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NW Noise Interviews
Debra Arlyn
by Jason Gearhart
“It’s such a beautiful, Complicated Mess.”
Recently, Northwest Noise was fortunate enough to conduct an online interview with the lovely and talented Northwest pop sensation, Debra Arlyn.
Signed with Eugene, Oregon’s Homeslice Music, Arlyn has recently completed her sophomore record titled Complicated Mess, only a year after her debut album Thinking Out Loud created a positive buzz within the national and independent music communities. Arlyn answered a wide variety of questions where you the Northwest Noise and Debra Arlyn fan, upon reading, will get an in depth look at different aspects of Arlyn’s musical and personal endeavors and interests.
We jumped around to talk music, likes, dislikes and you’ll even find out what her favorite beer is! Honestly, would you find that type of information from any other website or television show out there? The word no comes to mind when answering that question. Also, two fans submitted questions for Debra, so look out for those mixed in the interview. Anyway, I’d like to call the overall theme to this Northwest Noise online interview piece, Debra Arlyn: Musician in Transition! Read on, my children!
Debra, first I’d like to thank you for taking the time out of your busy summer to answer some questions for Northwest Noise and Debra Arlyn fans.
Thank you! It’s my pleasure ;)
First off, how are you enjoying your summer so far with the release of your sophomore record Complicated Mess and your tour schedule up and down the west coast?
I’m very excited about the official release of my CD coming up August 8th. We have tons of fun shows to support the release, from Portland down to San Diego, and it’s always a blast to travel and play shows in different cities. There really is no better way to spend a summer.
Epic Records recording artist and native Oregonian Justin King produced and lent his musical talents to your debut album Thinking Out Loud. How did you meet King and what was it like working with him on that record?
Justin probably doesn’t realize what a HUGE influence he was on me. I met him through a mutual friend that had worked with him before, and I asked him if he would produce my songs for me. I can’t believe he actually accepted because he was so busy with his own thing at the time, but I’m so thankful he did. I learned so much from him. Every time I listen to Thinking Out Loud and I hear him playing on it, it makes me smile.
You produced the Complicated Mess record all by yourself. What did you learn from King as far as producing a record and did you draw from any other sources to help guide you in your debut producing effort?
Justin taught me about crafting a song through producing, how to make the chorus stand out, and how to simplify melodies so they’re more accessible to listeners. He also was very aware of song length for things like radio. The last thing Justin said to me at the end of our sessions was to never let anyone tell me what to do. To do music that was from my heart…he probably doesn’t remember saying that, but it stuck with me. As far as other influences I had, I mostly just listened to a lot of records that were out at the time. A lot of Coldplay and of course Kelly Clarkson. I wasn’t trying to copy them or anything, but they were great inspiration.
This next question comes from a fan from St. Paul, Minnesota named Kelly. Do you enjoy producing as much as writing and performing?
I have been bit by the producing bug! I really, really enjoy
it. In-fact, producing and song-writing are almost the same thing for me now. As I’m writing a song, I’m already thinking about how I would produce it and the different parts to it. It’s probably not the best thing song-writing wise, but I can’t help it anymore!
Both of your albums have similarities and differences in the messages and stories you sing about. Can you expound on some of the similarities and differences between Thinking Out Loud and Complicated Mess? Is the theme within each record a similar one or has your latest release evolved into a whole new thematic machine, so to speak?
Thinking Out Loud wasn’t as consistent as Complicated Mess is musically or thematically. Thinking Out Loud was more or less about love and being in love and musically it definitely wandered a bit. With Complicated Mess, every song in a sense is telling the same message; which is that life, and all its various situations like love or following dreams, is a struggle and it’s complicated. It never works out like we think. I actually remember lying in my bed one night thinking about stuff and saying out loud “its such a Complicated Mess”. And I knew I had to write a song with that in mind. That’s why the first line of that song is “I close my eyes when I lay down at night.” It’s interesting though that I talk about things being difficult and messy but I don’t mean it in a negative way like “oh look how tough my life is”. I just mean it as more of an observation. Hence why I put the word ‘beautiful’ in front of ‘Complicated Mess’, because it really is fascinating to me how life works out sometimes.
Can you give me one word to best describe the moment both your albums were completely mastered, ready to be distributed and heard by the masses?
Nervous.
Can you tell us about the people who support you on stage, your band? What are their names and how valuable has their presence been to you in the studio and on tour?
