Brandon McSwain

Artist Information

Biography

Emerging from a background beginning in the typical middle class American family and spanning to the reality that suddenly hits when families are broken and the security blankets of childhood are prematurely stripped away, the power of music to transcend and unite became not only an avenue of expression and focus for Brandon the frontman, singer/songwriter of BMB, but also served as a dependable constant among the chaos in his life. It was this passion that led him to develop his musical talents and still continuously strive to push the boundaries of all that quality music can be.

The drive to travel and perform began early as Brandon toured Europe the summer of 1999 as a part of three National Honors performance groups including a jazz band, choir and symphonic band. Brandon landed a scholarship to ASU in 2000 and spent 4 years performing and honing this craft of songwriting. Beginning in 2004, he toured with an independent rock band throughout the East Coast, ranging from Miami to Canada and has since then formed the Brandon McSwain Band. Throughout the past five years, Brandon has worked with, or shared stages with artists such as: Nickel Creek, John Mayer, Sister Hazel, OAR, Matt Nathanson, Casting Crowns, Radial Angel and BarlowGirl.

Soulful lyrics and a solid musical backdrop that encompass each song play out as a chapter in the progression of the human spirit. The evident passion for music and live performance that each member possesses is contagious to anyone who comes out to see a show and it is this appeal that has led to an ever increasing fan base and demand for the bands appearance at venues throughout the East Coast.

The Brandon McSwain Band has been featured on the PBS special "Playing for Change" in Charlotte, NC. This featured artists including Bono of U2, Reggie McBride, Peter Bunetta, Roberto Luti, and many more world class musicians from around the world. The group was chosen for this spotlight due to their presence as a staple talent within the Charlotte music scene and the overall theme of BMB that music is a form of storytelling and the universal language that connects us all.

The Brandon McSwain Band continues to keep a very heavy tour schedule and explore where the music will lead them on stage, every night being different from the performance the night before.

In May of 2010 the Brandon McSwain Band hit the studio with 38 time Multi-platinum and Grammy Award winning Producer Andy Kravitz. Andy has worked with artists such as: Imogen Heap, Sting, Billy Joel, The Rolling Stones, Joan Osborne and James Taylor and Will Smith. "Back to Life & Dreaming" was released March of 2011.

Instrumentation

Ken Brashear - Drums & Percussion
John Myers - Bass
Chris Liepe - Electric Guitar
Brandon McSwain - Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars

Discography

"Brandon McSwain Band" (Self-titled) LP 2008

"BMB LIVE July 4th, 2009" (released only to LightHouse Fan Association Members)

"BMB LIVE in NoDa" (recorded August 1, 2009 in Charlotte's North Davidson Arts District)

"Back to Life & Dreaming" (recorded and produced by Grammy Awarded Producer Andy Kravitz in his Philadelphia, PA studio)

Official Website

http://www.brandonmcswainband.com

Links

• Brandon McSwain Band Official Website
• Facebook
• Twitter
• MySpace

Audio

• Back to Life and Dreaming
  Listen  
• Between the Lines
  Listen  
• Fall Away
  Listen  
• Save Me
  Listen  
• Eternal Hope
  Listen  
• 58 East
  Listen  
• Now that you're here
  Listen  
• Unseen
  Listen  
• Afraid - Brandon McSwain Band 2008
  Listen  
• You - Brandon McSwain Band 2008
  Listen  

Lyrics

• Back to Life and Dreaming
• Between the Lines
• Fall Away
• Save Me
• Eternal Hope
• 58 East
• Now that You're Here
• Unseen
• Afraid
• You

Video

Brandon McSwain VPK

Photo Gallery

Press

• CD REVIEW: Brandon McSwain Band - Brandon McSwain Band [+ Show ]
  

  The Brandon McSwain Band of North Carolina have a sound that can be described as 1/4 Funk, 1/4 Jazz,...The Brandon McSwain Band of North Carolina have a sound that can be described as 1/4 Funk, 1/4 Jazz, 1/4 R&B, and 1/4 Pop to equal one smooth sounding foursome. Think Dave Matthews Band injected with some R&B.
  
  Brandon McSwain is credited with songwriting duties and his lyrics seem to focus on love and Salvation, both lost and found again.
  
  The Rhythm section provides a spectacle of sounds. Joey Williams on bass and Ken Brashear on percussion turn an already good band into something special by transforming great melodies into grand jazz pieces. Steve Sensenig on keys adds a perfect layer between the rhythm section and Brandon's sultry voice.
  
  Recorded at Elevate Studios and mixed by Chris Liepe, the engineering and production efforts should be greatly credited for capturing the passion of this band on disc.
  
  Standout tracks are "Afraid", track 1 on the disc and one of the poppier tunes, asking 'Where are you going so fast?'; "The Way", a slower jam, boasts 'I'm falling harder, faster this time'; "She", with opening drum rolls to accent an electric guitar riff; and the beautifully acoustic closer "Audible Silence", which reminds us that God is always speaking if we only choose to listen.
  
