Biography
Van Arlo – Official Bio
Van Arlo is the indie-acoustic project of Ohio-based singer-songwriter Ben Marthey, whose music blends raw vulnerability with cinematic arrangements and roots-driven storytelling. Inspired by artists like City and Colour, Zach Bryan, and Gregory Alan Isakov, Van Arlo crafts songs that feel lived-in — equal parts grit and grace — with lyrics that speak directly to the restless heart.
Known for its emotionally charged live performances, Van Arlo has earned regional acclaim and national attention, recently being nominated for Best New Artist at the Cleveland Music Awards. The project has been featured on NPR’s Ideastream and the Fox 8 Morning Show, expanding its reach to audiences looking for authenticity in a saturated musical landscape.
Van Arlo has opened for national touring acts including Birdtalker at the House of Blues Cleveland and continues to build momentum through standout performances at iconic venues like The Bluebird Café and Commodore Grille in Nashville, The Rialto Theatre in Akron, and the House of Blues Crossroads Stage, where the band remains a recurring presence. The project also headlined Cleveland Beer Week’s Farm Fest, further cementing its reputation for delivering moving, crowd-connecting shows.
At its core, Van Arlo is not just a band — it’s a musical conversation about longing, resilience, and the search for meaning. With roots in Northeast Ohio and eyes set on a broader horizon, Van Arlo is steadily becoming a name synonymous with honest songwriting and unforgettable live moments
