Talking to Brian Vander Ark

Stefani M.C. Janelli talks to Brian Vander Ark of the Verve Pipe before of his performance Thursday, Sept. 25 at Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub in Sparta. They discuss his career, the band’s latest record, his solo work and what fans can expect at the show.

Question: You’ve had such a wide-ranging career with the Verve Pipe, as a solo artist, even as a speaker. When you look at everything you’re involved in, how do you describe where you are in your journey?

Answer: As I get older, I’m realizing that I have so much more to say, to create. I have no intention of going out quietly; there is no retirement in my future.

Q: What inspired you to create such a unique and personal concert series with “Lawn Chairs and Living Rooms”?

A: Necessity is the mother of invention, and that was the case with the house concert series. I started doing it to raise money for an album back in 2007, but I enjoyed reconnecting with the fans so much that I ended up doing it for 14 years, over 800 concerts played.

Q: Performing in fans’ homes and backyards must be a very different experience. Was it ever awkward at first, and what did you take away from those intimate shows?

A: 90 percent of the house concerts were fine. In that 10 percent that were a bit off, it had everything to do with my inability to connect with the hosts or the crowd. Perhaps they don’t know it’s a listening situation and they talk during it, or maybe the stories I tell don’t land properly. But overall, the majority were terrific. What I took from it is that people want live music in a safe environment. They want to listen and enjoy a show, not be interrupted by other patrons in a bar.

Q: How do you see your solo work compared with your work with the Verve Pipe? Do the two projects overlap when it comes to writing or creative ideas?

A: Up until the point of my last solo record (2011), the similarities were striking. Most of the songs were written to be on a Verve Pipe record. When the songs are voted out by the rest of the band, I would put them on a solo record. That’s definitely going to change for the next one. I’d like to get back to the simple production, guitar and vocal.

Q: What motivated you to step out on your own and start a solo career? Looking back, what part of that journey has been the most fulfilling for you?

A: Like I said, the motivation came from having written songs that were not acceptable by the other band members. It was very fulfilling to record the songs on my own using different musicians.

Q: You’ve released two volumes of “Planet Sunday Sessions,” reimagining cover songs. What inspired you to record those albums, and how did you decide which songs made the cut?

A: I’ve always loved doing cover songs, even in my earliest days at the Holiday Inn bars - although back then, I would do the songs as they were recorded. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that it’s more fun to re-record a song and put my own spin on it.

Q: The latest Verve Pipe record, “Reconciled” (2025), was the first time the band wrote together in a more collaborative way. How did that change the songwriting process for you personally?

A: It forced me to listen to the other band members, to not be so dead set on what instrumentation or parts were best. I happen to have a very talented group of writers in the band now, with fantastic ideas. Now that we’ve broken the seal on the full band collab, I don’t demo the songs the way I used to - now it’s just me and the guitar, and I can rely on the other members to come up with great parts for their instruments.

A: How do you think that collaborative approach shaped the overall sound and feel of the album?

A: Things that I would never do to a song suddenly seem to work. For instance, the last song on the record, “Words of Ruin,” didn’t have much of a hook in it until Brad came up with that great melodic bass line. Suddenly, the song is alive!

Q: Can we expect more solo albums in the near future or maybe even a “Planet Sunday Sessions: Volume III”?

A: Absolutely, I have more ideas to explore.

Q: You’ve performed on some of the biggest stages, from Lollapalooza to Lincoln Center. Do you have a favorite venue or performance memory?

A: State Theater in Kalamazoo, Mich., in 1993. That was our moment. Sold-out show for the release of our album called “Pop Smear.” The recording exists; I have yet to find it. But it was a fantastic night of music in an amazing theater.

Q: What would you say are the biggest challenges of large-scale touring, and what’s the most rewarding part of being on the road?

A: Touring is way too expensive. We’ve got it down to the bare bones, and it’s still losing money. But the point is would I spend $500 per night to play shows instead of making $500? I would every time. Which is why I subsidize by doing public speaking.

Q: Outside of performing, you’re also a featured speaker. What kinds of topics do you cover, and what sparked that passion?

A: I talk about the rise and fall of the Verve Pipe. We had very high expectations for our album called “Underneath” - it was jammed packed with singles. The album was unfortunately released on 9/11. So my speeches are aimed toward how to come back from something like that.

Q: Have you performed in Sparta or at Krogh’s before?

A: It’ll be the first time there!

Q: Krogh’s is a really beloved venue in the community. What excites you most about playing such an intimate space for a local crowd?

A: Turning people on to the storytelling songs is the most fulfilling part of it. Taking them on a lyrical journey as opposed to a sonic journey with the band. And when you combine that with a locally beloved venue, it makes for a very memorable experience for fans.

Q: What can fans expect from your setlist at this show? Will you be mixing in solo material, Verve Pipe classics and maybe some new songs?

A: Combination of all of it: Verve Pipe songs stripped down to the acoustic guitar, new songs I’m working on and songs from the solo albums that I don’t often play.

Q: When you’re in towns like Sparta, do you enjoy exploring the local area? Anything you’re hoping to check out while you’re here?

A: I grew up on a lake very similar to Lake Mohawk. I’m looking forward to exploring the lake and surrounding areas.