Brett Young

Brett Young

6’7? LA based Singer/Songwriter, Brett Young, hails from Orange County, California; that huber rich pocket of planned communities, with the perfectly manicured lawns and weather to match. There are several things that make Brett Young a fine musician–aside from his debonair style and offhandedly great looks. His soul filled voice, lyrically clever pop ballads, stage presence, magnetism, talented craftsmanship and ability to combine all these traits into a well arranged blueprint for success. But what is even more special about Brett, is his confidence, which translates into a genuine sense of giving and collaboration with his contemporaries. He is never afraid to share his stage, and he has many from Santa Monica to Hollywood, The Hotel Cafe to The Montage, Portland to San Diego, which makes seeing Brett perform live, such a treat. You never know who is going to be his guest; from various players on the hit show, The Voice to Gavin DeGraw. This level of aplomb and altruism, are rare qualities for someone of his age, and we find it inspiring in this era of musical evolution. It is this alchemy that makes Brett Young truly great and an Artist to Watch in 2012.
- The Noise Beneath The Apple

Brett Young

6’7? LA based Singer/Songwriter, Brett Young, hails from Orange County, California; that huber rich pocket of planned communities, with the perfectly manicured lawns and weather to match. There are several things that make Brett Young a fine musician–aside from his debonair style and offhandedly great looks. His soul filled voice, lyrically clever pop ballads, stage presence, magnetism, talented craftsmanship and ability to combine all these traits into a well arranged blueprint for success. But what is even more special about Brett, is his confidence, which translates into a genuine sense of giving and collaboration with his contemporaries. He is never afraid to share his stage, and he has many from Santa Monica to Hollywood, The Hotel Cafe to The Montage, Portland to San Diego, which makes seeing Brett perform live, such a treat. You never know who is going to be his guest; from various players on the hit show, The Voice to Gavin DeGraw. This level of aplomb and altruism, are rare qualities for someone of his age, and we find it inspiring in this era of musical evolution. It is this alchemy that makes Brett Young truly great and an Artist to Watch in 2012.
- The Noise Beneath The Apple

Hotel Cafe, Brett Young, Jason Adamo Band, Charity and More…”

by Heather Jacks, Music Journalist

I worked in my first radio job in the eighties; college radio–KTEC in Klamath Falls, Oregon. College radio in the eighties was like the wild-wild west; there were few rules, everything went and there was a sense of purpose; we were justified in our song choices and we mattered. We filled our little corner of the universal airwaves with low budget labels, whose artists, with their deeply rooted sense of DIY autonomy left them to freely create and explore sounds and themes that did not appeal to the mainstream. Even then I was calling my show Indie Rocks. I received cases of over sized, 12? vinyl singles, (some which I still have); The Smiths, Lords of the New Church, Agent Orange, Ebn-Ozn, Bob & Bob, Afrika Bambaataa, The Addicts and more.

Today, the record industry is broken; but the music industry is thriving; and at the heart of this resurrection are independent musicians. And we always love the opportunity to celebrate them.

In one week, Tuesday, January 24th; we will be joining Brett Young and a host of talented, independent artists for a night of good drinks, great music and charity at one of our favorite venues, Hotel Cafe, in Hollywood, California.

Hotel Cafe is a fabulous space, with a New York vibe; exposed brick, wooden bar, hardwood floors, intimate stage and great sound. But what makes Hotel Cafe special to us, is their consistent support of independent musicians coupled with their ability to always present the best of those musicians; those who have earned their stripes, so to speak. Tuesday’s lineup is stellar.

It will serve as Singer/Songwriter Brett Young‘s CD release party. Produced by the masterful Jay Ollero, the new music is laced with funky, groovy beats. Happy, peppy–dare I say–poppy? It promises to be a radio friendly collection, that may well launch Brett into even greater peaks.

Fresh off their performance at NAMM, the Jason Adamo Band, will be sharing the stage and new music. Jason by himself is always a treat; with his soulful voice and ability to entrance audiences; but with the entire band, it is sure to bring the walls down. Spoiler alert for the ladies; Shedrick Williams on drums is a sight to see and hear. Be prepared to swoon.

I’m looking forward to native New Yorker and current San Francisco transplant, Chi McClean. Think Neil Young meets Jack Johnson.

