SHAWN BRADY
Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Established. Jan 01, 2014 | SELF
Music
Press
See link below - Canadian Running Magazine
Nov 02, 2011
Former Sudburian releases debut album
By: Jenny Jelen - Sudbury Northern Life Staff
By day, he’s a Toronto-area hospital director. By night, he’s a rock star.
On Nov. 5, Shawn Brady is returning home to give friends, family and fellow Sudburians a sampling of what he’s been working on musically.
After graduating from Lasalle Secondary, Brady went on to study physiotherapy at Queen’s University. After graduating, he worked at the Sudbury Regional Hospital for two years, before heading back to Toronto to get his master’s. He stayed in the city, and later became the director of inter-professional practice at a Toronto hospital.
All the while, music was a part of his life. He competed in Battles of the Bands competitions while in high school, playing guitar for Lasalle. Brady is also part of Elevation, a U2 tribute band, that has put on more than 1,000 shows in 14 countries.
He said he does keep a guitar in his office, but likes to keep work and play separate.
“When I’m at work, I’m focused on leading the people I need to lead,” he said.
Brady said he’s lucky to have a strong, supportive network of colleagues and friends in Toronto, that allow him to pursue both his passions. “I love (working at the hospital and making music), so that helps,” he said.
While maintaining a day job and touring with the group kept him busy, Brady said a solo album of originals was something he always wanted to do.
Now, he’s preparing to release Electric Blood. Hometown audiences will be treated to a pre-release concert, complete with music off the 10-track album, at the Coulson Night Club Nov. 5.
He said the CD is full of “songs that will resonate with a lot of people.”
The hopeful, optimistic album is full of heavy guitar riffs, pounding drums and smooth melodies, which all contribute to “a soaring sound-scape,” Brady said.
One of the tracks, All for the Run, pays tribute to his days as a Track North distance runner. Brady said the Laurentian trails were heavy on his mind when he penned the song.
Northern influences are present in the rest of the album, too. “Northern Ontario shaped a lot of who I am,” he said. “It definitely comes through in the writing.”
Brady takes the stage at 10 p.m. His performance begins with his original work, then will include covers performed by him and his band. The band will also be on stage on Nov. 4.
Both his performances are free. Copies of Electric Blood will be available for $12. An official CD release party is scheduled for Nov. 12 in Toronto.
Visit shawnbrady.com. - The Northern Life
See link - CTV: Canada AM
Discography
Electric Blood, 2011 containing tracks:
One Castle
Forever
The Hideout
Highway Of Heroes
Orange
Surrender Your Silence
Raging at The Dark
All For The Run
Electric Blood
Sideways
Photos
Bio
The story around Shawn Brady's entry into the world of performing original music is not a conventional one. Over the past ten years, he has performed as ‘Bono’ in Elevation, a U2 tribute show which has reached a great deal of world-wide success with over 1000 shows in 14 countries around the world. By day, Shawn works full time as a director at a major hospital in Toronto. Don't let the day job fool you, Brady lives to perform and his passion for music and delivering to audiences is immediately evident to anyone who has seen him perform. Despite the touring opportunities provided with Elevation, something major was missing - his own original voice and music. Never one to give any less than 100%, Brady finally made the time to write, record and produce his own album, ‘Electric Blood’. The album contains ten high-energy rock songs that engage the listener with big ideas underneath a soaring soundscape. Think U2 with a big shot of adrenaline - lots of guitars, drums and memorable melodies. 'Shawn Brady & the Electric Blood Band' deliver these songs to live audiences and pride themselves in performing shows that engage and energize. Collectively they have years of professional live experience, and have performed worldwide at venues that have seen the likes of U2, Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen, Arcade Fire and the Foo Fighters.
"Shawn Brady's talent and professionalism shine brightly. His charisma is always evident when he performs on stage and his passionate delivery embodies the spirit of such greats as Bruce Springsteen and Bono."
- Sangeeta Varma, General Manager, Tattoo Rock Parlour, Liberty Entertainment Group (venue for Canadian Music Week, NXNE & Indie Week Toronto)
"Shawn Brady's untamed, energetic and charismatic performances are a true inspiration. He possesses a rare talent and his dynamic and affluent style make him a favourite to all."
- Dan Good, Owner of The Hideout (venue for Canadian Music Week, NXNE & Indie Week Toronto)
Band Members
Links
