Artist Collaboration
Some of the gifted artists I have had the privilege to collaborate with
Aiym
Aiym came into Arlene’s life and the magic began. She is an International /global Artist originally from Kazakhstan and was educated in England, now residing in London part time and Hollywood. When she met Aiym, it was creative love at first sight. She had such charisma and talent and they clicked immediately. They started writing songs and it is a joy to sit down at the piano with her and let the muse flow. Arlene knew the missing ingredient was a great producer and through a series of “synchronicity” events, they were blessed with a fantastic Producer, musician, writer, Dean Dichoso. He was the special touch that they really needed and the three of them were up all night for days working on this exciting project.
As they continued to write the creativity was exploding into a unique sound. They are all music lovers of all kinds but the “retro” vibe of rock and roll is something they all agreed was special. As they dove deeper into the songwriting with some really great songs, Dean began to mold an amazing and unique sound for Aiym as an Artist.
Aiym and Arlene continue to have an incredibly special connection which has continued to grow not only in their professional life, but in their personal lives as well.
WHO IS AIYM & RUBY FALLS
AIYM & Ruby Falls is a unique blend of great retro rock & roll woven together with an edgy, current sound. With their signature blend of a “cinematic” feel coupled with very cool pop sensibilities to some of their tracks, they electrify the stage and pull you into their web of intensity, vulnerability, and a massive sound of rock & roll.
At the heart Ruby Falls, is a powerful, mesmerizing lead singer, Aiym Almas, and the brilliant multi-instrumentalist, guitar player & Producer, Dean Dichoso. Aiym’s beauty, rich and soulful edgy voice combined with Dean’s classical chops and fuel injected rock/pop sensibilities paves a path of the new music scene while feeling the pulse of bands like Pink Floyd, Zeppelin and Heart. Both Aiym and Dean are dynamic and experienced performers with their global appeal, and passion for music. AIYM & Ruby Falls is igniting the flames of the new music era as they blaze a path of this new generation of great rock & roll.
IN THE BEGINNING – AIYM & Ruby Falls was born from the vision of seasoned A&R Executive, songwriter / Producer and entrepreneur, Arlene Matza-Jackson. Writing with such greats as Kenny Loggins, Earth Wind & Fire, David Foster, to name a few, she has golden ears and an eye for unique & special talent. When she first discovered Aiym, her vision came to life when she masterminded the creative writing team of Aiym, herself and Dean Dichoso. Bringing it all together is Dean’s brilliant Productions and every song is a masterpiece of passion and a unique, creative blend of arrangements and power that command attention and light the way for the next great music scene. I feel so blessed to be working with these great talents!
Art of Illusion
Grand Illusion
Grand Illusion
“I love Rock & Roll” IS Arlene’s theme and one of her favorite writing projects is working with the dynamic and multi-talented Anders Rydholm and his Grammy nominated band, GRAND ILLUSION from Sweden. Anders found his way to her through their beloved friend, Sherwood Ball, and the creative sparks started to fly. She was fortunate to co-write two albums for the band GRAND ILLUSION. 1. BRAND NEW WORLD 2. PRINCE OF PAUPERS. As they continue their co-writing journey, it is such a high to collaborate with Anders. Both albums for Grand Illusion were released in Japan -Marquee Records Inc. (& Asian territories) as well as all over Europe/Germany Label AOR Heaven, and received rave reviews from the Asian and European press & Rock magazines.
In 2021, she co-wrote several songs with Anders for a project called ART OF ILLUSION- the album- “X MARKS THE SPOT”- Swedish Artist -LARS. He is an amazing singer and one of her favorite tracks she co-wrote is “Wild & Free”. Also released IN Japan/Europe. This was an incredibly special project, and she is proud to be a part of it.
With Anders, it was always such a rush and wild ride when he was sending her these amazing, well-produced tracks with a melody, and she would jump on to her computer writing so many lyrics her muse is on fire! She loved that he is in Sweden and she’s in L.A., and it was and continues to be great fun to wake up in the morning and hear what he has done with her lyrics and the song.
