BeatCrave Exclusive: Brett Dennen Interview

BeatCrave brings you artist, Brett Dennen, in this exclusive interview. After playing guitar in backing bands for several notable artists, Brett’s incredible songwriting skills began to surface and unfold as he finally began to put out his own music. His latest album, Hope for the Hopeless, may be his strongest conception yet. With lyrics that evoke purpose and state of mind, Brett’s distinctive vocals lying on top of afrobeat infused folk-pop compositions has helped him come out of the shadows as an artist.

Tonight, Brett is playing at Schubas in Chicago and at Rams Head in Baltimore tomorrow night. Are you fretting because you can’t make either of these shows? No worries. Brett has just started a national tour and will be playing shows through April!

Make sure to check out his MySpace for all the tour dates but for now, learn a little more about the red haired singer-songwriter in our exclusive interview below!

Afterwards, listen to his song, “Make You Crazy” and watch the video!

How long have you been playing the guitar?

Sixteen years.

You’ve played in backing bands for various artists. Have you always been a lyrical songwriter or did that come after mastering your instrumental skill?

It slowly crept out of me. I kept it hidden for a while.

Your music is uplifting in such a refreshing way. As an artist, do you feel that music is more for your self-expression or for others to hear it?

It’s more for others to hear it. If it were more for just my self expression, I probably wouldn’t spend so much time touring.

You’ve been likened to Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan. How do you feel about this?

I think it’s great. Those guys are my heroes.

Music is also a very influential medium. What was performing for swing states like?

I think everywhere you go, you can find like minded people. Even if they don’t completely agree with me politically, it’s never like I play in front of crowds who don’t believe in what I stand for.

Did you hope your album, Hope for the Hopeless, could help the process of change?

I did. I hope it inspires people.

Where were you when you found out Barack Obama had been elected President?

I was in the middle of singing a song in front of three hundred people at the W Hotel in Seattle. We had two giant TV screens behind us showing CNN. People started screaming like crazy. I turned around and just stared in amazement.

There are so many elements in your music. They range from afro-beat to acoustic folk. Has your songwriting process changed while you were making this last album?

A little bit. I try to be more concise these days. I’ve been trying to use less to say more.

What’s the greatest thing you’ve learned while you worked with producer, Matt Wallace?

I actually didn’t end up working with him. I ended up working with John Alagia. John taught me how to pay more attention to melody and phrasing.

You seem to work with a lot of charities. How did you get involved with so many?

I’m always looking for non profits to partner with. We bring them out to my shows to speak to the audience about what they do, and how people can get involved.

What’s your favorite part about being on tour?

I like to hold my head out of the window while we drive at night.

Quick-Fire Round:
What was the last great book you’ve read?

Under The Banner of Heaven by John Krakauer.

What has been your favorite album purchase within the last year?

The David Byrne/Brian Eno record.

What would your dream meal be?

Fish tacos, sushi, and oysters.

Tell us one thing about you we probably don’t already know.

I can’t smell.

Photography courtesy of Downtown Music