I believe nothing ever happens as a coincidence, it is just meant to be. Almost 18 years ago I had interest in going to see a singer songwriter from Asbury Park, New Jersey. When I arrived at the brewery I found out that artist was ill and another artist was there to take his place.
When I say this artist changed my life, I am not exaggerating. I instantly felt a magnetic pull and since that night we have been friends and working together.
This artist was available for anything and everything I shared with him. He would even busk on a corner, just to share his music and be heard.
Even if I had not booked a gig, I tried my very best to make it out to each and every show. Yes he was that good! He strips it down solo, duo, has a trio band, a full band and even kicks it up to a full orchestra. There really is not any gig he would not do or has not done.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, where he was a part of the first graduating class of The Los Angeles County School for the Arts.(LACHSA); Studied Music composition at Cal Arts in 1988; Attended Berklee College from 1988-1990 studying vocal and composition; Was signed to Island Records from 1995-1996 and was mentored by Tom Dowd (the Band, Gregg Allman, Levon Helm) from 1991-1996.
Moved to New Jersey where he met his wife, got married and now has three young children. Recently was elected as a Matawan councilman.
In my opinion, a true modern day Troubadour, with his acoustic guitar and piano. He does not create anything without a theme, a true artist in every sense of the word. Creating music sometimes based on past historical happenings, in a true folk singer songwriter style that attracts every age group. His true passion for what he writes and sings deeps out of him and hits you right in your heart and soul. With 7 Albums under his belt and his newest due to drop on April 25, 2025.
I bring you Arlan Feiles, recording artist, songwriter, producer, son, husband, dad, Matawan councilman and so much more.
I got a chance to chat with Arlan before his tour and asked him about his brand new album, Diaspora.
Did you write the lyrics first or the music score, for your newest album?
It all comes together at the same time for me.
The name of the album is, Diaspora, what does this mean?
Diaspora is the word for Jews who live outside the homeland Israel. When Romans conquered Jerusalem the Jews were dispersed into the diaspora. I am a Diaspora Jew.
With your brand new album coming out just in time for your upcoming tour, will you be sharing other songs and how do you make your set list ahead of time?
The set list can vary from venue to venue. I’m playing a Blues Festival this tour so I’ll be leaning into the more soulful piano driven tracks for that show. But in general I like to share a handful of songs from the new album and songs that I like to play and feel might be the most popular from previous albums. Most of the shows are 2 sets so I get to play a nice variety. I often settle into a set list after the first 2 or 3 shows. If it’s working then I like to stick with it.
How many times now have you toured the Netherlands?
This is my 5th tour to the Netherlands and I’ll be visiting my cousin in Amsterdam.
Will you be performing in the same venues or are there new venues each time you tour?
I will be returning to a few I’ve played before and some new ones as well.
What can you say is different about performing in the USA vs. Europe?
The most obvious difference is that cities in each country are much closer to each other. The Netherlands, for example is just a bit bigger than New Jersey. I often find audiences that are much better at listening and being courteous in listening rooms and theaters. In my case, it may also be a result of an older and more mature audience as well. It would be odd to see anyone get up for the bathroom or talk to their neighbor. It seems to be frowned upon.
Do you have a favorite venue you look forward to each time you return?
One of my favorite venues is the Tivoli Arts Center in Utrecht. They have several beautiful theaters and rooms. I’ve played there as part of the Rambling Roots Festival, in a theater for about 350 that was sold out. I’ll be going for my third visit this tour for the Utrecht Blues Festival. I’m also quite fond of Walhalla, which is a super groovy 100 seat theater in Rotterdam. The room has a great vibe and I’m happy to return there on this tour. I believe it is nearly sold out.
Is there anything that stands out in your memory as the first feelings you felt performing outside of the USA?
I remember being concerned that they would not relate to some of the social and political things that I sing about. Mostly the audience are very well kept up on U.S. political and social matters. As it turns out they are extremely engaged when I sing about these topics and often want to talk about them with me afterwards. Of course, you worry about the language barrier but most people speak very good English and whatever stumbling blocks arise are met with good humor. This time I am singing some songs off my new album that are inspired by American Jewish experiences, so I’m a bit nervous about what kind of response I’m going to get from that. Aside from that I am always extremely excited for a new adventure and to make new friends.
I know you have a way of communicating and connecting with an audience. Can you share what resonates the most when you sit down to perform for an audience outside of the USA?
Everybody ultimately shares the same feelings and life experiences. Love, pain, joy, sadness. Pretty universal wherever you are human experiences always resonate.
