BIO

Arena has played to thousands of people all over Memphis, Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York. He quickly began making waves in the Philadelphia music scene since relocating there last year, sharing the stage with scene heavyweights like the Pawn Shop Roses and Bess Rogers.

Recently, two of his songs were chosen by filmmaker Alex DePhillipo for his documentary Dark Fall. His music also caught the attention of published poet Vincent Ancona, who wrote that, “Arena’s debut album features deeply honest lyrics, ethereal music and a wisdom well beyond his years which compels us to listen.  He has crafted [something] that seeps beautifully into your consciousness…and stays there.”

Growing up between New Jersey and Memphis, Arena developed an early passion for singing and song-writing. His mother weaned him on a steady diet of Neil Young while his father, a pilot who spent long periods of time away from home, would teach him guitar licks whenever he was around.  His grandfather, an active member of the New York jazz scene for over 35 years, passed down to Arena his sense of musical passion, diversity and a rare 1959 Les Paul.

Things changed, however, when Arena’s family moved to Memphis, TN when he was in high school.  Nearly losing his father to cancer, coupled with moving to a city that, while renowned musically, was unforgiving and isolating for a teenager whose northern upbringing, set him apart from his peers, Arena struggled to keep his head above water.

Music and songwriting became lifelines and his only emotional outlet. The countless nights Arena spent writing and playing guitar paid off by the time he graduated from the University of Memphis two years ago and began working on his eponymous debut album.

His self-titled debut album, recorded at world renowned Ardent Studios in Memphis, TN (Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top) combines intuitive melodies with left field pop. Mixed by three time Grammy-winning sound engineer Tony Maseratti (WILL.I.AM. Jason Mraz, John Legend) features arrangements by Grammy-wining producer Craig Street (Nora Jones). The album, which also features the piano work of Rick Steff (Cat Power, Gin Blossoms, George Thorogood), fuses the intimacy of Nick Drake and the semi-sprawling sensibilities of Bright Eyes and Alexi Murdoch with atmospheric soundscapes and beautifully vulnerable melodies.

With a powerful new album in hand, and the muse by his side, the future seems to have no limit for Chris Arena.