From the age of 5, Arlene has an affinity for music. Born in New Haven, CT of cuban immigrant parents, Arlene flourished from the many perspectives of a multicultural upbringing. Listening to American and Latin music from a very young age, Arlene immediately began to write her own compositions opting out of learning the tired lessons of her highly frustrated but patient piano teacher.
As singing came to her naturally, she honed her talents by practicing to her favorite albums daily. During her early teens, Arlene picked up the guitar and taught herself the instrument by listening to artists such as Heart, Led Zepplin and The Runaways.
Upon the advent of 4 track cassette recorders, Arlene immediately began putting down her ideas for her original songs. These early recording sessions prompted her to continue on into the world of computer based recording programs which opened up to her new found love of music production. Arlene was fascinated by emerging techno based music which was starting to bloom in the New York club scene. Many of these recordings are reminiscent of the keyboard melodies and drum loops created by dance enthusiasts of yesterday and today.
During her early 20’s, Arlene joined Vertigo, a four piece original band from Hartford, CT. She shared vocals and played guitar or keyboard, whichever was necessary. She and the band’s guitarist would record constantly, coming up with the idea to capture anything that happened in one session. This is basically what is now coined as speed songwriting. The challenge was fun for both of them because the outcome was so creatively satisfying.
As with many bands, Vertigo went their own ways in the early 90’s. Arlene’s next adventure was fronting “Little Queen, the Ultimate Heart Tribute.” Upon the band’s breakup, Arlene then joined two different groups where her talents lent her to singing as well as a new opportunity to play bass. Milk, an all original female power trio brought a new audience to Arlene’s original material. The second endeavor, the Unexpected, a three piece band that featured Arlene as a female powerhouse singer/ songwriter / bassist performed originals as well as covers and offered her a fun alternative with her male counterparts to the more serious pursuits of Milk. Both of the bands released CDs which are now sought after collectors items.
In 2006, Arlene decided go the solo route full time. She took a leap of faith and quit her unfulfilling daytime career to pursue the passion of her dreams. Here is where her nickname ArleneWow! was discovered. It seemed that wherever she performed her audiences would be slack-jawed and say “Wow, that was awesome, Arlene!” Her friends and fans then began calling her ArleneWow! and the rest is history.
Her debut CD “The Red Is Becoming” was released in 2007. The songs represented in this collection are about a very moving period in Arlene’s life. Many of the selections are introspective peeks into the passing of both father and mother, several seesaw relationships and her many escapes to songwriting capital Nashville, Tennessee. The CD is critically acclaimed and has won several awards.
Arlene’s second CD effort “Ear Candy for the Soul – Live at Silk City Music Factory Vol.1” is a flowing recording of 10 live takes with no corrections. There are also 2 bonus tracks on the release. One selection, “Train Song” is a composition about the late Johnny Cash and was written, produced and recorded by Arlene at her mobile studio. The second song “Si No Me Quieres” is a spanish lament which represents Arlene’s passion and bilingual prowess. This track was recorded and engineered by Hugh Birdsall of Dogbite and the Reducers.
“Ignite Your Inner Genie” is a children’s record of positive happy songs for kids and adults as well. It was written specifically for the Global Information Network, a private club whose members strive for living life to the fullest. For more information : https://globalinformationnetwork.com/
Presently, Arlene is working with Fever Barn Recording Studios of Electric Lady fame on a release of originals and retro covers. This project will be released in 2024.