The evening consists of: Brett Young, Jason Adamo Band, Dylan Chambers,Donovan Lyman,Aaron Beaumont,Jay Ollero,Justin Hopkins and Didi Benami. WIth such an amazing lineup, we thought we would take the next week to introduce you to each of this musicians.

All of the artists are donating their evening’s proceeds to The A21 Campaign, an organization committed to ending human trafficking.
To get things rolling, check out our podcast–turned ‘virtual scrapbook’, with Brett Young, who spearheaded this show and charity event.

After all these years, record labels come and go; stars rise and fall, but it’s good to know that Indie still Rocks.
- The Noise Beneath The Apple

Hotel Cafe, Brett Young, Jason Adamo Band, Charity and More…”

by Heather Jacks, Music Journalist

I worked in my first radio job in the eighties; college radio–KTEC in Klamath Falls, Oregon. College radio in the eighties was like the wild-wild west; there were few rules, everything went and there was a sense of purpose; we were justified in our song choices and we mattered. We filled our little corner of the universal airwaves with low budget labels, whose artists, with their deeply rooted sense of DIY autonomy left them to freely create and explore sounds and themes that did not appeal to the mainstream. Even then I was calling my show Indie Rocks. I received cases of over sized, 12? vinyl singles, (some which I still have); The Smiths, Lords of the New Church, Agent Orange, Ebn-Ozn, Bob & Bob, Afrika Bambaataa, The Addicts and more.

Today, the record industry is broken; but the music industry is thriving; and at the heart of this resurrection are independent musicians. And we always love the opportunity to celebrate them.

In one week, Tuesday, January 24th; we will be joining Brett Young and a host of talented, independent artists for a night of good drinks, great music and charity at one of our favorite venues, Hotel Cafe, in Hollywood, California.

Hotel Cafe is a fabulous space, with a New York vibe; exposed brick, wooden bar, hardwood floors, intimate stage and great sound. But what makes Hotel Cafe special to us, is their consistent support of independent musicians coupled with their ability to always present the best of those musicians; those who have earned their stripes, so to speak. Tuesday’s lineup is stellar.

It will serve as Singer/Songwriter Brett Young‘s CD release party. Produced by the masterful Jay Ollero, the new music is laced with funky, groovy beats. Happy, peppy–dare I say–poppy? It promises to be a radio friendly collection, that may well launch Brett into even greater peaks.

Fresh off their performance at NAMM, the Jason Adamo Band, will be sharing the stage and new music. Jason by himself is always a treat; with his soulful voice and ability to entrance audiences; but with the entire band, it is sure to bring the walls down. Spoiler alert for the ladies; Shedrick Williams on drums is a sight to see and hear. Be prepared to swoon.

I’m looking forward to native New Yorker and current San Francisco transplant, Chi McClean. Think Neil Young meets Jack Johnson.

The evening consists of: Brett Young, Jason Adamo Band, Dylan Chambers,Donovan Lyman,Aaron Beaumont,Jay Ollero,Justin Hopkins and Didi Benami. WIth such an amazing lineup, we thought we would take the next week to introduce you to each of this musicians.

All of the artists are donating their evening’s proceeds to The A21 Campaign, an organization committed to ending human trafficking.
To get things rolling, check out our podcast–turned ‘virtual scrapbook’, with Brett Young, who spearheaded this show and charity event.

After all these years, record labels come and go; stars rise and fall, but it’s good to know that Indie still Rocks.
- The Noise Beneath The Apple

by Heather Jacks, Music Journalist

Gearing up for his new record, which will debut at the renowned Hotel Cafe on Tuesday, January 24th, we caught up with Singer/Songwriter, Brett Young for a few minutes on TNBTA® Radio. Brett’s upcoming album, which is produced by the ultra talented Jay “Wallstreet” Ollero, promises to bring some hip/hop grooves and upbeat tempos to the work. The album release celebration, is also a benefit for The A 21 Campaign, an organization devoted to aiding and assisting the victims of human trafficking; as well as working towards the end of this crime.

Opening for Brett and fresh off their appearance at NAMM, will be The Jason Adamo Band, from Raleigh, North Carolina.

