Ovtlier Frontman Joey Arena Announces Upcoming Tour

When Joey Arena began discussing Ovtlier’s tour schedule for the year, he quickly acknowledged that it hasn’t been as packed or busy as fans might hope.

“I rescue senior dogs,” Arena shared with Chuck Armstrong on Loudwire Nights Tuesday (Aug. 27).

“I have a knack for welcoming a lot of heartbreak in my life … We were touring heavily last summer, and I got a call from my ex, who was watching one of my dogs at the time. He was a little long-haired chihuahua. I had just gotten off stage in Detroit and saw my phone lighting up in the back.”

When he checked his voicemail, it was his ex telling him to call back because she was racing to the emergency room. Arena grabbed an early flight out of Detroit the next morning, raced home, and spent six hours with his dog.

“I believe he waited for me to say goodbye,” Arena said.

“It was this moment where, for the first time in my life, I was like, ‘I don’t know if I can really keep doing music anymore.’ Not as far as writing and creating it, but more or less giving so much of myself to the road, the industry, and the music.”

Almost missing out on saying goodbye to his dog reminded Arena of the births of his nieces and nephews he’s missed or the funerals of close loved ones he couldn’t attend due to his tour schedule.

“It was just this moment of realization of trying to find a better balance in my life,” he admitted. “I want to eventually make so much money that I can build a sanctuary for all senior dogs. That’s my newfound purpose.”

Fortunately, as he pursues his love and passion for caring for senior dogs, Arena shared good news for fans, too.

“Long story short, [touring] is going to be ramped up. We’re going to be announcing another tour for the fall.”

Arena also shared insights about his work and collaborations on the show.

He spoke about what it was like collaborating with Chris Motionless on the song “Warriors” and feeling loved by the Motionless in White family. He also touched on why he’s recently focused on releasing singles instead of working on a full-length album and how hip-hop influences his vision for what’s possible with Ovtlier.

Joey Arena joined Loudwire Nights on Tuesday, Aug. 27; the show replays online, and you can tune in live every weeknight at 7 PM ET or on the Loudwire app. You can also see if the show is available on your local radio station and listen to interviews on-demand.