We’ve had Arielle on these pages a bit recently, talking about her awesome Brian May signature guitar and her upcoming livestreams. About time we found out a bit more regarding the lady herself!
Simple things first – where are you from?
This seems like a simple question, but it is a bit more complicated… I was born in New Jersey, but I have lived in 14 different states, and of course, England. So…I say I was born in the USA but raised in the UK.
How long have you been playing as a solo act?
Since 2008, I have been a solo act. It wasn’t ever what I wanted to do. I wanted a band, or to play with someone else. It’s a double-edged sword. My team that I work with end up being a part of my band. Sometimes that’s nice, but other times it’s a bit lonely!
Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?
It’s my name. My born name :)
What are your influences?
Anything that makes me feel something. My parents were born in the 40’s, so I have a ton of doo-wap influence from that time period.
My dad listened to a ton of jazz and opera, and I started singing in a choir when I was 5, so there is a lot of classical influence as well. But it wasn’t until my early teens that I discovered classic rock as a whole. Then came the blues. Going to music school really helped me with opening up my diversity as a player as well, when I got into classical music, as well as country, and wherever the guitar took me.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
I always like to do what’s right for the song. I like to capture emotions in a bottle.
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Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
Usually new agey, finding the purpose of life, and realizations that come with time.
Of course, love inspires me, but so does time, figuring out the ways of life one day at a time.
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
I have played a bunch, that’s for sure. I like to change guitars a lot. I like loud amps, with cool old gear.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
Most of the wild things I have done were never on purpose. I guess you could say those are the best ones. I have fallen over, my shirt has basically disintegrated on stage, I’ve nearly smacked a guy with my guitar who got up on the stage and came at me… so many things! But those days are few and far between.
What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?
I play my original guitar, Two-Tone, as well as my new Brian May Guitar ARIELLE model!
What, if anything, are you plugging/promoting at the moment?
My brand new BMG Arielle Guitar – https://shop.brianmayguitars.co.uk/products/bmg-arielle.html
I am also promoting my brand-new album, Analog Girl In A Digital World, coming out May 7th.
What are your plans for the next 6 months or so?
I am finishing up these live stream recordings, and then I am getting ready to go into the recording studio again,and record another album. Touring probably won’t be a thing for a while, but keep posted. There MAY be some during the fall.
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If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!
I would love to support Heart, Fleetwood Mac, The Who or Queen. Opening for me? Hmmm, not sure! Anyone who I am passionate about. Maybe Guthrie Brown?
Header image by Caitlin Brady
Arielle’s new album Analog Girl in a Digital World is released May 7th. Visit www.imarielle.com for more info.
The Arielle BMG Guitar (more about this in an earlier article) is available from Brian May Guitars at https://shop.brianmayguitars.co.uk/products/bmg-arielle.html
Check out this month’s Headline Act Playlist on Spotify and YouTube
Arielle: official | facebook | twitter | instagram | spotify | youtube