To connect with Brett Young: http://www.brettyoungmusic.com
- TNBTA® Radio

by Heather Jacks, Music Journalist

Gearing up for his new record, which will debut at the renowned Hotel Cafe on Tuesday, January 24th, we caught up with Singer/Songwriter, Brett Young for a few minutes on TNBTA® Radio. Brett’s upcoming album, which is produced by the ultra talented Jay “Wallstreet” Ollero, promises to bring some hip/hop grooves and upbeat tempos to the work. The album release celebration, is also a benefit for The A 21 Campaign, an organization devoted to aiding and assisting the victims of human trafficking; as well as working towards the end of this crime.

Opening for Brett and fresh off their appearance at NAMM, will be The Jason Adamo Band, from Raleigh, North Carolina.

To connect with Brett Young: http://www.brettyoungmusic.com
- TNBTA® Radio

By ROBERT KINSLER / Special to the Register

A few years ago, Brett Young was a promising pitcher at Fresno State whose future seemed to be that of a hurler headed for a career in the big leagues.

After a serious elbow injury put an end to his goal of being a professional athlete, he had time to rediscover his love of music and has since emerged as one of Orange County's most promising singer-songwriters.

BRETT YOUNG: The singer-songwriter began performing while he was a student at Calvary Chapel High School in Costa Mesa.

Young's self-titled debut, released in 2007, boasts an array of authentic and heartfelt songs that effortlessly mix together rock, blues, folk and soul in a way that recalls the artful approach of genre-blending heroes as Gavin DeGraw, John Mayer and Tyrone Wells.

"The only way to have longevity is to have good songs," Young said this week. "John Mayer will be around forever, like the Eagles and Eric Clapton. It's your songs."

Increasingly, discerning listeners are getting the chance to hear those songs. On Aug. 10, Young performed on an outstanding bill with Tyler Hilton, Terra Naomi, Kelley James, John West and several other artists as part of the sold-out 3 Hour Tour IV, an afternoon concert event staged on a yacht cruising through Newport Harbor.

The unique setting allowed Young to perform with many of the other performers, including Caitlin Crosby.

"It was cool," Young said of the chance to appear in front of so many music lovers in Newport Beach. "Caitlin Crosby and I were able to do one of our songs we wrote together. At the end, we (all of the musicians) did a Bob Marley song and even a Journey song."

The Westminster resident's introduction to a musical career began in the late 1990s when he was attending Calvary Chapel High School in Costa Mesa.

"I started helping the worship leader on Friday mornings," explained Young, noting his initial participation was simply playing some guitar. However, one week he was told that the leader of the band was going to be gone one Friday and he would have to lead hundreds of students in song.

"At that point, I had never sung in front of anyone. He tossed me into the fire and it didn't go half-bad."

However, while Young enjoyed singing and playing guitar, baseball seemed to loom large in his future. During his senior year, Young helped lead his high school squad to a 28-1 record and a CIF championship, going 15-0 with a 0.90 ERA and 130 strikeouts that year.

"I was playing college baseball, injured my elbow and was not able to pitch anymore," Young recalled. "Actually, Gavin DeGraw is the reason I started playing music again. I heard his first album (2004's 'Chariot') and said 'I could do this.' I followed him around and saw him 12 times. He is such a great performer and good singer."

Young is a fan of many of the artists whose styles draw natural comparisons with his own, but his sound - and songs - are clearly his own. Tracks such as the emotionally-charged "Define Me," alt country-tinged "Fly" and chiming "I'm the One You Need" strike with plenty of authenticity.

"In terms of themes, (it's usually) sadness and heartbreak. When you go through something difficult, it's much easier to write about it," Young said.

"I have to be inspired to write a song."

Young says one of the reasons he enjoys playing at intimate venues such as the Hotel Caf? in Los Angeles, Plush Caf? in Fullerton and as part of the recent 3 Hour Tour music cruise is the opportunity for him to make a strong connection with fans who love music.

"I'm very approachable and want to meet everybody."

Information: www.MySpace.com/BrettYoungsMusic.

Contact the writer: rockwrite@yahoo.com
- The Orange County Register

By ROBERT KINSLER / Special to the Register

A few years ago, Brett Young was a promising pitcher at Fresno State whose future seemed to be that of a hurler headed for a career in the big leagues.

After a serious elbow injury put an end to his goal of being a professional athlete, he had time to rediscover his love of music and has since emerged as one of Orange County's most promising singer-songwriters.

BRETT YOUNG: The singer-songwriter began performing while he was a student at Calvary Chapel High School in Costa Mesa.

