Biography

Born on the shores of Lake Superior in Thunder Bay Ontario, Arley Hughes has been inspired by this lush part of Canada her whole life. Living in Thunder Bay remains a constant reminder of her strength, determination, and ability as she takes on the Canadian Music Scene with the writing of her debut album Parts of Me.

In writing Parts of Me, Hughes set out to challenge herself creatively and push her own boundaries by honouring some of her first ever written songs with newer material. The result is an album that takes you on a trip with music that boasts a subdued folk vibe to heavier soul blues influences. From the moment you hear the album, it glimmers with a unique radiance that demands attention.

In recording her debut album, Hughes states that she became a much better songwriter in discipline and practice. Since 2004, she has honed her skill of writing and storytelling and is now moving head first into making music a career choice instead of just a hobby. She spent months leading up to the recording of the album working the songs and moving through any kinks with an open mind and heart as she allowed the songs to grow organically, taking on breath and a life of their own.

Hughes praises the support of her studio right hand man Ian Mcleod of Backlanes Audio who, she says, held her music with respect, and allowed it room to move and grow. Mcleod created an environment rich with care and integrity and played on several of the tracks, which helped Hughes bring her songs to new magical heights. Tracks like “Spark My Flame” and “Even if I Want to” were recorded with new layers filling out the tracks with amazing feel and detail. Elsewhere on tracks like “Stay Close to Home” and “Daddy Dreamer”, the pair took a more relaxed approach and created a vibe similar to Hughes' live stage performance - intimate, sultry and sweet.

From beginning to end, Hughes weaves her highly trained vocals in and out of her originals like a well oiled machine as the album takes you on a trip that leaves you wanting more.

Hughes' Musical influences- Powerhouse women vocalists Susan Tedechi, Etta James, and the greats - Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner. Blues legends Taj Mahal, Buddy Guy, and BB King as well as Jazz Queens Nina Simone, Billy Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald also held a strong influence on Hughes.

When Arley isn't writing or performing you can find her working her spiritual practice, painting, gardening, swimming, flying and encouraging others to follow their dreams.



HIGHLIGHTS:

Won the Thunder Bay Blues Societies' International Blues Competition in 2014 and got to compete as a quarter finalist on the world stage in Memphis Tn 2015
Played the Main Stage for the Thunder Bay Blues Fest in 2005, 2009, 2014, 2015,
Blues Showcase Winning Band - Thunder Bay Community Auditorium 2005
Blues Showcase Winning Band - Thunder Bay Community Auditorium - March 2008
Summer in the Parks Concert Series - Band Loose Cannon Marina Park, Thunder Bay - July 2014
Canada Day Concert Headliner - Band Loose Cannon Marina Park, Thunder Bay - July 2014
Graduated from Lakehead University Honours Bachelor of Music, Classical Voice 2006
Graduated from Lakehead University Bachelor of Education 2007
Voice, Piano, and Guitar teacher/coach from 2003 to December 2016
Obtained Reiki Mastery in 2012