One of the things she loves the most about working with Anders is the “International/Global scene”. He finds such gifted musicians as Muris Varajic (from Bosnia), a brilliant guitar player who played his heart out on Gates of Fire! Ander’s always has so many fantastic guest musicians on his tracks that it’s exciting to hear what he does next! There is a song that she will treasure forever that she co-wrote with Anders, and is so proud of, “Gates of Fire”. The late and brilliant Paul Buckmaster honored them by doing an amazing string arrangement for this song and she is eternally grateful for this gift.
For the Grand Illusion albums, once we finished the songs, Anders came to L.A. and brought in the best of the best musicians into the studio. Greg Bissonnette, drummer extraordinaire (he played with such greats as Van Halen, David Lee Roth, and on so many records it would take forever to name them all.) Gregg is currently part of Ringo’s All-Star Band and is rockin’ it everywhere. Ander’s also had many killer guitar players (the A plus list and then some). Such greats as Steve Lukather (Luke- part of the band Toto and played on such fantastic albums as Elton John, Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, it goes on & on), Tim Pierce (starting with Rick Springfield, playing on tracks for Goo Goo dolls, Motley Crue, Crowded House, Bon Jovi, the list is a mile long of where he takes his great talent). Mike Slammer, killer guitar player from the cool English prog-rock band City Boy, also creating new bands with members of the band Kansas and playing on countless albums!! All the musicians are always crazy talented!
When covid hit, it felt like everyone held their breath! However, now that some time has passed and we are all breathing easier these days, Arlene is back in the saddle with her creative muse shining bright! THE MUSE IS BACK…MORE TO COME !
Independent Artists (to name a few..)
There have been many Artists crossing Arlene’s path through the years in her travels in A&R, at Musicians Institute, UCLA/Arts Dept, Burbank Music Academy and her wide and wonderful music circle of musicians, singers and producers. It is always a joy to find a “diamond in the rough” and polish the edges to make them shine. She wanted to honor a few very special Artists that really touched her heart.
Arlene has always believed “kindred souls” find each other and one day Michaela Paige (3rd runner up for THE VOICE- SEASON 2) came into her life, and what a blessing. Her longtime writing partner, co-teacher and dear friend Barry Kaye introduced them and they were off and running. Michaela is a true Artist in every way. Not only is she a fantastic singer with an amazing range, but a gifted songwriter as well. From her unique and cool/funky sense of style with the way she dresses to her awesome “ever changing hair colors & styles”, you cannot miss Michaela when she enters a room. With a ton of charisma and a great smile, you immediately are taken by her. She has a true sense of herself, and creative flow and it was an absolute joy to work with her. They co-wrote some great songs together with Arlene’s talented husband, Jon Jackson, and that was great fun. Michaela and Arlene wandered through many vintage clothing stores, meditated at the Lake Shrine (SRF) and spent wonderful times creating and talking about the meaning of life. She is a true gem.
Another very special Artist that came into her life was a young soul named Hadas. She was only 16 when Arlene met her and just beginning to emerge as a singer/songwriter finding her Artist heart. “She came into our studio to sing on a demo and WOW, she blew us away…what a talent being so young”. Hadas had a powerful, soulful voice (in an R&B/Pop vibe) and she truly had her own unique style. Arlene joined forces again with Adrian and started co-writing some amazing songs with Hadas and they developed her “sound” as an Artist. As luck would have it, Tommy Mottola (CEO of Sony/Columbia Records back then) heard some of their songs and loved her. Arlene was able to secure a deal for Hadas and she was signed to Sony/Columbia Records in 2000. Unfortunately, fate stepped in and in 2001 disaster hit and 911 destroyed the morale and economy of our country. It seemed like everyone’s heart stopped and no one knew what was going to happen. Like so many companies, Sony started consolidating their assets and letting go of some of their new Artist, Hadas being one of them. That was such a heartbreak for all of them, but Arlene has always believed in Hadas’ amazing talent.
