Most 21-year-olds can't say they have their own music on iTunes or were the only act playing at Summerfest at one time. However, local musician Ari Herstand has achieved both of these things and is growing in popularity in Madison and Minneapolis, where he plays most of his shows. Herstand recently released his sophomore solo album, One Take, which showcases his unique ""folk hop"" genre that sounds unlike anything you've ever heard.
Herstand's musical career began before he can remember. He sings, plays the piano, trumpet and guitar, and writes all his own music. But he didn't realize he wanted to get in to music as a profession until he was at the University of Minnesota studying to become a high school band director. He said the summer of his freshman year in college he knew that was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.
""That was an interesting conversation I had with my parents when I told them I was dropping out of school to be a musician,"" Herstand said. ""My dad cried. That was a difficult conversation. It was a four-hour lunch at the Macaroni Grill. But they've been supportive ... They've come around.""
Herstand explained he has had more serious problems since he decided to become a musician. The most difficult thing, Herstand said, is the struggle to write the perfect song. However, he said he feels his writing has evolved throughout his career, and currently is at its peak.
""I don't feel a song has really reached its full potential without the full band,"" Herstand said. ""So I'm really excited for ‘Beneath the Moon' and ‘Blanket-Go-Round,' which are two of my newest songs. It's just a really mature writing style where I've started to write for each instrument.""
""Blanket-Go-Round"" in particular is one of the best songs on the album. It seems to improve and get more interesting as the song goes on, and the bridge showcases Herstand's exceptional instrumentals.
One benefit of the album being a live recording is the long instrumental breaks that are often only present at live performances. It seems that on other live albums, the intros are the most boring part, but Herstand makes instrumentals the most anticipated part of each song.
""So Fantastical"" includes a catchy guitar solo, and the instruments are by far the best part of the song. ""Air Cries Wind / Intro to Baby Eyes"" also has especially cool instrumentals, including an incredible piano section that will remind you of a jazzy Ben Folds.
One of the best songs on One Take is ""Itch Inside Your Ear,"" which actually focuses on vocals instead of instrumentals. Its unique, Jason Mraz-like lyrics and upbeat rhythm make it one song you will want to listen to over and over again.
The only drawback to the live album is the lower quality of the songs and the difficulty in hearing the singing in some songs. However, Herstand is already planning to improve the quality of his next album.
""I think its time to solicit my rich relatives for money because I'm itching to record my next album,"" Herstand said. ""I just don't have any funds right now. I don't want to cut any corners with my next CD. I don't think it's fair to the full potential of my songs.""
Herstand said he plans to continue with music for the rest of his life, not for the purpose of selling out stadiums, but to achieve his two main goals.
""Firstly, I want to make a musical dent in history,"" Herstand said. ""Number two, which is equally important, is I want to make an impact on the human world with my music. I feel if I strive for those two things ... I can get past the critics who bash what I'm doing, and I can get past not getting the break that maybe some people feel that they deserve. I embrace the little victories that happen along the road.""
Herstand seems to be accomplishing these goals so far, and it's no wonder he has become a success. At such a young age, his sound is both a combination of the music you love listening to and his own unique creation all at once.
