Meet Arlana | Musician & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Arlana and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Arlana, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I think the arts are something that kind of speak to you in your youth, and when they make such a huge impact early in life, you just can’t run away from it. It’s like a calling. Some people are gifted with numbers, others are gifted with words, or acts of great charity, I think I was gifted with music, and being able to express myself in that way has always felt like more of a calling than a career. Whenever I try to ignore it, life feels uncomfortable to me and I get restless. It’s almost like music is pursuing me, so the only thing to do is succumb to it and let it flow through me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m really proud of how far I’ve come, even though I’m still not exactly where I want to be. I have a lot of work to do, and it’s really difficult finding the balance. I still have to work a job to pay bills. I rarely sleep a full eight hours. I usually have to work through burnout, which weighs on me a lot. But I find success is not a one size fits all. It looks different to everyone, and for me, success looks like being able to live while doing this full time. Since the last time I spoke with you guys, I’ve gotten more session work, more headlining shows in my city, I’ve made connections and new musical friends. And I have a lot more to look forward to.

I’m really proud of my growth. I have so much more in me to share, so many musical ideas to flesh out and I’m about to drop a ton more music this year! I’m excited to see how everything comes together! Being able to see these ideas come to life really gives me so much life!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Nashville is a city full of music. You can turn any corner and there’s someone playing guitar on the street or there’s a bar hosting a band. Some of my favorite places to see music are Inglewood Lounge in East Nashville. The host a jam session on Sunday nights where a house band will play, and musicians from all over the city will come to sit in. Everyone rotates every few minutes, so if you’re a drummer, you just bring your sticks and talk to the house drummer, and they’ll switch out with you and let you jam with whoever pops up on the stage. It’s great for meeting new people and improving your improv skills. The Flamingo Cocktail Club has a similar jam called The Invite on Wednesday nights, where they do the same thing, but you have to be invited on the stage, so it’s not as easy to sit in, but it’s a great time and the vibe in there is really cool!

We have a ton of food and drinks as well! Honeytree Meadery is one of my favorite spots. It’s small, chill, and they sell homemade Meade, which is made from honey. There’s a taco truck out front called Alebrije that sells really good tacos and Mexican desserts.

Honorable Mentions: Black Dynasty Secret Ramen House: some of the best ramen in Nashville
Otto’s Bar
The Rum Room
The Blue Room
Lou Nashville: a wine bar with shared plates
Duke’s Sandwich Bar, Joyland, and Americano Lounge are all great late night spots with great food and good drinks/ late night coffee
Ok-u: Best sushi in town, but you will spend a lot of money and have to reserve a seat in advance, they are usually booked through the week
Rosemary Beauty Queen: Great drinks and on warm nights, there’s usually dancing in the outside patio with a featured DJ on weekend

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who have contributed to my growth as an artist, but I think the most important was my dad. He was very musical as a child and into adulthood, and he had great aspirations that unfortunately, life got in the way of; But, he is a great singer, he writes songs and plays piano, and he instilled those gifts in me when I was young. I think if he hadn’t had a love for music, I probably would have grown up loving very different things. He gives me advice, and whenever he hears one of my songs, he always has the same critiques as me, like an extension of my own mind.

My older brother Nick, has also shaped my musical tastes over the years, and while he isn’t particularly interested in music, he has a great voice and an even better ear. He should been A&R or something because he’s able to pinpoint when something is good or when it’s missing something and he gives great constructive criticism.

Website: www.arlanamusic.com

Instagram: @arlanadelbae

Facebook: Arlana Music

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuF6kt1x6l3FOEONdXt5bvQ

Image Credits
Imani Givertz Shelby Kasberger