Arlene had the good fortune of meeting a wonderful, talented Australian Artist named Tracy Bartelle through a very gifted musician/songwriter/producer named Adrian Peritore (stage name, Guy Perry when he was the guitar player for the formidable band, THE MOTELS). She and Adrian clicked right away, and they started co-writing, igniting the creative flame. Not only was Adrian a great musician but was a true lover of Artists like she was, and he brought Tracy into their circle, and off they went. The three of them co-wrote some very cool songs that ended up in TV shows. With Adrian at the helm as the Producer, they worked with Tracy creating some unique and interesting songs. As time passed, Tracy and Arlene began to co-write some songs together and it was a creative fest. Tracy is a gifted piano/keyboard player and has a keen sense and feel for “orchestral” sounds with a great ear, so they put together many tracks that are what she calls “the ethereal muse” and loved it.
Noa Dori came into Arlene’s life through her UCLA class and there were instant creative sparks. Originally from Israel, Noa is a global/International Artist singing in several languages. With her amazing Celine style vocal range and powerful voice, along with her beauty, she stands out as a one of a kind. Living in Israel, Italy, Greece, and now in California, Noa’s worldly travels and innate sophistication is a special touch between the two of them.
Noa was invited along with Adam Lambert by Steven Spielberg to sing the Israel & American National Anthem at the Anti-Defamation League dinner honoring Spielberg with the Democratic Legacy Award, and it was a joy for Arlene to join them.
Fortune shined on them both and Arlene invited the late Paul Buckmaster to join them. Needless to say, Paul’s brilliant orchestrations and incredible talent were a wonderful addition to their songwriting circle. Arlene will treasure those moments forever. Arlene and Noa continue to write and share their creative muse.
Wherever Arlene goes, her love of Artists always attracts some amazing souls into her world!
As she says, “I will always be “A&R at heart.”
Aiym came into Arlene’s life and the magic began. She is an International/ global Artist originally from Kazakhstan and was educated in England, now residing in London part time and Hollywood. When she met Aiym, it was creative love at first sight. She had such charisma and talent and they clicked immediately. They started writing songs and it is a joy to sit down at the piano with her and let the muse flow. Arlene knew the missing ingredient was a great producer and through a series of “synchronicity” events, they were blessed with a fantastic Producer, musician, writer, Dean Dichoso. He was the special touch that they really needed and the three of them were up all night for days working on this exciting project.
As they continued to write the creativity was exploding into a unique sound. They are all music lovers of all kinds but the “retro” vibe of rock and roll is something they all agreed was special. As they dove deeper into the songwriting with some really great songs, Dean began to mold an amazing and unique sound for Aiym as an Artist.
Aiym and Arlene continue to have an incredibly special connection which has continued to grow not only in their professional life, but in their personal lives as well.
WHO IS AIYM & RUBY FALLS
AIYM & Ruby Falls is a unique blend of great retro rock & roll woven together with an edgy, current sound. With their signature blend of a “cinematic” feel coupled with very cool pop sensibilities to some of their tracks, they electrify the stage and pull you into their web of intensity, vulnerability, and a massive sound of rock & roll.
At the heart Ruby Falls, is a powerful, mesmerizing lead singer, Aiym Almas, and the brilliant multi-instrumentalist, guitar player & Producer, Dean Dichoso. Aiym’s beauty, rich and soulful edgy voice combined with Dean’s classical chops and fuel injected rock/pop sensibilities paves a path of the new music scene while feeling the pulse of bands like Pink Floyd, Zeppelin and Heart. Both Aiym and Dean are dynamic and experienced performers with their global appeal, and passion for music. AIYM & Ruby Falls is igniting the flames of the new music era as they blaze a path of this new generation of great rock & roll.
IN THE BEGINNING – AIYM & Ruby Falls was born from the vision of seasoned A&R Executive, songwriter / Producer and entrepreneur, Arlene Matza-Jackson. Writing with such greats as Kenny Loggins, Earth Wind & Fire, David Foster, to name a few, she has golden ears and an eye for unique & special talent. When she first discovered Aiym, her vision came to life when she masterminded the creative writing team of Aiym, herself and Dean Dichoso. Bringing it all together is Dean’s brilliant Productions and every song is a masterpiece of passion and a unique, creative blend of arrangements and power that command attention and light the way for the next great music scene. I feel so blessed to be working with these great talents!
