. Europeans don't seem to care about the American record business. They want to hear great records wherever they may come from.
What is ‘The Devil and Daisy Dirt,’ and how and why are you involved?
‘The Devil and Daisy Dirt’ is a bluegrass fireside tall tale and stage show about the Jersey Devil. The story was written by author Alex Dawson. I composed the score and wrote the songs and Special FX master Dan Diana built an 8-foot Jersey Devil puppet that he wears. The show also stars actress Jackie Fogel as Daisy Dirt. I perform the music in the show, as well as sing some of the narration as a balladeer of a sort.
How is ‘Weird NJ’ involved?
‘The Devil and Daisy Dirt’ is right down their alley. They love stories about NJ ghosts and Cryptids, and the Jersey Devil is as cryptic and New Jersey as it gets. They were kind enough to write up the show and place us on the front cover. They have also hosted several events featuring the show. Weird NJ has become great friends to the production and really instrumental in getting the word out.
Why is Nov. 8 in New Brunswick the final performance of ‘The Devil and Daisy Dirt’? Why not continue performing it?
By the time Nov. 8, rolls around, we will have done nearly 50 performances. It's time to take the Devil off tour. Not to say it will never be done again. We will likely do a few special events or a short run in the future, but this is going to end a few very active years of work on this show. NB Performing Arts Center is a beautiful theater and a great place to see the show, even if you've already seen it or it’s your first time.
Is there or will there be a ‘The Devil and Daisy Dirt’ cast album?
There is a vinyl single of a few of the songs available for purchase at the shows. I think we will be doing another cut with the other two songs for the final runs. We are also working on an audio version of the whole show. That should be available sometime in the New Year.
Twenty-six years after appearing in a touring production of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” Arlan reprised his role this summer in a production starring Remember Jones at Bell Theater at Bell Works in Holmdel. PHOTO COURTESY OF BELL THEATER AT BELL WORKS
So back in 1999 in Boston, you were cast in a touring production of ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch.’ How did it feel to recently do that show at Bell Works?
It was really special to revisit the role I had played so many years ago. The show, written by Jon Cameron Mitchell and composed by Stephen Trask, is a special piece of rock and theater history. It was such an honor to be cast in the first touring company back in ’99, and it was equally enjoyable to be a part of this cast starring Remember Jones as Hedwig. He was spectacular. I hope we get a chance to do it again.
Was the 1999 ‘Hedwig’ your first foray into musical theater or was it preceded by another production?
Professionally, yes. I was a theater kid growing up, so I was certainly no stranger to the process. But that was the first time I had been paid to perform in a legit theatrical production.
It's been quite a theatrical year for me actually. Dozens of ‘Devil and Daisy Dirt’ shows, plus the ‘Hedwig’ run at Bell Theater at Bell Works. It’s been a really nice change of pace from the concert format.
In 2023, you produced and released on your own label the Makin Waves Album of the Year: ‘Dig Deep’ by Asbury soul great J.T. Bowen. What made that such a labor of love?
J.T. Bowen is a true legend. Writing and producing a record for him was truly a highlight of my music career. He was so incredibly generous and kind. He sang the hell out of those songs.
I would often sit and think to myself, ‘Oh, that’s what it’s supposed to sound like.’ His voice is remarkable to this day. Hearing him sing songs like ‘Viola’ and ‘Dig Deep’ was a revelation for me. I’m sorry I didn’t have the resources to take the release further. It’s a really great listen. I’m really proud of that album.
Have you released other artists on your notpop records label? If so, who and when?
I produced and released an album for a great artist named Lance Scott Greene. He's a killer songwriter. I also produced Ryan Gregg's latest release at my studio. He's a monster piano player and songwriter. Both those releases are worth a few spins.
I'm working on getting a Cat Stevens tribute album out in the near future, featuring a ton of great artists including Shannon McNally, Cranston Dean, Alexander Simone and the legendary Joy Askew. Notpop is also looking at a substantial reissue release of a ton of great sides originally produced by my grandfather-in-law, Joe Lederman, back in the ’60s for his Jell records label. Some beautiful new-old stock from some great artists, including legendary organist Jimmy McGriff.
What do you enjoy most and least about operating your own record label?
The obvious thing is, I like actually releasing the things I choose to produce, including my own albums. The least thing? Cost is extremely prohibitive and very frustrating.
Arlan, left, is pictured with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Levon Helm of The Band in 1995. PHOTO COURTESY OF ARLAN FEILES
Who is the greatest musical influence you’ve ever performed with?
Without a doubt it would be The Band. Levon, Rick and Garth. I had spent a few days in ’95 up at Levon's studio with my producer Tom Dowd recording a few tunes they agreed to back me up on for my album for Island Records. Levon was a wonderful host. He entered the studio, as I waited nervously to meet him, wearing pajama bottoms and a windbreaker. He sat down behind his kit, reached into his pocket and pulled out a big bag of weed. He dumped the bag onto his snare drum and started rolling up joints for everyone. I was just absolutely star struck. The rest of the session went great. Levon hit the drum set with such ease and grace. Rick nailed the bass in two takes, and Garth created a keyboard masterpiece over the course of a couple hours.
A few months later they were down in West Palm Beach, Florida, at the West Palm Amphitheater, not far from where I was living in Florida at the time. Levon invited me to come to the show and join them for a ‘Hand Jive’ encore. What a thrill!
It's a shame Island didn't release that album. What a dream come true working with the greatest band of all time.
Are there any performances you have coming up that aren’t listed on your website yet?
Aside from the ‘Devil and Daisy Dirt’ shows over the next few months, I will be doing a date at Flounder Brewery in Hillsborough on Oct. 10, and Feb 28, 2026, I'll be at the Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove with Shannon McNally.
Have you started writing and recording your next album? If so, are there any details you can share?
Yes, I have started writing and recording a new album. It should be out some time in 2026. Right now, it’s looking pretty acoustic and broke down. It should be a bit of an ‘easier’ listen than ‘Diaspora’ … I think (laughs).
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and Instagram, and contact Bob at [email protected].
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