Arlan Feiles is an award winning Singer Songwriter, Multi-Instrumentalist and Music Producer. Discovered and mentored by the late great Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Record Producer Tom Dowd, Arlan has gone on to record several highly acclaimed records and has his music heard in many TV programs and movies, including the Academy award winning film the Dallas Buyers Club. Arlan is equally known for his efforts supporting voting and civil rights.
Can you tell us about yourself? Where you’re from and what you’ve been up to over the past few years?
I’m an award winning singer songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and music producer. I was discovered and mentored by the late great Rock and Roll Hall of Fame producer Tom Dowd, and have gone on to record several highly acclaimed records. I also did the music for the Academy award winning film the Dallas Buyers Club.
How would you describe your music?
Roots Americana and modern folk
Can you tell us a little bit about your influences?
My influences range from Dylan, Guthrie and Cash to Newman, Hiatt and Neilsson
What are you currently promoting?
I have to new releases this year “Stranger” and “Live from The Strand” I will also be touring in Europe and the U.K. This coming Fall
Have you got a particular song you’ve done that you’re particularly proud of, one that might define you?
My Song Viola is one im particularly proud of. I wrote it about a woman Viola Liuzzo who was murdered during the civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965 with Dr. King. I have come to be close with The Liuzzo family and had the honor of performing at her memorial in Selma for the 50th anniversary of the march. Music can change the life of the artist as well as the listener.
What are you currently listening to?
Most of my listening hours are spent listening to Jazz. Monk, Mingus particularly. I am also revisiting the Greg Trooper catalogue, a friend who recently passed. Also, the new Shannon McNally album “Black Irish” we perform a lot together and the new album is stunning.
And your favourite album of all time, the one you couldn’t do without?
Neil Young’s self titled album. Its a miraculous and beautiful record
What are your hopes for your future career?
The hope of being able to keep it up. Continue to build my catalogue and meet new people all over the world. Spread the good word for a better world.
If money were no object what would be your dream project?
To record a full album with the London Symphony Orchestra. End of story. Then one with The Jazz at Lincoln Center orchestra
What’s the best thing about being a musician?
Music 🙂
And the worst?
Driving and lifting. Setting up and breaking down.
Finally, have you anything you’d like to say to the readers of Americana UK?
Music can bring us all together. As our politicians, especially our current president attempts at isolating and dividing us. I look to bridge gaps and create a smaller more unified world. Thanks so much for listening.