Grand Illusion
“I love Rock & Roll” IS Arlene’s theme and one of her favorite writing projects is working with the dynamic and multi-talented Anders Rydholm and his Grammy nominated band, GRAND ILLUSION from Sweden. Anders found his way to her through their beloved friend, Sherwood Ball, and the creative sparks started to fly. She was fortunate to co-write two albums for the band GRAND ILLUSION. 1. BRAND NEW WORLD 2. PRINCE OF PAUPERS. As they continue their co-writing journey, it is such a high to collaborate with Anders. Both albums for Grand Illusion were released in Japan -Marquee Records Inc. (& Asian territories) as well as all over Europe/Germany Label AOR Heaven, and received rave reviews from the Asian and European press & Rock magazines.
In 2021, she co-wrote several songs with Anders for a project called ART OF ILLUSION- the album- “X MARKS THE SPOT”- Swedish Artist -LARS. He is an amazing singer and one of her favorite tracks she co-wrote is “Wild & Free”. Also released IN Japan/Europe. This was an incredibly special project, and she is proud to be a part of it.
With Anders, it was always such a rush and wild ride when he was sending her these amazing, well-produced tracks with a melody, and she would jump on to her computer writing so many lyrics her muse is on fire! She loved that he is in Sweden and she’s in L.A., and it was and continues to be great fun to wake up in the morning and hear what he has done with her lyrics and the song.
One of the things she loves the most about working with Anders is the “International/Global scene”. He finds such gifted musicians as Muris Varajic (from Bosnia), a brilliant guitar player who played his heart out on Gates of Fire! Ander’s always has so many fantastic guest musicians on his tracks that it’s exciting to hear what he does next! There is a song that she will treasure forever that she co-wrote with Anders, and is so proud of, “Gates of Fire”. The late and brilliant Paul Buckmaster honored them by doing an amazing string arrangement for this song and she is eternally grateful for this gift.
For the Grand Illusion albums, once we finished the songs, Anders came to L.A. and brought in the best of the best musicians into the studio. Greg Bissonnette, drummer extraordinaire (he played with such greats as Van Halen, David Lee Roth, and on so many records it would take forever to name them all.) Gregg is currently part of Ringo’s All-Star Band and is rockin’ it everywhere. Ander’s also had many killer guitar players (the A plus list and then some). Such greats as Steve Lukather (Luke- part of the band Toto and played on such fantastic albums as Elton John, Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, it goes on & on), Tim Pierce (starting with Rick Springfield, playing on tracks for Goo Goo dolls, Motley Crue, Crowded House, Bon Jovi, the list is a mile long of where he takes his great talent). Mike Slammer, killer guitar player from the cool English prog-rock band City Boy, also creating new bands with members of the band Kansas and playing on countless albums!! All the musicians are always crazy talented!
When covid hit, it felt like everyone held their breath! However, now that some time has passed and we are all breathing easier these days, Arlene is back in the saddle with her creative muse shining bright! THE MUSE IS BACK…MORE TO COME !
There have been many Artists crossing Arlene’s path through the years in her travels in A&R, at Musicians Institute, UCLA/Arts Dept, Burbank Music Academy and her wide and wonderful music circle of musicians, singers and producers. It is always a joy to find a “diamond in the rough” and polish the edges to make them shine. She wanted to honor a few very special Artists that really touched her heart.
Independent Artists (to name a few..)
Arlene has always believed “kindred souls” find each other and one day Michaela Paige (3rd runner up for THE VOICE- SEASON 2) came into her life, and what a blessing. Her longtime writing partner, co-teacher and dear friend Barry Kaye introduced them and they were off and running. Michaela is a true Artist in every way. Not only is she a fantastic singer with an amazing range, but a gifted songwriter as well. From her unique and cool/funky sense of style with the way she dresses to her awesome “ever changing hair colors & styles”, you cannot miss Michaela when she enters a room. With a ton of charisma and a great smile, you immediately are taken by her. She has a true sense of herself, and creative flow and it was an absolute joy to work with her. They co-wrote some great songs together with Arlene’s talented husband, Jon Jackson, and that was great fun. Michaela and Arlene wandered through many vintage clothing stores, meditated at the Lake Shrine (SRF) and spent wonderful times creating and talking about the meaning of life. She is a true gem.
