Brian Vander Ark of The Verve Pipe recently stopped by the station for an interview with Reed and an acoustic performance of their hit song “The Freshmen.”
The Verve Pipe was formed in 1992, and “The Freshmen” was the song that really put the band on the map. Despite the controversial nature of the lyrics, Brian emphasized that the song was more about storytelling than taking a stance. “I didn’t really think anything of it at the time,” he shared, “A song about suicide and abortion. It’s got a pro-life lean to it, which I wasn’t crazy about because I am pro-choice. But the story lend itself to be a pro-life thing. So if there’s any controversy it would be that.”
Vander explained how “The Freshmen” was first recorded acoustically, then went through various changes and shortenings before it was “perfect for modern rock radio.” He explained that because the process to make it to the version it is today took some time, the song was actually six or seven years old before it finally became a big hit.
Brian also explained how while it’s nice to still get recognition for the song, the band wanted to be recognized for more than just “The Freshmen,” as they had other music to share with the world. “Of course it’s still getting played and you still get paid for that kind of thing, but the bad thing was, at the time, it was impossible to follow it up with another song. Because everybody would say all the stations would say, ‘We’re still playing The Freshman,’ he explained. “You know, which was a position that you go, ‘Well that’s great, but, you know, we have other music.’”
Beyond music, Brian has some acting experience as well, including starring in “Rock Star” alongside Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston. The Verve Pipe’s song “Colorful” was featured in the film. When asked what it was like working with Wahlberg and Aniston, he said, “Obviously they’re a little, they’re a little bit bigger than they were then, but they were still big movie stars. They were the top of the box office, you know, they were a big draw.” He also touched on how while on set, he was able to hang out with the other musicians there and everyone would get together and talk about their various passions. “All of the actors wanted to talk about music, and all of the musicians wanted to talk about acting, so the parties and stuff were always a blast.”
Check out Brian’s full interview and acoustic performance of “The Freshmen” below!