  Don't miss out on this CD. Visit their myspace page to download songs: http://www.myspace.com/brandonmcswainband
  
  Verdict: Brandon McSwain Band's self-titled CD will be a welcome ambiance for a candlelight dinner or a dinner party. Soulful, powerful, and passionate, these fellas play music to fill the rafters of cathedrals and amphitheatres alike.
  
  by: Jarrod Brogdon

• Marc Hanes - Venue Manager [+ Show ]
  

  "When the Brandon McSwain Band steps up to the stage their great fusion of rock, jazz and chamber mu..."When the Brandon McSwain Band steps up to the stage their great fusion of rock, jazz and chamber music sounds fusion wins new fans with every show and if you catch them live you're likely to be the next. Their original songs build in energy and it’s clear that the band members feed off each other as the jams gain intensity. By the middle of the set we can always count on the audience being intrigued by which new direction the music will go in. If any venue wants to book a band with a different, unique sound and great stage presence they should check out this band!"
  
  ~Marc Hanes
  Manager
  The Wine Room at Afton Village
  Concord, NC
  

• Album Review: Brandon McSwain Band - Brandon McSwain Band [+ Show ]
  

  This album is magnificent. Brandon's approach to singing is so emotive, so honest and transparent. I...This album is magnificent. Brandon's approach to singing is so emotive, so honest and transparent. It's very clear that he puts everything he has into his music. What's more, his voice has an unparalleled sweetness and purity about it. He's very capable of controlling it and using it properly. When he sings, he does so meticulously and yet with great freedom. Having heard him perform in person, I can say that his music pulls you in and keeps you engaged, and once it ends, you're left wanting more. My appetite for his artistry is seldom satiated. His intensely passionate lyrics and superior musicianship have gained my respect and appreciation. Well done.
  
  The other musicians on the album are very good, too. They each have a great feel for the style of music they're all trying to portray individually and as a group. The talents and techniques of each one mesh well and result in an outstanding finished product. This album is well worth the money and well worth your time to investigate. I look forward to hearing their future work and will continue to enjoy this, their first disc. May there be many more.
  
  ~Emily Foote
  

• Kannapolis Intimidators , Single [+ Show ]
  

  "The Kannapolis Intimidators,would like to formally thank you for your musical performance on Thursd..."The Kannapolis Intimidators,would like to formally thank you for your musical performance on Thursday, April 30th before our game. We had many positive comments from our fans in attendance. Your music was a great addition to our evening, and your professionalism and positive attitudes contributed to the enjoyment by our fans. I hope you enjoyed the evening as much as we did."
  
  Greg Pizzuto
  Director of Group Sales
  Kannapolis Intimidators
  Single "A" Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox

• Chris - Backhead Productions [+ Show ]
  

  "Every experience with the Brandon McSwain Band has been just awesome. These guys really know how t..."Every experience with the Brandon McSwain Band has been just awesome. These guys really know how to groove! They have a professional attitude and really put their art first, interact well with any crowd I've seen them with and seem to be getting a good deal of attention lately thanks to their consistent show schedule. They need to play a few shows in Colorado!!"
  
  ~Chris
  BackHead Productions
  Producer
  Recording Engineer

• Nathan Caparolie - Elevate Studio Productions [+ Show ]
  

  "The Brandon McSwain Band stands out in a crowd for their unique musical blend and depth of talent. ..."The Brandon McSwain Band stands out in a crowd for their unique musical blend and depth of talent. Brandon bears his soul in his lyrics and vocals and the band follows suit with rich sounds you rarely hear in contemporary music. From the studio to the stage they're the real thing!"
  
  ~Nathan Caparolie
  Elevate Studio Productions

Setlist

Originals:
Back to Life and Dreaming
Afraid
Between the Lines
Fall Away
Save Me
Hold On
Eternal Hope
58 East
Now that You're Here
Unseen
Winter's End
Best Friend
Dreams
The Way
Mis Leading Lady
Just Wanted to Say
She
Ordinary Life
You
My Beloved
Summers Day
My Love
Audible Silence

Covers Library:
Edge of Desire - John Mayer
Funny the Way it is - Dave Matthews Band
Need You Now - Lady Antebellum
Use Somebody - Kings of Leon
You and Me - Dave Matthews Band
You Found Me - The Fray
Only Hope - Switchfoot
All Around Me - Flyleaf
Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley
Gravity - John Mayer
Your Body is a Wonderland - John Mayer
Grey Street - Dave Matthews Band
No Such Thing - John Mayer
You and I both - Jason Mraz
I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
Rolling in the Deep - Adele
Lets stay Together - Al Green
Heartless - Kanye West/The Fray
Just the Way You are - Bruno Mars
I'm in Love with a Girl - Gavin Degraw
Beautiful Day - U2
One - U2
With or Without You - U2
All Along the Watchtower - Hendrix
Gravity - Sara Bareilles
The Way I Feel - Matt Wertz
Meant to Live - Switchfoot

Basic Requirements

Calendar