Another very special Artist that came into her life was a young soul named Hadas. She was only 16 when Arlene met her and just beginning to emerge as a singer/songwriter finding her Artist heart. “She came into our studio to sing on a demo and WOW, she blew us away…what a talent being so young”. Hadas had a powerful, soulful voice (in an R&B/Pop vibe) and she truly had her own unique style. Arlene joined forces again with Adrian and started co-writing some amazing songs with Hadas and they developed her “sound” as an Artist. As luck would have it, Tommy Mottola (CEO of Sony/Columbia Records back then) heard some of their songs and loved her. Arlene was able to secure a deal for Hadas and she was signed to Sony/Columbia Records in 2000. Unfortunately, fate stepped in and in 2001 disaster hit and 911 destroyed the morale and economy of our country. It seemed like everyone’s heart stopped and no one knew what was going to happen. Like so many companies, Sony started consolidating their assets and letting go of some of their new Artist, Hadas being one of them. That was such a heartbreak for all of them, but Arlene has always believed in Hadas’ amazing talent.
Arlene had the good fortune of meeting a wonderful, talented Australian Artist named Tracy Bartelle through a very gifted musician/songwriter/producer named Adrian Peritore (stage name, Guy Perry when he was the guitar player for the formidable band, THE MOTELS). She and Adrian clicked right away, and they started co-writing, igniting the creative flame. Not only was Adrian a great musician but was a true lover of Artists like she was, and he brought Tracy into their circle, and off they went. The three of them co-wrote some very cool songs that ended up in TV shows. With Adrian at the helm as the Producer, they worked with Tracy creating some unique and interesting songs. As time passed, Tracy and Arlene began to co-write some songs together and it was a creative fest. Tracy is a gifted piano/keyboard player and has a keen sense and feel for “orchestral” sounds with a great ear, so they put together many tracks that are what she calls “the ethereal muse” and loved it.
Noa Dori came into Arlene’s life through her UCLA class and there were instant creative sparks. Originally from Israel, Noa is a global/International Artist singing in several languages. With her amazing Celine style vocal range and powerful voice, along with her beauty, she stands out as a one of a kind. Living in Israel, Italy, Greece, and now in California, Noa’s worldly travels and innate sophistication is a special touch between the two of them.
Noa was invited along with Adam Lambert by Steven Spielberg to sing the Israel & American National Anthem at the Anti-Defamation League dinner honoring Spielberg with the Democratic Legacy Award, and it was a joy for Arlene to join them.
Fortune shined on them both and Arlene invited the late Paul Buckmaster to join them. Needless to say, Paul’s brilliant orchestrations and incredible talent were a wonderful addition to their songwriting circle. Arlene will treasure those moments forever. Arlene and Noa continue to write and share their creative muse.
Wherever Arlene goes, her love of Artists always attracts some amazing souls into her world!
As she says, “I will always be “A&R at heart.”
Aiym came into Arlene’s life and the magic began. She is an International/ global Artist originally from Kazakhstan and was educated in England, now residing in London part time and Hollywood. When she met Aiym, it was creative love at first sight. She had such charisma and talent and they clicked immediately. They started writing songs and it is a joy to sit down at the piano with her and let the muse flow. Arlene knew the missing ingredient was a great producer and through a series of “synchronicity” events, they were blessed with a fantastic Producer, musician, writer, Dean Dichoso. He was the special touch that they really needed and the three of them were up all night for days working on this exciting project.
As they continued to write the creativity was exploding into a unique sound. They are all music lovers of all kinds but the “retro” vibe of rock and roll is something they all agreed was special. As they dove deeper into the songwriting with some really great songs, Dean began to mold an amazing and unique sound for Aiym as an Artist.
Aiym and Arlene continue to have an incredibly special connection which has continued to grow not only in their professional life, but in their personal lives as well.
WHO IS AIYM & RUBY FALLS
AIYM & Ruby Falls is a unique blend of great retro rock & roll woven together with an edgy, current sound. With their signature blend of a “cinematic” feel coupled with very cool pop sensibilities to some of their tracks, they electrify the stage and pull you into their web of intensity, vulnerability, and a massive sound of rock & roll.
