What are your name?
Michael Boris and AC Jones
What is the band’s name?
Arbor North
How did you come up with the band’s name?
When we set out to select a name for our duo, it was really important to the both of us that the name have something to do with distance and time. This was for two reasons: first, we both believe that our meeting was something that was divinely orchestrated at the right time, and the right place. And secondly, up until we were married, we were in a long distance relationship, so both distance and time were incredibly important and influential factors to us. The word “arbor” has to do with time, as an arbor is the spindle or axel that is a found in a clock or pocket watch around which the hands of time revolve. The word “north” indicates distance and gives a nod to the fact that we are both originally from the northern states of New York and Ohio. “North” also has this upward or positive feeling to it, which gives a sense of hope and wonder. It took us a long time to land on a name that felt just right, and we tried a ton of different combinations – but from the minute we came up with Arbor North – we just couldn’t imagine being called anything else.
What is your genre of music?
Our sonic landscape combines modern country, rock, soul, and a little bit of funk coupled with lyrical content that is heartfelt and autobiographical. We strive to write and self-produce music that is fun, memorable, and nostalgic.
Give us a little bio about you.
With northern grit and southern charm, Arbor North was the result of a divine appointment – decades in the making – that just happened to occur in the right place at exactly the right time. Michael Boris (of the former country trio, Lockeland) met country artist, AC Jones at a music industry event in Nashville, Tennessee in 2020. Later that year, over text messages, phone calls, and Facetimes, the two began a long distance relationship which led to an “I do” on a beautiful Sunday in October of 2021. However, it wouldn’t be until almost two years after that first meeting that their musical paths would collide to create Arbor North. Between AC Jones and Michael Boris are 5 Music Row Country Breakout Chart singles (with 4 singles going Top 40) and 2 Billboard Indicator charting singles.
What made you go into music?
We both have a long legacy of musicians in our families. While it was never forced on either of us, it was something we both fell in love with at an early age. For AC, it started with singing in church, performing in school and community musicals, and learning a few chords on the guitar from her father and how to sing harmonies with her sister and mother. For Michael, it began with participating in Fife and Drum Corps. when he was 11 years old and learning the art of drumming from his father.
Who are your influences?
The two of us both have uniquely different influences that help shape our sound as Arbor North. Growing up, AC was heavily influenced by many legendary country artists, as well as other genres including CCM, indie folk/rock/soul, and 80s rock. Michael was also brought up with a love for many genres including country, CCM, rock (both modern & classic), R&B, funk, soul, and jazz. Some of our shared influences include The Eagles, Lady A, Sugarland / Jennifer Nettles, Rascal Flatts, Little Big Town, Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Jo Dee Messina, Amos Lee, Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean, Thompson Square, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Chicago, Journey, Queen, AC/DC, and many others
Are you signed?
No, we are currently independent!
You released your debut single ‘All The Right Mistakes’, tell us more about the single.
The two of us co-wrote this song with esteemed Nashville songwriter, Bill DiLuigi on June 10, 2021. As we were searching for titles to potentially work on, knowing that we were a duo, Bill suggested a title that he’d had in his back pocket for a while. That title was “All the Right Mistakes”. This hit us so powerfully right out of the gate, because the story of how we found each other was the result of two roads – once paved with heartbreak, pain, and yes… mistakes – merging to give us the happy ending we had always prayed for.
What is the meaning behind the single?
This song is about how all the twists and turns that life brings, including the choices and mistakes we make, are all part of a divine purpose. It felt like the perfect debut single for us because it had this autobiographical feel that gave a glimpse into all of the highs and lows that led us to each other, and ultimately, to Arbor North. It was like an introduction to a novel – giving the listener a window to the past while also setting the stage for what is to come.
What was the writing and recording process like?
As far as the writing process goes, we wrote the song in one session, and it was one of those co-writes where each lyric, melody, and chord came so naturally. It was truly an inspired write, and we parted with an incredible energy. There was no doubt in our minds that we wanted to cut this song. With the two of us self-producing our music, the strength of the song really aided in the process. When it came to recording it, we knew that we wanted driving, powerful production with strong electric guitars, anthemic drums, and a thunderous bass line. In addition, we also wanted elements of divine, ethereal mystery which can be heard in the haunting melodies of the steel guitar, pads, and strings. We recorded the tracks at The Blue Grotto, in Nashville, Tennessee. The two of us feel so fortunate to have surrounded ourselves with some of the best studio players & audio engineers in the music industry. Working with all of these individuals never feels like “work”. The studio is always filled with energy, enthusiasm, and many laughs between friends.
Describe the track in two words.
Hopeful Retrospect
Who did you work with on the single?
The musicians on the track are as follows:
– Kyle Pudenz: Mandolin
– Erik Coveney: Bass
– Sasha Ostrovsky: Steel Guitar
– Robert Williams: Electric Guitar
– Jonathan Wyndham: Acoustic / Electric Guitar
– Michael Boris: Vocals / Drums / Percussion / Strings & Programming
– AC Jones: Vocals
– Sean Spence: Recording Engineer
– Mark Lonsway: Mixing
– Andrew Darby at Georgetown Masters: Mastering
Will we see a Music video for ‘All The Right Mistakes’, what can we expect from the creative process?
While there is no current plan for a fully produced music video for “All the Right Mistakes” there are plans for some incredibly special music videos for our future singles – with some very unique footage.
Will we see an EP or Album and if so, can you give us a teaser of what to expect?
While we do plan on releasing our songs in a physical CD format as an EP, we are very much taking the “single” approach when it comes to releasing each song digitally. With this type of single-based rollout, we can do a deeper dive on each song, its meaning, and how it came to be.
Do you have any live shows or a tour coming up and if so let us know where we can catch you at?
We do! We currently have some shows in the Nashville area in the works (TBA soon). We are also confirmed to play at the Millport Country Music Festival in Millport, Scotland on August 20th, and we are also currently working on securing other shows in the UK (dates forthcoming).
What else can we expect in 2022?
More music, married life antics, live shows, a very special music video (or two), and possibly the release of other creative projects outside of music
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Continuing to make music that we love and hopefully, bringing joy to those who listen to it! We currently both have day jobs, and would love for this project to take off in a way that it can become our full time career.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
The biggest one that we always say to each other is “You, Me, and Jesus”. It’s our way of saying that no matter what, as long as the Lord is at the center, it’s all going to be okay.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
-The pre-show prayer
-Setlists
-Our instruments / mics
– A myriad of different beverages that all serve different purposes (room temp water for hydration, hot tea to keep the chords warm, etc.)
-The lyrics (hahaha)
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube at ArborNorthMusic and at www.ArborNorthMusic.com. Our music is available for streaming and purchase on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, and all of your favorite streaming/ downloading sites.