I have two Lances in my band! Lance Seiders is my bass player, and he also engineered Complicated Mess. Lance Lacey is my drummer, he rocks. And Christian Kremer is my guitar player. They’re all awesome guys. Very funny and its nice to travel with people you genuinely like and have fun with. It is a long drive to southern California after all…
Is there a track from each album that’s most near and dear to you above all other tracks? If so, what makes those particular tracks the most resonating or most favorite of all?
From Thinking Out Loud, I would have to say Dance With Me and Just In Case are my 2 favorites. Dance With Me has a very laid back feel to it, and lyrically it’s completely different from anything else I’ve written. Very seductive. Just In Case was my first venture into almost disco/dance/rock type of feel. I like that it’s positive and makes you feel good. Complicated Mess has a few tracks that are special to me. Obviously the song Complicated Mess is very personal, and also Let It Go is one of my favorites. I think structure wise it’s my best song.
Has your music gotten radio airplay? If so, what Portland and non-Portland stations was your music played on? Are you still getting solid airplay? What tracks from both albums have been promoted and played?
I have been played on various radio stations: Eugene 104.7 KDUK, Portland KINK 101.9 to name a couple. I also am being featured in the Clearchannel and Garageband.com program NEW!DISCOVER MUSIC, which means I am on over 400 Clearchannel radio station websites.
What’s it been like to have performed on the same billing with other prominent Portland, Oregon musicians such as Geoff Byrd and Scott Fisher? Have you learned any ins and outs about the music industry and touring from these up and coming artists or from other artists?
I’ve talked a lot with Geoff about the music scene in the
Northwest and he’s helped guide me a lot. I loved sharing stages with both guys because I really enjoy they’re music. I love Scott’s lyrics. He talks about things that are important and his music makes you feel good at the same time. If only he would return my emails…
Is there a venue you haven’t yet performed at that you’re chomping at the bit to book and play?
I would love to open for someone at the Roseland.
Out of all your musician friends from the Portland crew, who’s the biggest wise ass of the bunch?
Paul from Intervision 5. ;)
Has there been one particular gig you’ve done that stands out more than all the others? If so, which one and why?
I had a great show in January at the Room 5 Lounge in LA. Very intimate venue that was absolutely packed. Great response from the audience and the band played well together.
If I recall correctly, you were discovered through the Oregon Idol competition in 2003 by winning the whole thing. Do you embrace that period of your musical journey, the show giving you the exposure to help your career take off from its’ musical launching pad or is that time with the show a memory you’re glad to forget about and move on from? If you have distanced yourself from that show, why have you decided to do so?
That experience was great. I got a lot of exposure and
attention from it which helped me a lot. I’m not purposely deciding to distance myself from being the Oregon Idol, I just have to make it clear to people that I do more than just sing. I am a singer/songwriter who plays piano and writes 100% of her music. When people think of American Idol, they think of a person who performs other people’s songs. And I don’t do that.
Speaking of ’Idol’ contestants distancing themselves from their time of discovery, you’ve been compared to Kelly Clarkson and other pop divas. What can you bring to the musical table that artists like Clarkson may not possess in performance and in music, generally speaking?
Well, like I said I write my own songs. And I don’t just write the lyrics I write the music as well. I also perform from behind the piano, which brings a more organic element to my show. But being compared to these people is a huge compliment because they’re all incredible. I love Kelly Clarkson.
Going back to the very beginnings of your musical evolution, at what age did you learn to play the piano? Did you teach yourself to play the piano and to sing?
I’ve never had any vocal lessons or piano lessons. Some would argue that’s not a great thing. Ha ha. But it has developed into something that makes me different I think. I taught myself how to play piano at 15. I can’t read music so I memorize everything in my head. My dad always worries I’m going to fall and bump my head and my career will be over..
Do you come from a musical family that inspired you to explore the music building within your soul?
My dad was a musician all of his life. Let’s just say Tony Arlyn and The Mama Feels Goods was the most under-appreciated band of the 70’s era.
Speaking of inspiration, it’s taken in through a variety of forms. Who or what has had the biggest impact in the way you write your lyrics and music?
The 2 biggest influences I had growing up were Carole King and Fiona Apple. King taught me the form of a great song. Fiona made me want to write lyrics that were meaningful.
You’re an artist with a unique style, but I’m wondering if there’s an artist or two throughout musical history whose influence helped mold your style into what it is today? Who’d you look up to as a young girl, beginning to create a voice and style all your own?
I looked up a lot to Mariah Carey. Her vocal expression shaped mine quite a bit. I pretty much respect anyone who writes and performs their own music i.e. John Mayer, James Taylor, Ben Folds….I could go on and on.
If there was one artist from the past or present who would be your dream artist to perform with on stage, who would that be and why?
