Vander Ark‘s Resurrection

Sept. 5, 2007

Ten years ago Lansing/Grand Rapids based band The Verve Pipe was making its way to the top of the modern rock and pop charts; it seemed to be one of the bands leading the post-grunge movement. But despite selling over 3 million CDs and enjoying a string of hits that included “Photograph,” and “The Freshman,” the band’s front man and primary tunesmith Brian Vander Ark finds himself right back where he started: going solo.
Vander Ark, who lives in East Grand Rapids, will perform September 8 at the InsideOut Gallery. He is currently touring in support of his two previous solo releases, Resurrection, and Angel, Put Your Face On, and is the middle of his “Lawn Chairs and Living Rooms Tour.”
During the mid-’90s, he found himself in the musical spotlight, along with his brother Brad, his Verve Pipe bandmate. There were Top 10 hits, a multi-platinum album, an opening gig for KISS and favorable reviews from the critics who praised his “lyrical gifts” and predicted that The Verve Pipe would become the hottest alternative band of its day.
But the music business never seems to make any sense, and The Verve Pipe seemed to drop off of the industry radar in 2001 when they released their last studio album. The band has maintained a strong following, and a “greatest hits” type CD was released in 2004; but currently, there is not a new album in the works, or anything else, for that matter. While they officially haven’t broken up, they don’t officially tour either. Vander Ark has put his focus on his career, that of his wife’s (singer/songwriter Lux Land), and their two-year-old daughter.
He will head to the studio this fall to work with the legendary producer Bill Szymcyzk (Doors & Eagles fame) and will have drummer Joe Vitali (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) and bassist Willie “I have played with everyone” Weeks (David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Joe Walsh) backing him up.
So is Vander Ark looking for a major label deal? “No, I have been down that road. For me, being dropped by a major label has been a blessing,” said Vander Ark. “I like being in control of my musical projects.” And what about The Verve Pipe? Are you guys still together? “Sort of, we play a few dates for the fun of it,” he says. “My focus, though, is on my solo projects, and I perform some of the Verve Pipe stuff at my shows.”
Just 10 years ago, Vander Ark was touring around with other major label bands and playing large concert halls. Now he finds himself in living rooms and small venues. “I like the intimacy and the audience feedback,” said Vander Ark.
So after having a taste of the top and experiencing the frustrations of major label deals, what is Vander Ark seeking to accomplish with his music today?
“I want to write the perfect love song,” said Vander Ark.

To hear if Brian Vander Ark is coming closer to reaching his goal of writing that “perfect love song,” check him out this Saturday at the InsideOut Gallery in Traverse City. Tickets are $15.00 in advance, $20.00 at the door; showtime is 8:00pm. For more info, check out insideoutgallery.com, or call the gallery at 231-929-3254.