NEW YORK (Top40 Charts/ By Tiffany Shipp/ Sunshine, Sachs & Associates) -
Brett Dennen is making a case for the grassroots story of 2008. After years of constant touring,
Brett now claims a legion of fans, a phenomenal album debut, Top Ten single on the AAA radio chart, sold-out Fall tour (dates below), and plans for a larger extended run to kick-off in January 2009. Released October 21 by Dualtone/Downtown Records, HOPE FOR THE HOPELESS debuts this week as the No 4 Independent Album, No 6
Digital Album, and lands high on the Billboard Top 20 Chart at No 41.
The album's first single, "Make You Crazy" features Afro-beat legend Femi Kuti. The song is this week's Greatest Gainer at AAA radio and has entered the Top Ten amongst a mix of tastemaker artists like Beck, Coldplay, Ray LaMontagne, O.A.R, Sarah McLachlan and Snow Patrol.
The video debuted last week across AOL's platform of music sites and features a cameo from actress/singer Mandy Moore. The tongue-in-cheek video takes a stab at "trends" with Ms. Moore as a finicky shoe shopper who finally follows in Brett's (bare) footsteps to find happiness.
As Brett embarks on an eleven city "mini-tour" of the smaller venues where he got his start on November 3rd, he plans to visit Good Morning America's studios on Saturday, November 15 and will kick off a larger-venue headling tour in January '09 (dates to be announced).
BRETT DENNEN - With long red hair, bandana, bare feet and guitar held high on his 6' 4" frame, Brett Dennen is an unlikely frontman but the 29 year old radiates confidence and ease in his own skin. His break-through album, So Much More, was released in 2006 and over the course of two years, gained the attention of critics and fans. John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Michael Franti and Matisyahu are outspoken advocates while Rolling Stone Magazine named Dennen one of their "Artists To Watch in 2008."
He has been spotlighted by NPR, Entertainment Weekly, USA Today, The Washington Post and has performed on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel Live and Last Call with Carson Daly.
Raised in N. California, the fomer camp counselor only decided five years ago to pursue a career in music. The originator of his own Love Speaks non-profit organization provides local charities with the opportunity to speak to his audiences at each show. He is also involved with the Mosaic Project, which brings together kids from different backgrounds to interact with each other and the world around them in experiences they would not likely have on their own. He created a music curriculm for the Mosaic Project that earned awards in 2003 and 2004.
Brett Dennen's 2008 "Mini Tour" Sponsored by Guayaki Yerba Mate:
11/3 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir
11/5 - Seattle, WA - Triple Door
11/6 - San Francisco - The Independent
11/7 - Los Angeles, CA - Hotel Cafe
11/8 - Los Angeles, CA - Hotel Cafe
11/10 - Denver, CO - Walnut Room
11/11 - Austin,TX - The Continental Club
11/13 - Chicago, IL - Shubas
11/14 - Annapolis, MD - Ramshead Onstage
11/15 - Philadelphia, PA - Tin Angel
11/16 - Boston, MA - Passim
11/18 - New York, NY - Canal Room