John Mayer. I would love to write a song with him and then perform it live. He’s such a witty performer and I would love to banter back and forth with him on stage. Plus just the thought of playing with someone like him is crazy and will never happen.
Well, here is the first of two questions from fan Deanna in Beaverton, Oregon. What, if anything, do you think is wrong with the music industry?
It’s sad to me that the focus in music now is only on “the song” as opposed to “the artist” or even “the album”. People just want to hear that hit song over and over and its changed song-writing I think. Every song has to follow this formula it seems. I wish it was more about the artist and they’re albums and what they’re all about, rather than the artist feeling like “now I need to write a hit song or no one will care”.
I was grinning ear to ear when I found out your music had been featured on the WB television series Related. Which song or songs were chosen for the series?
Three songs were played on the show, most notably “Why Can’t We Start Over?” from Complicated Mess. They had an actress on the show perform the song. That was awesome and difficult to watch someone else sing my song.
Is it true that Friends co-creator and executive producer Marta Kauffman discovered your music for Related? If so, how did it make you feel that she wanted your music featured on the show?
I did have a meeting with Marta and the music supervisor for Related. They heard about me through a review in Music Connection Magazine. I almost had the opportunity to be on the show, but I think the lack of acting experience did me in. It’s flattering that they liked my music, and I really appreciate the opportunity they gave me.
Are there plans for other tracks to be heard on Related or other television shows? Movies? Actual live performances on a show?
Nothing solid yet. But I’m constantly submitting songs for movies and TV. I’m hoping something like Related will come up again.
Do you see yourself delving into other areas of entertainment such as acting?
Ha ha. No. Well…maybe.
I read somewhere you performed for the Marine Corps. When and where did this take place and how much did you enjoy singing for the event?
Last August at Twenty-Nine Palms Marine Base. It was such an awesome show. The audience response was incredible. I was very nervous to perform for marine’s cuz they could turn on you in a second. Luckily they were very supportive and enjoyed the show. They treated the entire band like rockstars which was fun. I had a great time, so much fun in-fact I’m going back on July 4th to do another big show!
Okay Debra, here’s where it gets good for your fans! Let the asking of the personal and random questions begin! I’ll start by asking how you find a healthy balance between your singing career, family, friends and a love life.
I don’t really. Music will always come first, but I am young still and I don’t like feeling that I’m missing out on things with my friends and stuff. Sometimes that gets the better of me and I lose focus. Fortunately my family is so involved with my career and helping to build it, that they keep me in line. And as far as the love life…I always have time for that. Ha ha. Jk.
Are you currently dating anyone? If so, has that person been a support system for you and your career pursuits? If you’re single, are you looking to date in the midst of a blooming career? What qualities do you look for in a person that’d make them worth while to date?
All of my boyfriends have been great in supplying me with material to write about. Ha ha. That was mean. No, but seriously it’s important that whoever I’m with understand and fully support my decision to pursue music. If they do, that solves a lot of problems.
Outside of making music, are there any other interests, pursuits or talents that you have?
I scored a documentary that showed in Sundance this year, and I really enjoyed that. I would love to compose music for films. Its completely different than writing pop songs obviously and I would love to pursue that.
Here’s another question from Deanna in Beaverton, Oregon. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
Ah, this question. Ha ha. I used to have a grand plan for my life, but now I’m more into taking it one day at a time. However, the ultimate goal is to make music my full time career for as long as I can.
How long have you lived in Oregon? Are you a native Oregonian? Have you lived anywhere else?
Yes I’m from Oregon. I love it. I’ve never lived anywhere else, but I’m prepared to move anywhere to help my music.
What do you like/dislike about the Northwest?
Nothing really. I do wish the music scene was a little more hyped I guess. I’ve heard that several years ago it was much more thriving.
What place in the world you haven’t been to would you want to visit the most and why?
Anywhere tropical. Some island where I could lay out all day.
I saw a myspace video from the show PDXposed where you were flying a kite on the Oregon coast. Have you been brushing up on your kite flying skills since the taping of that segment? Please don’t break the hearts of your fans by telling them you’re not a singing/kite flying professional!
Ha ha. No kite flying recently. Having my ass kicked by
PDXposed host Jon Olson is enough to discourage anyone from kite flying.
Do you have a favorite movie of all time? Favorite
actor/actress?
Favorite movie would have to be “Last of the Mohicans”. It’s so inspiring and emotional. Plus Daniel Day Lewis is so hot in that movie!
Do you have a favorite television show?
Project Runway. I love any show on Bravo.
Do you enjoy playing or watching any types of sports?
