Los Angeles native Arlan Feiles has made his way across the American landscape playing his unique style of Americana, Folk, singer/songwriter, and out right Rock and Gospel influenced songs that speak of love, equality, humanity and defiance to the status quo. Along the way, Arlan has shared music and worked with some of the great legends of music; highlighted by his work with R’n’R Hall of Fame Producer Tom Dowd
“Arlan is a gifted songwriter… with pulsating and passionate performances”
Sandra Schulman- Billboard Magazine
Arlan found his way to Miami Florida, where along side virtuoso guitarist Joel Schantz, founded the band Natural Causes. The Causes became a favorite on the late night circuit in Miami, drawing the attention of Legendary producer Tom Dowd. When the Causes died of “natural causes”, Tom Dowd and Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, signed Arlan to his first recording contract. Demos, recorded with Dave Grohl of Nirvana and Foo Fighters fame in 1994, became the inspiration for a new album. Tom Dowd and Arlan recorded “Troubled Monkey” at Criteria recording studios in Miami, Florida and Woodstock, NY; where several tracks were recordedand backed by the legendary group The Band. Recordings featured the late great Levon Helm, the late great Rick Danko, and keyboardist Garth Hudson. This record would not be released. Arlan continues to negotiate for the rights to this album 25 years later.
“Arlan is like a modern Bob Dylan, although he sings a sight better”
Tom Dowd- Producer
In 1999, Arlan was recruited by award winning composer Stephen Trask to play his originated role in the first touring company of the Glam Rock Broadway hit musical “Hedwig and The Angry Inch”. After the run, Arlan Returned to his new home in Brooklyn to form the group Gift Horse NYC, who’s single “Ive Gotta Tell You” was featured in Ed Burns’ Sidewalks of New York. Arlan then went on to record two solo albums with the help of legendary Miami Producer Frank “Rat Bastard “ Falestra. The first, 2005’s “Razing a Nation” on Y&T records, feature acclaimed Americana vocalist Shannon McNally and was honored with the “Best Album of the year” award by the Miami New Times. The second album was the highly anticipated “Come Sunday Morning” for new independent label, notpop Records. “Come Sunday Morning” would go on to win the Asbury Park's Music Awards “Best Album of the year” honors as well. Both Albums made strong showings on The Euro Americana chart and enjoyed radio play worldwide.
“Razing a Nation is an American Classic”
Uncle Mike- Two River Times
in 2012 Arlan released "Weeds Kill The Wild Flowers". Joined by his group The Brokenhearted, Arlan put together another great collection of songs that take the listener and Arlan full circle, through an Americana voyage of truth and discovery. With cover art by Guided By Voices vocalist and collage artist Robert Pollard, this Album is a must own for any audiophile. John Pfeiffer of the Aquarian says "If Come Sunday Morning was the crown Jewel, Weeds is the King." Weeds recently brought Arlan his 3rd “Album of the Year” honor.
“If songwriters were bad weather, Hurricane Arlan would be a category 5…
he’ll blow you away”
Greg Baker- The Miami Herald
2017 brought the release of two new records. Stranger and Live from the Strand. But due to financial constraints, neither album would enjoy much fanfare. Arlan says of Stranger, “It is the album I always wanted to make and am terribly proud of it's story” is still waiting to be shared with the public. The second album “Live from the Strand” is Arlan's, so to speak, greatest hits record to date. Recorded live with band, at the Strand Theater in Lakewood, NJ; Arlan visits the songs that span his career. Several songs shared from the Natural Causes song book from 20 plus years earlier. Its an honest look and great performance of the many popular songs Arlan has written in his career.
"Arlan writes with pinpoint accuracy, sings with unbridled conviction,
and plays his instruments with both soul and precision."
Greg Trooper – Songwriting Legend
In 2018 Arlan got to flex his activist muscles when he was honored to be invited by the Tedx organization to give a talk on Songwriting, Activism, and the Passion to Create for a Better World. Arlan spoke about writing his award winning song “Viola”, about murdered civil rights activist Viola Gregg Liuzzo, and his commitment to sharing songs that speak to the desire for a more loving inclusive country and world. The talk also included anecdotes about his trip to Selma in 2015 for the 50th anniversary of the march on Montgomery from Selma, Alabama. Arlan performed his song “Viola” and a new song “50 Miles” at Viola Liuzzo's memorial at the cite of her murder on Route 80 just outside Selma. Her family, whom Arlan has grown quite close to, was in attendance.
“Every day I come into contact with music, and that this
young man would take me like that I had not previously estimated.”
Rein Van Den Berg – Johnny's Garden
Since 2015 Arlan has enjoyed successful European tours and recognition from the Euro Americana charts. 2019 saw the European release of “What Kind Of World?” Receiving outstanding reviews and finding it's way onto the Euro Americana “Top Albums of the Year” list. This latest effort explores Arlan's love for family and country. Asking the question, What kind of world are we leaving for our children, what do we want for our future, and how do we get there?
“ ...one whose music remains honest, unaffected and strewn with heartfelt emotion. His latest album, What Kind of World? offers ample evidence of his timeless talent and tenacity.”
Lee Zimmerman “6 artists to know
(and why not to ignore them)” - Culture Sonar
On the back of the success of “What Kind Of World” and “Blame Me”, Arlan has released his most personal work “Diaspora” which currently sits at No.5 on the Euro Americana Chart and will see its US release on April 25, 1925.
You will also find Arlan around NJ with a new project entitled ”The Devil And Daisy Dirt” in which Arlan composed, scored and performs in, along side Author Alex Dawson and special effects specialist Dan Diana
www.arlanfeilesmusic.com/diaspora
www.arlanfeilesmusic.com
https://open.spotify.com/album/5wrR3AJVj0YqJu9NtruTs6 (Diaspora on Spotify)