Ben Arnold is an original songwriter in the old school style with a new sense of wit and warmth. His stories are told through honest lyrics, and emotion that anyone can relate to. Arnold has an undeniable charm and natural folksy energy, a singular style that succeeds at combining soulful singer/songwriter folk-rock with an edgy tone and strong groove. His voice mirrors the style in which he writes-soft and subtle or wailing in full-on rage.
He was signed to Ruffhouse/Columbia records in 1995 and released Almost Speechless. The album was a collection of Arnold’s mid-’90s pop-influenced music. In 1999 he released In Case I’m Gone Tomorrow, a compilation of two year’s worth of demos and old-favorites tunes.
Although for the most part he writes on his own, he has also collaborated with other prominent musicians. Arnold is currently touring with his live band, which includes singer/guitarist Jim Boggia, bassist Scott Bricklin, and drummer Matty Muir.
We recently talked to Arnold to discuss his career and performing:
EM – Where are you from?
BA – Essentially Philadelphia. I live in a large old house that has been the home to a whole bunch of Philly musicians over time. I’m originally an upstate New Yorker.
EM – How would you describe your music?
BA – Edgy singer/songwriter rock and soul with elements of new folk story-telling thrown in.
EM – Who are your musical influences?
BA – The people that made a difference for me have been (besides the Beatles, Dylan, Van Morrison, Keith Richards, Marvin Gaye, Elvis Costello, Joni Mitchell, and Hank Williams) the amazing musicians I have been fortunate to be surrounded by over the last 10 years. I’ve always thought my friends make some of the most inspiring music I know. Modern radio bugs me but you still gotta check it out now and then.
EM – Do you like to play in Hoboken?
BA – I’ve played here a few times and there seems to be a very supportive network of working original players like Bill McGarvey and Scott E. Moore who are willing to give of themselves and open the door. I’ve had nothing but great times playing at The Goldhawk. They invite me back so here I am! Wouldn’t mind getting into Maxwell’s. Gotta sell a few more records.
EM – What projects do you have for the future?
BA – I have just completed my fourth record with some friends in L.A. and friends in Philly. I finally really dig my own recordings. It’s a vibey and melodic bunch of some of my most free and spiritualized music. Shopping for some nice company to come and distribute it. Feeling positive, confident and hopeful. As well, I have a disc coming out on Sliced Bread Records with my other band 4 Way Street, which is a heavy harmony pop band comprised of myself on keyboards, guitar, harps; and my band mates, Boggia, Jospeh Parsons and Bricklin. This project is doing very well and we will be taking it on the road as the record is released. We’re doing shows with Amiee Mann and probably more next month. I do some session work which has given me credits on a few records this year including the great new Phil Roy disc where I play keyboards and sing a bit.
EM – How often do you tour?
BA – I have done more shows in the last couple years than ever before. I tend to cycle between reclusive-ness, writing, recording and then playing it all out live. I do dig the live part more than ever before. I’ve been doing a lot of colleges and clubs on the East Coast and Midwest. Got a gig for me?
For more information on Arnold visit www.bendarnold.com. He will play at the Goldhawk at 936 Park Ave. in Hoboken on Dec. 13 at 9 p.m., along with Bill McGarvey. For more information on the show call (201) 420-7989. q