On the coast of Alaska, facing the Bering Sea lies the town of Nome. It has a population of 3500 and is surrounded by a wild and mysterious natural beauty. It also is the home to Arlo Hanningan, a musician who’s work reflects the haunting landscape with his mysterious and eclectic melodies.
When listening to your music one wonders if you were influenced by the wild and unique landscape of Nome Alaska. Is this the case?
This is true. Nome is isolated, and lies on the edge of a wilderness that is not the quintessential Alaskan postcard, but perhaps even more rugged and breath-taking. The land and sea withstand great changes throughout the year. I have been influenced not only by the physical landscape of the region that I call home, but also from the cultural, spiritual, and emotional landscape that is a part of it.
This is true. Nome is isolated, and lies on the edge of a wilderness that is not the quintessential Alaskan postcard, but perhaps even more rugged and breath-taking. The land and sea withstand great changes throughout the year. I have been influenced not only by the physical landscape of the region that I call home, but also from the cultural, spiritual, and emotional landscape that is a part of it.
How was it growing up for you? And how did music come into the picture; what did music mean to you?
As a child I was a free to roam. As an adolescent I was free to roam - and I indulged. I had friends that were like family. We loved the music we listened to and held it close. I had a guitar but was more into the words themselves, writing small poems.
What was some of your favorite music to listen to growing up?
I listened to old traditional folk, classic rock, world music, grunge, really anything...I didn't discriminate.
As a child I was a free to roam. As an adolescent I was free to roam - and I indulged. I had friends that were like family. We loved the music we listened to and held it close. I had a guitar but was more into the words themselves, writing small poems.
What was some of your favorite music to listen to growing up?
I listened to old traditional folk, classic rock, world music, grunge, really anything...I didn't discriminate.
What was the journey you took to become a musician? Do you think it was harder or easier living in a small remote place?
I consider myself a songwriter over being a musician. I preoccupy myself with the song and it's arrangement rather than the mathematics and technicalities. Living in a small isolated town gives one plenty of inspiration and alone-time with their art. Of course, the past few years in cities such as L.A. and N.Y.C. have given me the opportunity to meet great players and connect - something that can be difficult while living so remotely. I just got back from Tucson, AZ recording at Wavelab, which seems to be a crossroads of like-minded artists. I already want to go back.
What were some of the greatest hardships you had to overcome?
Still working on those.
Can you tell us about some of the projects you’re working on?
I've just released a 6 song EP -HOUSE AND HOME- that was recorded and produced by Dave Trumfio (WILCO, OK GO, PATRICK PARK) at Kingsize Soundlabs, Los Angeles. I also released an Alaskan concept album FRESH WATER, which was a collaboration between myself and friend Bryan Muktoyuk, who is a King Island Inupiaq drummer and singer. I have several songs recorded with Doug Grean (Scott Weiland) that I might trickle out into the world soon. I’m really excited about the recent project I was working on at Wavelab in Tucson. It’s still in the works, and so far has folks like Jon Rauhouse (Neko Case), Nick Luca, Steff Koeppen, and more. It’s kind of a northwest meets southwest kind of thing. This album should be finished by mid winter - early spring.
I've just released a 6 song EP -HOUSE AND HOME- that was recorded and produced by Dave Trumfio (WILCO, OK GO, PATRICK PARK) at Kingsize Soundlabs, Los Angeles. I also released an Alaskan concept album FRESH WATER, which was a collaboration between myself and friend Bryan Muktoyuk, who is a King Island Inupiaq drummer and singer. I have several songs recorded with Doug Grean (Scott Weiland) that I might trickle out into the world soon. I’m really excited about the recent project I was working on at Wavelab in Tucson. It’s still in the works, and so far has folks like Jon Rauhouse (Neko Case), Nick Luca, Steff Koeppen, and more. It’s kind of a northwest meets southwest kind of thing. This album should be finished by mid winter - early spring.
What is your favorite part of what you do?
If I can take the listener somewhere, anywhere, I'm happy.
If I can take the listener somewhere, anywhere, I'm happy.
In the realm of music, how do you define success?
There can be countless messages within a song that are unknown to the songwriter; music is transformative and evokes emotion. When a listener approaches or writes me, and shares how they were affected, I see that as a great success. This is already happening. For my career to feel more successful, I'd like to play larger shows and tour more.
What evolutions did you go through that led to where you are now?
I've had several phases in this life so far and continue to evolve as an artist and as a person. After-all, we are all changing. I've had the most struggle with self-discipline. I feel that I've worked a lot of the kinks out, but what would life be without kinks?
Where do you see yourself going from here (do you always strive to evolve)?
I want to continue to evolve in every way possible, artistically, spiritually….
There can be countless messages within a song that are unknown to the songwriter; music is transformative and evokes emotion. When a listener approaches or writes me, and shares how they were affected, I see that as a great success. This is already happening. For my career to feel more successful, I'd like to play larger shows and tour more.
What evolutions did you go through that led to where you are now?
I've had several phases in this life so far and continue to evolve as an artist and as a person. After-all, we are all changing. I've had the most struggle with self-discipline. I feel that I've worked a lot of the kinks out, but what would life be without kinks?
Where do you see yourself going from here (do you always strive to evolve)?
I want to continue to evolve in every way possible, artistically, spiritually….
For more information and videos check out Arlo's page at: http://arlohannigan.com/Arlo/HOME.html and http://arlohannigan.bandcamp.com/album/house-and-home