On the road to Pittsburgh for yet another performance, Ari Hest doesn't have much time to gaze out the window and admire highway scenery. It's Day Two of life after "major label release", and getting the word out about the CD seems more like a full-time job than playing his guitar does. 

He recalls the previous day's activities, when he was surprisingly energized for the many album promotion events. First it was an interview on CNN, then a Borders Bookstore show, and on to a signing and another show for the New York City singer-songwriter.

"It was packed with fun," says 24-year-old Hest, who just released the 12-track masterpiece Someone to Tell, produced by David Rolfe (Rufus Wainwright, Patty Griffin). On the album, Hest's combination of heart, soul, strong sense of melody, and a gimmick-free approach to classic pop songcraft has resulted in an album that promises hook-laden bluesy acoustic rock with an introspective flair. 

Today's travels in Pennsylvania will begin another slue of concerts and more album promotion events. The goal is simply to get his music out there, and Hest realizes exactly how difficult that work can be. Still, he's enjoying every minute of potential stardom. After growing his own fan base due to years on the road, he's looking onward as far as how far he can go with the assistance of Columbia Records. The sky seems to be the limit for the six-foot-something acoustic rocker.

Although other labels were interested, Hest signed with Columbia in March because of the record deal itself, and the label's stability. 

"This was the right one," he said of his choice to partner with Columbia. Hest said he is hoping that people get the idea that label's aren't the enemy, while maintaining a strong relationship with his fans. Hest believes that signing with a label doesn't have to be a negative thing as many music lovers may think. He believes the distribution services a label can provide are an invaluable tool for musicians. 

"I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing and Columbia is letting me do this," he said.

Even though eight of the songs on his new CD were previously released on his three indie albums, Hest still believes there are more people out there that have yet to hear and enjoy his music—-hence the need to refresh his older material. His first single, "They're On To Me" appeared on his preceding album, Story After Story. And even though his older fans who are accustomed to the song may find it "old" as it comes out on the radio to the rest of the world as "new", Hest hopes they understand his decision. "These are songs that need to be heard by more than a few thousand people," he said. The decision to release "They're On To Me" as his first single was a mutual decision between him and the label, added Hest.

A new intro to "Aberdeen" spices up the song from its previous recordings, as does a jazzy horn addition in "Consistency." In addition, some slight changes to tracks such as "Holding On" and "Monsters" tweaked the album to perfection. "We did some little things to enhance the quality of the songs," Hest added. The newer songs "A Fond Farewell" and "Not For Long" boast the same amount of bluesy acoustic rock energy melded with sensitivity and tenderness as Hest's earlier material.

Most of the musicians currently playing with Hest also recorded the album with him in Los Angeles. Now that the recording is complete and the CD has hit stores nationwide, promotional events continue. Hest will be touring this September with acoustic rock moguls Griffin House, and will play alongside Jason Mraz and the Dave Matthews Band in the beginning of the month. A college tour will continue through the end of the year. He will be participating in a number of concert food drives to support local food banks as well. 

"I'm looking forward to seeing how well it does," said Hest of his new album.  For more, visit www.arihest.com .