For the past ten years, Brett Dennen – with his poet’s perspective, off-kilter vocals, insane sense of humor, and limitless musical freedom – has turned dancing like no one’s watching into a lifestyle. As a songwriter, performer, watercolor artist, and environmental conservationist and outdoorsman, the shows he performs and the events he hosts generate more than good vibes. His impact has been to gather like-minded music fans to consistently try to make the world a better place.
As a young man in Northern California, Dennen’s passion for environmental conservation and his outrage at injustice led him to work as a camp counselor for at-risk youth. There, he used music as a teaching tool. Through song, he could pull different demographics of kids together, he could communicate in a different way with those who found trouble finding their own words, and obviously…guitar + bonfire = good times.
When Brett began to pursue recording and touring professionally, neither his voice nor his intentions changed. His debut album in 2007 kickstarted a career that uses every color of the musical palate. So much so, that with each song, the “musical math” to summarize his sound shifts. From Paul-Simon-meets-Bob-Marley to Violent-Femmes-meets-Buddy-Holly – it’s all there over an absolutely iridescent catalogue.
As with any true artist, Brett’s talent surpasses music. He is an incredible painter who focuses on watercolor, a wine lover with his own vintage, and an organizer whose annual “Lift Series” and “Vacationer Series,” held in mountain ski towns and beaches, respectively, combine music with activities and conservation.
Here’s Looking At You Kid was released in August 2018 as the second half of a two-part EP collaboration with Dan Wilson (Semisonic, Adele, Dixie Chicks) on Downtown Records. The first EP, entitled Let’s… was released Feb. 2018 and included “Already Gone,” which rose to #3 on BDS AAA and #4 on MB AAA.
Dennen recently wrapped up a summer tour with Jason Mraz followed by a fall headlining tour. Previously tours include John Mayer, Dave Mathews Band, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Pete Murray, Michael Franti, and others.