Being away from your family must be tough since I know you are a hands-on dad. What is the biggest challenge being away from your wife and children when you travel?
My wife is truly my champion. I am so grateful she is willing to hold down the fort so I can do these trips. It is no easy task. I just miss the hell out of them. I do get anxious knowing it is difficult for my wife sometimes even with the help of my father in- law that lives with us. I do get to speak with the kids a lot and video chat so that is always nice. I end up talking and singing about them at all my performances but that often makes me miss them more.
Now I checked in with Arlan while he was on tour and this is what we discussed...
How does it feel to be out of the USA? How do you feel others judge you since you are an American?
I get a lot of sympathy for how crazy things are in America right now. Everybody wants to talk about it and ask my feelings about it. I am mildly worried I might get detained on the way back for speaking out against certain American policies. Who knows these days? These are unusual times.
Traveling always presents something new however what can you say has been a constant each time you fly away from the USA?
The biggest challenge for me is adapting to different diets. Everywhere you travel there are different foods that they make and tend to serve. Indonesian food is as popular in the Netherlands as Italian food is in New Jersey. I am getting my fair share of this. A lot of meat and cheese is likely more than I usually consume. lol
Anything special happening while you travel on tour so far?
It has been quite uneventful, thank goodness. Knock on wood. I did attend a rally in Amsterdam with my cousin to protest the right wing of the government that is trying to defund the universities and make them Dutch speaking only. The right wing is rising up everywhere in the world these days. The fear is it will disqualify all the hundreds of teachers from other countries, many of who teach in all the science and international studies. They will not be able to teach there anymore. It will also make it impossible for international students to study at the Dutch Universities.
With your new album, which song(s) have been received the best and why do you think this is happening?
I’ve been playing 3 tracks from the new album. They seem to be interested in them all. I have been playing the latest single, “I Know Your Number”, which is a holocaust love story focused on the unique numbers Jews were issued as tattoos in the camps. “Oh St. Louis”, talks about a historic event during WW2 that occurred just at their border in Hamburg, Germany. It is about the St. Louis boat that sailed from Hamburg to Cuba, with a passenger list of Jews looking to escape the camps. Cuba turned the boat away and then Roosevelt would not let them land in Florida. They were forced to return to Belgium and many were lost in the camps. An interesting thing I learned was that Billy Joel’s great uncle was a passenger on board. It was particularly interesting to sing these songs in Germany. I admit I was more than alittle nervous about it but they were really interested, thoughtful and even remorseful and apologetic at times. I had some extremely meaningful and cathartic conversations with several audience members during this tour. The other song that has had an impact is the title track, “Diaspora”. It is a song about my family’s story. A story that reaches back to the biblical Levy who was the father of the Levite tribe that my family line draws back too. It follows my family’s journey from Jerusalem to the Austrian Empire and the States escaping the pogroms. And finally my story feeling a bit unsettled as a Jew in America these days.
What brings you back year after year to this specific location?
Simple, they want me to come back. I have a growing fan base here. I am doing much better here than back in the states. I really look forward to returning each time.
Is there a most requested song, either yours or another’s? And why do you think it was most requested?
Yeah- “Viola” and “ Ghosts of Our Lovers”, are most often requested. Also I am often asked to play songs by my friend, Greg Trooper. Greg is the man responsible for introducing me to the bookers, Sandra and Luciano of Lucky Dice Music and the reason I began the journey of playing overseas. Greg passed away 6 years ago. A week after he told them about me. A gift he left me and set me on this exciting new life and career path. I will forever be grateful to him. I recorded an EP called Troop! Which includes 5 of my favorite songs of his. I often play a few, for the many of the fans here that were huge Greg Trooper fans as well. They are always extremely grateful and moved to have me play them.
Now that Arlan is home safely after his tour I kept it light and asked him the following questions...
Is there an overall theme moving from gig to gig?
Pack, drive, unpack, play, pack, drive, sleep, drive, unpack, play...
Other than your beautiful family what did you miss the most?
My bed and American coffee.
Did you have a favorite local food you indulged in?
Yes! The wine and the scotch were excellent and way cheaper than what we would call “the good stuff” here at home. Always a pleasure.
And my last question: what differed from performing across the pond vs locally in your own hood?
As an artist, it is critical to leave the comforts of your community. It is where all the learning and growing happens.
It seems that Music brings us all together and it is the universal language. I always felt that, “Music is meant to be shared”, and I cannot wait to listen to Arlan’s full album that again will be dropping on April 25, Diaspora. Now that you know the history behind some of these songs I hope you make sure to give a listen and include it in your musical play lists.
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