Saturday: Chase Arrington at M Lounge

On Saturday, January 30, rocker Chase Arrington debuts his solo EP at M Lounge. Titled Signs of Life, the record is an optimistic collection of emotions, delivered through dexterous electric guitar. Having previously logged numerous gigs with The Haulers and Smoke & Arrows, Arrington’s new EP marks his first solo effort.

“As a solo artist you are 100% responsible for how far you go or don’t go,” says Arrington. “There’s no one holding you accountable for your work, however, there is also no one holding you back from being as productive as you desire.”

A look at Arrington’s music may reveal a long chronology of influences, from old Aerosmith tapes, Slash’s wailing solos, and Mark Tremonti’s measured phrasing. “Then I discovered Van Halen and my mind was blown,” he says. “He opened the door for me to a lot of incredible guitarists from that ‘80s era like George Lynch, Randy Rhoads, Dave Murray of Iron Maiden, Steve Vai, and Zakk Wylde.”

Arrington’s Guitar tones are substantial without getting muddy, and even the solos are built with a message in mind. His instrumental passages are largely melodic, churning up thoughts and feelings, though often punctuated enthusiastic technical flourishes.

These tones are delivered through custom-built axes. Arrington began assembling his own guitars when he was 14. “It was a copy of his tiger-striped ESP guitar with the crazy 80’s banana shaped headstock,” he recalls. “Since then I have always modified or pieced together my guitars.”

Arrington has played over 300 gigs since stinging up his first Frankenstein guitar, some making more of an impression than others. He recalls one incident while touring with The Haulers, in which a fight broke out by the bar’s pool table. “Next thing I know, there’s a guy swinging a pool stick at another guy,” he says. “Someone pulls out a knife and this huge bar fight breaks out!”

What’s a band to do in this situation? Retreat? Take five?

“An executive decision was made… and we kept playing the song,” he says. “So here we are playing a mellow reggae/pop song meanwhile the entire bar including some of the staff are engulfed in this huge bar brawl.”

After coming from a gig-heavy season, Arrington poured his energy into writing and recording his own music. “Completing this project has helped me to break a lot of barriers that have held me back for years,” he says.

The solo experience has allowed him to confront the uncertainty that faces every artist at some point in their career. “Once we stop focusing on what we can’t do and start focusing on what we can do, doors begin to open,” he says. “Things that used to seem impossible now are possible.”

The solo EP was recorded over a year’s time at Wade Beever’s studio. Songs were written and taped whenever inspiration hit, and Arrintgon made a point not to force the creative process. “Sometimes songs just flow easily from the artist while other times it seems like there’s a drought where nothing comes out,” he says. “So you learn to take advantage of the times when the songs flow freely.” Mixing and mastering came courtesy of Gary Long at Texas’ Nomad Studios.

Signs of Life is a straight-from-the heart reflection on love, loss, and hope. “It shows that there is life after death and hope for the future,” says Arrington. “The story gives hope that we will see our loved ones again who have already made the journey to the other side.”

The EP will release on iTunes, Amazon, and Cd Baby on February 2, but copies will be available at the show.

Arrington will be joined by Ben Moseley, Cahaba, 7 Stone Riot, and Shane Russell. The show starts at 8 p.m. M Lounge is part of Matthew’s Bar and Grill, located at 2209 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203.

Photo by Jazz Linson. Album art by Sara Cannon.