Young's self-titled debut, released in 2007, boasts an array of authentic and heartfelt songs that effortlessly mix together rock, blues, folk and soul in a way that recalls the artful approach of genre-blending heroes as Gavin DeGraw, John Mayer and Tyrone Wells.

"The only way to have longevity is to have good songs," Young said this week. "John Mayer will be around forever, like the Eagles and Eric Clapton. It's your songs."

Increasingly, discerning listeners are getting the chance to hear those songs. On Aug. 10, Young performed on an outstanding bill with Tyler Hilton, Terra Naomi, Kelley James, John West and several other artists as part of the sold-out 3 Hour Tour IV, an afternoon concert event staged on a yacht cruising through Newport Harbor.

The unique setting allowed Young to perform with many of the other performers, including Caitlin Crosby.

"It was cool," Young said of the chance to appear in front of so many music lovers in Newport Beach. "Caitlin Crosby and I were able to do one of our songs we wrote together. At the end, we (all of the musicians) did a Bob Marley song and even a Journey song."

The Westminster resident's introduction to a musical career began in the late 1990s when he was attending Calvary Chapel High School in Costa Mesa.

"I started helping the worship leader on Friday mornings," explained Young, noting his initial participation was simply playing some guitar. However, one week he was told that the leader of the band was going to be gone one Friday and he would have to lead hundreds of students in song.

"At that point, I had never sung in front of anyone. He tossed me into the fire and it didn't go half-bad."

However, while Young enjoyed singing and playing guitar, baseball seemed to loom large in his future. During his senior year, Young helped lead his high school squad to a 28-1 record and a CIF championship, going 15-0 with a 0.90 ERA and 130 strikeouts that year.

"I was playing college baseball, injured my elbow and was not able to pitch anymore," Young recalled. "Actually, Gavin DeGraw is the reason I started playing music again. I heard his first album (2004's 'Chariot') and said 'I could do this.' I followed him around and saw him 12 times. He is such a great performer and good singer."

Young is a fan of many of the artists whose styles draw natural comparisons with his own, but his sound - and songs - are clearly his own. Tracks such as the emotionally-charged "Define Me," alt country-tinged "Fly" and chiming "I'm the One You Need" strike with plenty of authenticity.

"In terms of themes, (it's usually) sadness and heartbreak. When you go through something difficult, it's much easier to write about it," Young said.

"I have to be inspired to write a song."

Young says one of the reasons he enjoys playing at intimate venues such as the Hotel Caf? in Los Angeles, Plush Caf? in Fullerton and as part of the recent 3 Hour Tour music cruise is the opportunity for him to make a strong connection with fans who love music.

"I'm very approachable and want to meet everybody."

Information: www.MySpace.com/BrettYoungsMusic.

Contact the writer: rockwrite@yahoo.com
- The Orange County Register

Sonia Leigh, Brooke Eden, Phil Barton, and Brett Young joined forces for a Nashville, Tennessee round last night at The Listening Room Cafe. Originally I attended the event to support a hometown friend with no intentions of reviewing the show. However, when you attend a show like the one I witnessed last night, you simply cannot bypass writing about the phenomenal talent that permeated the room, both on the stage and off.

Sharing the stage were singer-songwriters and friends, Brett, Phil, Brooke, and Sonia. Supporting each other every step of the way, the foursome spontaneously offered background vocals and minor instrumental supplementation as their colleagues showed off their talents. As the artists performed and cracked jokes, sometimes at one another’s expense, The Listening Room crowd absorbed every moment of the uniquely incredible night they had no idea they were going to experience.

Brett, a former baseball player and Tampa Rays prospect, has shared stages past with the likes of Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw, and Katy Perry; and with good reason. Brett sat in the first seat on stage and entertained the crowd with his gorgeous vocals, flawless guitar playing, and a casual and comfortable demeanor, engaging the audience and holding everyone in the palm of his hands. Brett shared the backstories of his songs with the audience, enrapturing listeners in the meaning before delivering his music in an emotionally driven manner.

