Name: Bri Arden
Claim to fame: singer/songwriter
Age: How old do you think I am?
Year: I’m in no rush to graduate…
School: General Studies
Major: Women’s and Gender Studies
Where is home for you?
I was born right over on 32nd and 2nd at NYU hospital. I lived in the city for three years before moving to Chappaqua, NY for most of my elementary years. Then my family decided it would be a good idea to be close to some horses, so we moved to Ridgefield, CT. Then we moved to Costa Rica and home took on a different definition. I’d have to say I’ve always had a ‘home base,’ the place where my bed is. However, I’ve been fortunate to spend long periods of time away from ‘my own bed.’ You learn how important it is to make the people you’re with your home. I have a few people I call home.
How long have you been at Columbia?
This is my third year at Columbia. I have an intense love for this school and what it’s done for me. I moved to the city as a teenager not knowing anyone. After a year of working on my music, and learning and living in the city, I missed school. I applied for the GS program at Columbia, and they welcomed me, and my desire to learn, with open arms. They gave me the ability to pursue my career and my education, simultaneously. The truth is, I wouldn’t have one if I didn’t have the other. My music wouldn’t be what it is without the experiences and knowledge gained from all Columbia has to offer, and I would not be a happy and successful student if not given the freedom to pursue my dream.
What do you like about NYC? What is your favorite thing about NYC?
Oh goodness. This city is a living, breathing thing. It’s a tough love city. You learn fast here. There’s an intensity here; everyone is here with a purpose. I can be alone walking down a packed street, or I can be the focal point amidst the same sea of people. More concretely, I would have to say I love riding my bike up and down the streets when it’s warm and trying not to get hit by cab drivers. I love that I can always discover someplace new, turn a corner and see the quirky triangle between Duane Street and Reade Street or wind up at a private party with celebrities (and feel completely out of place). I love the music community here. It’s smaller than most people think.
What is your favorite place in NYC?
Hands down: Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 1. It is a tiny listening room. People go there to listen to music. I see musicians and friends I know; I introduce myself to people I don’t. It’s always a gift to be able to walk into a place and know you will hear great music and meet great people.
When did you decide you wanted to be a singer?
This story has been told to me a million times. My parents were driving me somewhere and I was sitting in the back seat. Apparently I said, “Mom, Dad… I have a big dream.” My mother turned around and said, “Well, what is it honey?” and I replied, “I want to stand up on a stage, all by myself, sing a song, and have everyone listen to me.” My parents joke about it now. They thought, “Oh no…”
How did you become interested in singing?
From the first play I did in elementary school I was hooked. I took voice lessons in every genre. I auditioned for school musicals, joined the madrigals group, became director of the A cappella club. In high school, I took on side jobs singing jingles. I sang weekly at the local old age home. I was always happy to sing, no matter whom it was for.
What goals to you have for furthering your career?
This is a tough one. Well, playing Madison Square Garden would be lovely! And oh, a Grammy would be wonderful. But in all seriousness, my true goal in my career, and in life, is to always be happy and enjoy what I’m doing. I am already living the goals I set forth for myself years ago. I want to celebrate every success, every recording, every song written, every show… because that joy is unmatched. I’ve found success in being happy about what I am creating on a daily basis. My goal is to be able to hold onto it. Specifically, I have been fortunate to have written and performed with some amazing musicians and I will continue to do so. Recently, I have been fortunate to have co-written songs with John Hampson, Ron Aniello and Rebecca Lynn Howard and with each experience I grow a little bit more.
What tips do you have for anyone trying to form a band? For anyone trying to pursue a musical career?
Be a sponge. Listen to as much music and as many styles as you can. Then, throw it all away, and write what comes naturally. Don’t try and imitate anyone. Get feedback from people you trust, but have courage to stand behind what you think is good. There is no formula for a hit song. There is no such thing as an overnight success. There is no equation. Love what you do, work hard and get out there. Don’t accept anyone else’s definition of you. Being an artist is a growing process and any musician is sure to change with time. Don’t try and copy someone else’s style. Do your thing, and whatever that turns out to be is the best product.
How do you balance your career with going to Columbia?
Just barely! I have a picture in my mind of me, juggling glass balls, just barely making each catch. But I’ve always been a champion juggler. I’ve picked up little tricks… Make sure I get a late flight so I can go to class during the day. Ask a friend to bring a computer to class and Skype in. Always have work to do with you on trains or in transport. If you want something bad enough, you can make it work.
What is the hardest aspect of balancing both?
The hardest part of balancing both is that it’s never “just both.” If my life solely consisted of just school and music, I’d be a machine. But life has its complexities, and that’s what throws off the balancing act… That’s what makes it fun.
How does your college experience differ from that of most Columbia students? From typical American college students?
Well, for one I entered that “Columbia bubble” and I am here for my education. It is a segmented portion of my life and it is as different from the typical college experience as a solar system with twin suns differs from our own. There are times when I wish my orbit could be governed solely by the amazing gravitational field that is Columbia, but for now, it has to be a shared influence. Yet, with everything sacrificed comes something to compensate. I’ve gained a perspective I could not have had in a typical college experience.
How do you go about writing songs? Do you have a routine?
Good melodies or lyrics always come to me at the most inconvenient times. I don’t know what I would do without voice memos. The learning and growth that takes place over the process is striking. Often I’ll write with other musicians. Everyone has a way of doing his/her own thing, so it’s a little different every time. Sometimes we start with a key word, a key melody, but the important thing is to write everyday, whenever the inspiration hits. Be open to it.
Do you have any superstitions regarding performing?
Nah. It’s a live show. Whatever happens, happens. Forgetting the lyrics, dropping a mic, breaking strings… nothing ever goes ‘smoothly’ and that’s why you’ve got to be able to laugh on stage. I love performing; I’m happy and comfortable. I prepare as best I can and then just have fun.
Ms. Wise Sage, do you have any general advice for college girls?
MAKE GIRL FRIENDS! Men come and go; even if you believe you’re with the man of your dreams and will wind up being with him forever, you still need your girl friends! This is something I learned a little later in life. (I had a ton of guy friends—my excuse was that they were easier to deal with.) Truth is, you should have at least one or two girls in your life that you can call on, anytime, and no one can challenge you the way another woman can.
Study what you want to study, not what your parents or grandparents want you to study, not what you think you ‘should be’ studying. Study material you enjoy reading. The life you want to lead starts now, not some time in the distant future.
You may never get to enjoy New York with the freedom that you can right now. Don’t let your time here go by without exploring everything, EVERYTHING. The city should be your campus. Go explore.
Next show:March 24th, at 11 p.m. at Rockwood Music Hall
Website: www.briardenmusic.com
Facebook: Bri Arden Music
