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With his sixth studio album Dean Brody is doing something familiar... making changes. The Canadian star, fresh off of wins at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards for Single, Songwriter, Video, and Top Selling Canadian Single of the Year, Brody isn't content to rest on his success or the status quo of his sound.
Note: We've got a Q&A in this post... and Dean told us about taking chances, his songwriting, and the Canadian musician he'd most like to work with next. And if we gave you 10 guesses, we're pretty sure you wouldn't get it!
If you've seen Dean Brody live, watched or read an interview with him, or even just listened to his songs on the radio, you've got some sense of what he brings to the table. He's a songwriter first, never thinking at the start of his career that he'd be singing his songs on his own records. He's a humble, giving, thoughtful man, embodying all the good things we think of when we imagine a Canadian. And he's the kind of performer that you can't wait to see again, even moments after he's left the stage.
Pre-order Beautiful Freakshow on iTunes now!We've been fortunate enough to speak with Dean in the past, to see him live, and to preview Beautiful Freakshow before its release to the world. And as we said, it's a record that takes chances. The title track features a rap vocal from Halifax native Shevy Price, and while it may cause some fans to hop on their "that's not country" horse, we have a feeling it's going to do a lot more of the opposite. Fans of Dean (and country radio) are going to have an opportunity to embrace the song, and if that means they have to look themselves in the mirror and embrace someone like Sam Hunt when maybe they haven't before - all the better in our opinion!
Here's the deal... this is a solid album. A fun album. An album that we've listened to more than a couple times over the last few days, and will be listening to again and again. All 10 tracks offer something to fans that they can sink their teeth into, tap their toes to, and sing along to. We know that Dean pours himself into his music, and we also know that he loves what he does. And being able to see that shine through again on another record is pretty damn cool.
In fact, we like the album so much (really, truly) that we've partnered with Open Road Recordings to give away 3 CD copies of Dean Brody's Beautiful Freakshow!
That's right... right after you finish reading this Q&A you can use the widget to earn up to 7 entries for your chance to be a winner. Remember to read the directions and make sure your entries are being received!
NOW, check out Dean's answers to our questions... and feel free to tweet @DeanBrody if you have any followup questions to ask.
Q) You've said in the past that songwriting is very important to you. Do you feel like you've grown with your songwriting on this record, and was it a conscious decision to push yourself into new territory?
A) I think I'm evolving as a songwriter, I'm not sure if that is growth or just change. I've always had trouble sitting in one place for too long, creatively speaking. I do love experimenting with sounds and vibes. So Beautiful Freakshow naturally runs a wide spectrum musically. Lyrically, I still try and tell the country story and celebrate the rural way of living.
Q) You're no stranger to taking chances on your records now. Do you feel more comfortable with the things you tried on Beautiful Freakshow, or is it still a "hope for the best" feeling?
A) I'm very comfortable taking chances these days. In the past it freaked me out a little but hindsight is a great thing. My biggest risks have turned out to be some of my fans favourite tunes.
Q) Bush Party has been a strong start, and Time is starting to make its way to fans now, how do you feel the reception to the new music has been so far?
A) It's been awesome! I think all artists feel somewhat self-conscious and vulnerable when they put their music it there, especially if you've written stuff alone. So when our fans receive it and love it- it's SO encouraging. Like a sigh of relief!
Q) You brought Alan Doyle (who everyone loves) back to work on another song with Soggy Bottom Summer for this record. Is there anything specific you enjoy about working with Alan?
A) I think what I appreciate the most about Alan is his love of music and his openness to sharing his gift with others. I think the politics of music, for him, are a non-issue. And he's just a really cool dude. Down to earth. Authentic. It's why he's so beloved by Canadians. And his latest album is just brilliant. Have to throw that in there. You have to hear it.
Q) You've also got Shevy Price and Sarah Blackwood on new songs... is there anyone in Canadian music that you'd love to tag to work on the next album?
A) This won't be popular with a lot of folks but the melodies and shit that come out of Justin Bieber is something any musician can respect. I think it'd be interesting to get inside another chaotic artist's mind for a song. There, I said it. Musically, he's an interesting cat.
Q) What do you hope country music fans take away from the experience of listening to Beautiful Freakshow?
A) I hope the album inspires fun, a thoughtful moment or two, and just something people can listen to as they go about their lives. I hope I can connect with them. I love sharing music, that's what the musical experience is all about for me - sharing a moment in time together.