Sitting directly to Brett’s left was the hilarious and talented Phil Barton. It’s likely I can’t use some of the colorful adjectives I used to describe how hysterical Phil is in this review, but let’s put it this way — Phil owns a stage like no other and ensures that his presence is well-known and enjoyed by all. If you aren’t familiar with Phil, here are six words that will immediately open your eyes to his capabilities: Lee Brice’s “A Woman Like You.” I rest my case. Also in Phil’s catalog is Sara Evans’ next single (coming to radio next week) “Can’t Stop Loving You,” a duet with Isaac Slade of The Fray. Phil performed both of these songs in his own way, clearly showing that his talent doesn’t stop at songwriting. With his distinguished approach to his songs (adding in a few choice expletives for good measure and many yelps), Phil has a way of making an audience feel like it is sitting in his living room, rather than The Listening Room.

Following Phil was a tall order because of his boisterous presence, but if anyone could handle the job, it was Brooke Eden. Watching Brooke on the Nashville stage was an indescribable experience. I am used to seeing her in South Florida, performing a solo show to a group of longtime friends and family. Having the opportunity to see Brooke in Music City, amongst her peers in the music industry, was so special, as she is truly in her niche in the country music capital of the world. Of particular importance, Brooke was able to announce to a room full of her colleagues and friends that her first single “American Dreamin’,” which we recently reviewed, would be premiering on Sirius XM The Highway after the show. As her “American Dreamin'” co-writers (Sherrie Austin and Will Rambeaux) sat in the audience and watched, Brooke proved to the crowd why she would be the newest #HighwayFind in mere hours. Brooke also performed other originals “Hearts and Dollar Signs,” “Took Your Picture Down Today,” and “Daddy’s Money.”

Completing the four-person round was Number 1 songwriter, Sonia Leigh. We recently reviewed Sonia’s current single “Put It in Your Pocket” and featured her as a #CMchat One to Watch, as our team expects continuous success and greatness from this breakout artist. Observing Sonia live and evaluating the crowd’s response to her proves one thing — this singer-songwriter has a long, exciting road ahead. Delivering her songs with ease, Sonia has the knack for making her craft look effortless and transporting her entire audience into a place of silent wonderment. Highlights of Sonia’s set (if it is even possible to choose a discernible highlight) were “Fairytale Dream,” a song that can be found on Sonia’s EP Counting Skeletons, and the aforementioned “Put It in Your Pocket.” Significantly, during Sonia’s set, BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) surprised her with special awards for her two Number 1 hits, Zac Brown Band’s “Goodbye in Her Eyes” and “Sweet Annie.” A somewhat bashful, but extraordinarily appreciative, Sonia accepted her awards, sharing hugs with those on stage. You can’t write these moments, folks. The beauty of Nashville simply writes itself. - CMT Chat Live

Last night, the stage at New York’s City Winery hosted three musicians whose names you may not recognize, but whose songs you’ve already heard on shows like Vampire Diaries to Grey’s Anatomy (or just may be hearing more of soon).

Brett Young kicked off the night with a glass of wine in one hand and a guitar in the other. Accompanied by Jay Ollero, Young brought charming country vocals, his heartfelt lyrics and the occasional Bruno Mars cover as he sang about young love, lost love and everything in between. Young kept things short and sweet, ending his set with his newest single, “Kiss by Kiss.”

Contemporary singer/songwriter Brendan James followed, sitting down behind his keyboard and belting out fan favorites “Green” and “None of Them Are You.” James sang about his days spent in New York City, gun violence and even a song he wrote for his younger sister when she was experiencing her first break-up. But it wasn’t until he brought his drummer, Craig Meyer, on stage that the tempo picked up, switching seamlessly from heavy ballads to dance-worthy jams.

Then came the main attraction: Tyrone Wells. Opening with “Sink or Swim,” — which many know from Grey’s Anatomy season six promo — Wells’ vocals were just as strong live as on any CD, a soothing combination of falsetto and gruffness. Wells mixed old songs with new, adjusting his set list to incorporate audience requests, which led to at least one incident of yodeling.

Wells, whose set included a ukulele and a drum solo, won the audience over with a folksy diva mash-up that included Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain,” Ellie Goulding’s “Lights,” Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable,” and Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble.” As the show came to a close, Wells belted out every last note to “When All is Said and Done,” even stepping away from the mic and finishing the last verse acapella — and just when the audience thought it was over, he brought the band back out to perform fan favorite, “I Will Remain.”

Wells and his openers are playing dates across the U.S. through April; give them a chance and go catch them if you can. - Entertainment Weekly