Brian Vander Ark
| Brian Vander Ark | |
|---|---|
 Brian Vander Ark performing at Comerica Park, Detroit, MI | |
| Background information | |
| Born | June 19, 1966 |
| Origin | Holland, Michigan |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, Guitarist, Actor |
| Associated acts | The Verve Pipe |
Brian Vander Ark is an American singer-songwriter best known as lead singer for the band The Verve Pipe.
Early years
Born in Holland, Michigan, Vander Ark began playing guitar at age 8. After high School, Brian joined the US Army, serving 4 years.
Music
After release from the army, he joined the band His Boy Elroy as a guitarist. He eventually quit and started the band Johnny with an Eye. In 1992, he disbanded Johnny with an Eye to form The Verve Pipe with drummer Donny Brown and his brother, bassist Brad Vander Ark, and guitarist Brian Stout. The band recorded two independent albums I've Suffered A Head Injury and Pop Smear.
The Verve Pipe's major label debut, Villains, featured the Vander Ark-penned single "The Freshmen", one of the most successful multi-format tracks of 1997. "Never Let You Down," the lead single from the band's 2001 album, Underneath, was one of the Top 50 Most Played songs for Adult Top 40 and Modern A/C radio in 2001.
Brian Vander Ark released his first solo album, Resurrection, in May 2003. He toured extensively in support of the album, including a double-bill acoustic tour with Butch Walker. Vander Ark's second solo release, Angel, Put Your Face On, was released in May 2006, followed by a self-titled third record in January 2008.
In late 2008, Vander Ark signed a deal with Second Motion Records which re-released his first two albums Resurrection and Angel, Put Your Face On as well as releasing his new album Brian Vander Ark.
Films
Vander Ark is also an actor, having appeared in the movie Rock Star, 2001. Vander Ark played bassist Ricki Bell, of the fictional band Blood Pollution. The film also featured performances by musicians such as Zakk Wylde, Jason Bonham, Myles Kennedy, Blas Elias and Nick Catanese. Vander Ark wrote the song "Colorful", which appears at the end of the film, sung by the Chris Cole Band, and simulated by Mark Wahlberg. Vander Ark recorded vocals of this song on the soundtrack of the movie. The song is on album Underneath, by The Verve Pipe. He has also appeared in several independent films, including director Matthew Leutwyler's Road Kill, Dead and Breakfast, and Unearthed. Vander Ark also composed the musical scores for Dead and Breakfast and Unearthed.
1999 Road Kill -Joey/ 1999 This Space Between Us -Tagger/ 2001 Mergers & Acquisitions -Larry/ 2001 Rock Star - Ricki Bell, Blood Pollution Bassist/ 2004 Dead & Breakfast -The Tall Hick/ 2010 Bullies on Vacation (short) -Steve Vanderlaan/ 2011 House of the Rising Sun -Jimmy LaGrange 2011 Eden Shattered (short) -President Dave Pellaton
Personal life
Brian Vander Ark is married to folk singer Lux Land. They have three children together.
Sources
- Brian Vander Ark's official website
- Brian Vander Ark at the Internet Movie Database
- Lawn Chairs and Living Rooms starring Brian Vander Ark at the Internet Movie Database
- Second Motion Records
External links
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