At the heart Ruby Falls, is a powerful, mesmerizing lead singer, Aiym Almas, and the brilliant multi-instrumentalist, guitar player & Producer, Dean Dichoso. Aiym’s beauty, rich and soulful edgy voice combined with Dean’s classical chops and fuel injected rock/pop sensibilities paves a path of the new music scene while feeling the pulse of bands like Pink Floyd, Zeppelin and Heart. Both Aiym and Dean are dynamic and experienced performers with their global appeal, and passion for music. AIYM & Ruby Falls is igniting the flames of the new music era as they blaze a path of this new generation of great rock & roll.
IN THE BEGINNING – AIYM & Ruby Falls was born from the vision of seasoned A&R Executive, songwriter / Producer and entrepreneur, Arlene Matza-Jackson. Writing with such greats as Kenny Loggins, Earth Wind & Fire, David Foster, to name a few, she has golden ears and an eye for unique & special talent. When she first discovered Aiym, her vision came to life when she masterminded the creative writing team of Aiym, herself and Dean Dichoso. Bringing it all together is Dean’s brilliant Productions and every song is a masterpiece of passion and a unique, creative blend of arrangements and power that command attention and light the way for the next great music scene. I feel so blessed to be working with these great talents!
Grand Illusion
“I love Rock & Roll” IS Arlene’s theme and one of her favorite writing projects is working with the dynamic and multi-talented Anders Rydholm and his Grammy nominated band, GRAND ILLUSION from Sweden. Anders found his way to her through their beloved friend, Sherwood Ball, and the creative sparks started to fly. She was fortunate to co-write two albums for the band GRAND ILLUSION. 1. BRAND NEW WORLD 2. PRINCE OF PAUPERS. As they continue their co-writing journey, it is such a high to collaborate with Anders. Both albums for Grand Illusion were released in Japan -Marquee Records Inc. (& Asian territories) as well as all over Europe/Germany Label AOR Heaven, and received rave reviews from the Asian and European press & Rock magazines.
In 2021, she co-wrote several songs with Anders for a project called ART OF ILLUSION- the album- “X MARKS THE SPOT”- Swedish Artist -LARS. He is an amazing singer and one of her favorite tracks she co-wrote is “Wild & Free”. Also released IN Japan/Europe. This was an incredibly special project, and she is proud to be a part of it.
With Anders, it was always such a rush and wild ride when he was sending her these amazing, well-produced tracks with a melody, and she would jump on to her computer writing so many lyrics her muse is on fire! She loved that he is in Sweden and she’s in L.A., and it was and continues to be great fun to wake up in the morning and hear what he has done with her lyrics and the song.
One of the things she loves the most about working with Anders is the “International/Global scene”. He finds such gifted musicians as Muris Varajic (from Bosnia), a brilliant guitar player who played his heart out on Gates of Fire! Ander’s always has so many fantastic guest musicians on his tracks that it’s exciting to hear what he does next! There is a song that she will treasure forever that she co-wrote with Anders, and is so proud of, “Gates of Fire”. The late and brilliant Paul Buckmaster honored them by doing an amazing string arrangement for this song and she is eternally grateful for this gift.
For the Grand Illusion albums, once we finished the songs, Anders came to L.A. and brought in the best of the best musicians into the studio. Greg Bissonnette, drummer extraordinaire (he played with such greats as Van Halen, David Lee Roth, and on so many records it would take forever to name them all.) Gregg is currently part of Ringo’s All-Star Band and is rockin’ it everywhere. Ander’s also had many killer guitar players (the A plus list and then some). Such greats as Steve Lukather (Luke- part of the band Toto and played on such fantastic albums as Elton John, Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, it goes on & on), Tim Pierce (starting with Rick Springfield, playing on tracks for Goo Goo dolls, Motley Crue, Crowded House, Bon Jovi, the list is a mile long of where he takes his great talent). Mike Slammer, killer guitar player from the cool English prog-rock band City Boy, also creating new bands with members of the band Kansas and playing on countless albums!! All the musicians are always crazy talented!
When covid hit, it felt like everyone held their breath! However, now that some time has passed and we are all breathing easier these days, Arlene is back in the saddle with her creative muse shining bright! THE MUSE IS BACK…MORE TO COME !
