Brett McNaueal

Brett McNaueal,
Born in Larder Lake, Ontario,Canada, Brett was raised in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. He worked for more than a decade in the Gold Mines, and around the world for the mine company. His expansive knowledge of music enabled him to work as a radio personality at the local radio stations and as a musician in a number of bands.

He began writing and playing since the age of 12. Brett has always been a fan of The Beatles, but has played in bands of all genres, including an Eagles tribute band, Rock & Roll and Country.

During the 70’s and 80’s Brett had both single and album releases with many bands. He spent a decade, (1971-1980) developing and assisting other artists and releasing their efforts. Brett has worked with many artists in his tenure including Eileen (Shania) Twain in the infancy of her career as well as co-writing and producing songs for her manager Evelyn Kasner. (Mary Bailey) His career includes collaborated song writing efforts with Larry Mercey (Mercey Brothers) and Steve Wilkinson (Wilkinson Family) and other US artists. He received the Governor General’s Award in 1992, for co-writing with two other Canadian writers on a patriotic song. Brett’s first gospel album was never released, but popular US artists recorded many of his songs from the album. “If You Could See The Lord I See” performed by Jim Wilkerson, won a ‘Dove’ award. In 1993, Brett released an 11-song cd with the band ‘Mainstreet’. This was recorded in Nashville and was produced by Scotty Turner and Eric Paul. Several of the songs on this cd were written by Brett and went on to top ten status in Canada, including “Your Star’s Still Shining Bright” which was co-written by Brett and producer Scotty Turner. This song was recorded by a host of different US artists, and has since become a classic country tune.

In 2003, Brett met and married the love of his life, Rosanna. It was in the very first year together the Brett was inspired to work on the Christian songs he had written, and Brett’s next project, Lead Me On, was recorded in his home studio, starting in February 2004. That album was completed and released, the middle of March 2005.

Most recently, Brett had an opportunity to record another cd, but this time he felt it was time to re-introduce his music to the Nashville music scene. He wanted this to be the best he had ever done, and with his long time friend Jim Cartwright, he was finally able to make that happen. Jim took the time to create an incredible album.‘Still Standing’ was recorded in the fall of 2009, and released this past spring.

“Still Standing” features some of Nashville’s best players. These seasoned musicians poured their heart and soul into this album. Brett is thankful for the opportunity to have worked with such wonderful professionals. The album also features the song “Who Will Follow Them Home”, which is a tribute to the Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan, and his song “I Love You, Canada” which
Brett’s other love is his specialized guitar store (Arpeggio Guitar Boutique & Studios). The business his wife and he started in October 2009 is a dream come true. He sells high end handmade Canadian guitars and amps to guitar collectors and musicians from all over Canada. He is also a talented luthier and guitar tech.
Brett has definitely paid his dues. His career spans many decades, and his desire is to share his voice and his songs with the world. The album’s name says it all, after all these years Brett truly is ‘Still Standing’.