Brian Vander Ark

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Brian Vander Ark
Brian Vander Ark performing at Comerica Park, Detroit, MI
Background information
Born	June 19, 1966 (1966-06-19) (age 41)
Origin	Holland, Michigan
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter, Guitarist
Associated acts	The Verve Pipe

Brian Vander Ark is an American Singer-songwriter best known as lead singer for the band The Verve Pipe. Born in Holland, Michigan, Vander Ark began playing guitar at age 8. At age 18, he was married to then girlfriend Michelle and had a son named Joshua Vander Ark. Soon after he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. After release from the army, he and Michelle divorced and he joined the band His Boy Elroy as a guitarist. He eventually quit and started the band Johnny With an Eye. In 1992, he disbanded Johnny With an Eye to form The Verve Pipe with drummer Donny Brown and his brother, bassist Brad Vander Ark. The Verve Pipe's major label debut, Villains, featured the Vander Ark-penned single "The Freshmen", one of the most successful multi-format tracks of 1997. "Never Let You Down," the lead single from the band's 2001 album, Underneath, was one of the Top 50 Most Played songs for Adult Top 40 and Modern A/C radio in 2001.

Brian Vander Ark released his first solo album, Resurrection, in May 2003. He toured extensively in support of the album, including a double-bill acoustic tour with Butch Walker. Vander Ark's second solo release, Angel, Put Your Face On, was released in May 2006, followed by a self-titled third record in January 2008.

Vander Ark has made also made appearances in a number of films, most notably as a bass player in "Rock Star" (2001) featuring Mark Wahlberg. The Vander Ark-penned song "Colorful" (from the Underneath album) is featured at the film's end. He has also appeared in several independent films, including director Matthew Leutwyler's Road Kill, Dead and Breakfast, and Unearthed. Vander Ark also composed the musical scores for Dead and Breakfast and Unearthed.

Brian Vander Ark is married to folk singer Jenna Land, who performs under the name Lux Land. They have a daughter together.