My whole life I grew up playing basketball and soccer. I would love to play soccer again. I enjoy watching most sports on tv other than baseball for obvious reasons.
Okay Debra, what do you like better; a beautiful sunrise or sunset?
Definitely a beautiful sunrise. There’s so much hope at the beginning of each day, I really like the feeling of waking up with the sun. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, I enjoy it. I almost feel bad when the sunsets. Like I didn’t make the most of my day.
Do you have any guilty pleasures? If so, what are they?
Hmmm…lets see. I love watching a suspenseful movie in my house by myself with all the lights off. I love dancing around in my room to Britney Spears, Madonna, or Janet Jackson, and then pretending I’m Britney Spears, Madonna or Janet Jackson. I love having my head massaged. I enjoy the occasional Myspace. I love Jason Mraz. I love buying new clothes from Charlette Rouse even when I can’t afford it, and I love Mexican food even though I know my metabolism will slow down soon.
Did you watch Full House as a kid or do you now?
TGIF. That was my life as a child. I really enjoyed Family Matters more.
Did you know that Tim, the creator and host of Northwest Noise, hates the movie Jaws?
Who doesn’t? Ha ha. Jk. It’s a classic!
What’s the strangest place you’ve signed your autograph to or on someone?
Nothing too crazy. It’s usually on the back of a shirt.
What kind of hair products do you use to give it that extra glisten and shine?
Ha ha. Pantene pro-V. Do I smell an endorsement??
What’s currently playing on your iPod or music player the most?
Unlike the rest of the universe, I don’t have an i-pod. In my cd player right now is Madonna’s latest album. I freaking love it.
Is there an instrument you don’t know how to play that you’d like to learn?
Bass. I would love to be able to make people groove and dance. Plus you don’t see a lot of women bass players fronting a band. Sheryl Crow does sometimes… I think that’s cool.
Can you bench press your keyboard?
Haven’t tried. But I’m guessing probably not.
Do you have numchuck skills?
My brother is a second degree adult black belt. So I can say yes.
Are you a cat or dog person?
I’m a puppy person.
What’s your favorite color?
I go back and forth between white and lavender.
Do you have any bad habits?
I swear entirely too much and have a vulgar sense of humor. I’m not very ladylike once you get to know me.
Do you have any fears?
Yes. I’m afraid of being dropped in the middle of the ocean with no land in sight. I’m afraid of heights. I’m afraid I always have something coming out of my nose when I’m on camera. I’m afraid of being put into situations when I’m not prepared. I’m of afraid of dying young. I’m afraid to pick up the hair that gets stuck in the shower drain. Yuck.
You still believe in Santa Claus, right?
Never really did.
Do you have any tattoos? If so, what do you have and where?
No tattoos. ;(
Do you have any siblings? If so, how many?
3 brothers and 1 sister. Damian, Dusty, Dani and Dion.
Is there really no crying in baseball?
I love that movie!
Have you ever called your Los Angeles Public Relations Manager and recording artist Trevor Ras by the nickname of Razzle Dazzle or Razzy Pants?
No, but I will now.
Should I be getting more than four and a half hours of sleep per night?
Sleep is over-rated.
What’s your favorite food?
Mexican!!
What’s your least favorite food?
Chinese!!
What in the world is your favorite type of beer?
Cocktail? Wine?
I love Hefeweizen. (Did I spell that right?) Don’t like wine. Not sure about cocktails.
Will the Northwest Noise podcast be fortunate enough to interview you as a guest on a future show? We’ll buy you that favorite beer/cocktail/wine you just mentioned. ;-)
ANYTIME!!
Well Debra, we’re at the end of this interview. Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for Northwest Noise! We’ll most definitely be seeing you on down the road!
Thank you! I had a blast!
Well, there you have it readers. You’ve gotten to know some pretty intimate happenings within the mind, body and soul of Debra Arlyn, and you’re most certainly better off for it. Arlyn’s prowess on the piano and lyrics of love and life gone awry shows a maturity not many 21 year old musicians possess. She’s only just begun on her journey in life, love and music and with her first two albums making noise in a variety of music scenes, she’s destined for stardom, but perhaps more importantly, she’s destined to be the kind of artist who stays true to her roots in creating the kind of music she wants made and played for the listening public. The record industry “suits” in their comfortable offices be damned! Debra Arlyn’s around to stay for a long time, but she’s staying her way, period.
Debra Arlyn Websites:
www.debraarlyn.com
www.myspace.com/debraarlyn
To purchase Thinking Out Loud or Complicated Mess, go to:
www.cdbaby.com
www.debraarlyn.com
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