There have been many Artists crossing Arlene’s path through the years in her travels in A&R, at Musicians Institute, UCLA/Arts Dept, Burbank Music Academy and her wide and wonderful music circle of musicians, singers and producers. It is always a joy to find a “diamond in the rough” and polish the edges to make them shine. She wanted to honor a few very special Artists that really touched her heart.
Independent Artists (to name a few..)
Arlene has always believed “kindred souls” find each other and one day Michaela Paige (3rd runner up for THE VOICE- SEASON 2) came into her life, and what a blessing. Her longtime writing partner, co-teacher and dear friend Barry Kaye introduced them and they were off and running. Michaela is a true Artist in every way. Not only is she a fantastic singer with an amazing range, but a gifted songwriter as well. From her unique and cool/funky sense of style with the way she dresses to her awesome “ever changing hair colors & styles”, you cannot miss Michaela when she enters a room. With a ton of charisma and a great smile, you immediately are taken by her. She has a true sense of herself, and creative flow and it was an absolute joy to work with her. They co-wrote some great songs together with Arlene’s talented husband, Jon Jackson, and that was great fun. Michaela and Arlene wandered through many vintage clothing stores, meditated at the Lake Shrine (SRF) and spent wonderful times creating and talking about the meaning of life. She is a true gem.
Another very special Artist that came into her life was a young soul named Hadas. She was only 16 when Arlene met her and just beginning to emerge as a singer/songwriter finding her Artist heart. “She came into our studio to sing on a demo and WOW, she blew us away…what a talent being so young”. Hadas had a powerful, soulful voice (in an R&B/Pop vibe) and she truly had her own unique style. Arlene joined forces again with Adrian and started co-writing some amazing songs with Hadas and they developed her “sound” as an Artist. As luck would have it, Tommy Mottola (CEO of Sony/Columbia Records back then) heard some of their songs and loved her. Arlene was able to secure a deal for Hadas and she was signed to Sony/Columbia Records in 2000. Unfortunately, fate stepped in and in 2001 disaster hit and 911 destroyed the morale and economy of our country. It seemed like everyone’s heart stopped and no one knew what was going to happen. Like so many companies, Sony started consolidating their assets and letting go of some of their new Artist, Hadas being one of them. That was such a heartbreak for all of them, but Arlene has always believed in Hadas’ amazing talent.
Arlene had the good fortune of meeting a wonderful, talented Australian Artist named Tracy Bartelle through a very gifted musician/songwriter/producer named Adrian Peritore (stage name, Guy Perry when he was the guitar player for the formidable band, THE MOTELS). She and Adrian clicked right away, and they started co-writing, igniting the creative flame. Not only was Adrian a great musician but was a true lover of Artists like she was, and he brought Tracy into their circle, and off they went. The three of them co-wrote some very cool songs that ended up in TV shows. With Adrian at the helm as the Producer, they worked with Tracy creating some unique and interesting songs. As time passed, Tracy and Arlene began to co-write some songs together and it was a creative fest. Tracy is a gifted piano/keyboard player and has a keen sense and feel for “orchestral” sounds with a great ear, so they put together many tracks that are what she calls “the ethereal muse” and loved it.
Noa Dori came into Arlene’s life through her UCLA class and there were instant creative sparks. Originally from Israel, Noa is a global/International Artist singing in several languages. With her amazing Celine style vocal range and powerful voice, along with her beauty, she stands out as a one of a kind. Living in Israel, Italy, Greece, and now in California, Noa’s worldly travels and innate sophistication is a special touch between the two of them.
Noa was invited along with Adam Lambert by Steven Spielberg to sing the Israel & American National Anthem at the Anti-Defamation League dinner honoring Spielberg with the Democratic Legacy Award, and it was a joy for Arlene to join them.
Fortune shined on them both and Arlene invited the late Paul Buckmaster to join them. Needless to say, Paul’s brilliant orchestrations and incredible talent were a wonderful addition to their songwriting circle. Arlene will treasure those moments forever. Arlene and Noa continue to write and share their creative muse.
Wherever Arlene goes, her love of Artists always attracts some amazing souls into her world!
As she says, “I will always be “A&R at heart.”