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08.19.04
He's just released his first major label debut album
on Columbia Records. Ari Hest took a break from his
busy schedule the day after releasing Someone to
Tell to tell us a little bit about choosing record
labels, life on the road, and selecting songs to record.
 On
the road to Pittsburgh for another performance, Ari
Hest doesn't have much time to gaze out the window and
admire highway scenery. It's Day Two of life after
"major label release", and getting the word out about
the CD seems more like a full-time job than playing
his guitar does.
He recalls the previous day's activities, when he was
surprisingly energized for the many album promotion
events. First it was an interview on CNN, then a Borders
Bookstore show, and on to a signing and another show
for the New York City singer-songwriter.
"It was packed with fun," says 24-year-old Hest, who
just released the 12-track masterpiece Someone to
Tell.
Today's travels in Pennsylvania will begin another
slue of concerts and more album promotion events. The
goal is simply to get his music out there, and Hest
realizes exactly how difficult that work can be. Still,
he's enjoying every minute of stardom.
After growing his own fan base due to years on the
road, he's looking onward as far as how far he can go
with the assistance of Columbia Records. The sky seems
to be the limit for the six-foot-something acoustic
rocker.
Although other labels were interested, Hest signed
with Columbia in March because of the record deal itself,
and the label’s stability.
"This was the right one," he said of his choice to
partner with Columbia.
He said he is hoping that people get the idea that
label's aren't the enemy, while maintaining a strong
relationship with his fans. Hest believes that signing
with a label doesn’t have to be a negative thing as
many music lovers may think. He believes the distribution
services a label can provide are an invaluable tool
for musicians.
"I'm going to keep doing what I’m doing and Columbia
is letting me do this," he said.
Even though eight of the songs on his new CD were previously
released on his indie albums, Hest still believes there
are more people out there that have yet to hear and
enjoy his music—hence the need to refresh his older
material.
His first single, "They’re On To Me" appeared on his
preceding album, Story After Story. And even
though his older fans who are accustomed to the song
may find it "old" as it comes out on the radio to the
rest of the world as "new", Hest hopes they understand
his decision.
"These are songs that need to be heard by more than
a few thousand people," he said.
The decision to release "They’re On To Me" as his first
single was a mutual decision between him and the label,
added Hest.
A new intro to "Aberdeen" spices up the song from its
previous recordings, as does a jazzy horn addition in
"Consistency." In addition, some slight changes to
tracks such as "Holding On" and "Monsters" tweaked the
album to perfection.
"We did some little things to enhance the quality of
the songs," Hest added.
The newer songs "A Fond Farewell" and "Not For Long"
boast the same amount of bluesy acoustic rock energy
melded with sensitivity and tenderness as Hest’s earlier
material.
Most of the musicians currently playing with Hest also
recorded the album with him in Los Angeles. Now that
the recording is complete and the CD has hit stores
nationwide, promotional events continue.
Hest will be touring this September with acoustic rock
moguls Griffin House, and will play alongside Jason
Mraz and the Dave Matthews Band in the beginning of
the month. A college tour will continue through the
end of the year. He will be participating in a number
of concert food drives to support local food banks as
well.
"I'm looking forward to seeing how well it does,"
said Hest of his new album.
To listen to a few tracks off Someone to Tell,
find out about shows or learn more about Hest, visit
www.arihest.com.
Interviewed by Kristen
Fischer
DiscoveringArtists.com
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