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Revision as of 04:28, 10 October 2012
This article is an autobiography or has been extensively edited by the subject or by someone connected to the subject. |
This article may require copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone, or spelling. (September 2012) |
Brian Keenan | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Brian Keenan |
Born | Rochester, New York | August 23, 1982
Origin | Brooklyn |
Genres | Americana, alt country, rock |
Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
Years active | 2003–present |
Labels | Independent |
Website | briankeenan |
Brian Keenan (born August 23, 1982) is a Brooklyn-based songwriter and musician. He was born in Rochester, New York where he resided until 2005.[1]
He has released albums under his own name, and as frontman for the Americana band Proud Simon.[2][3] He played lead guitar in indie pop outfit Cricket Spin.[4] His debut solo album "Today This Year" was released in August 1, 2011.[5]
Solo career
"Today This Year" was recorded by Grammy-nominated producer Jamie Candiloro (Ryan Adams, R.E.M., Willie Nelson, Jesse Malin) at Avatar Studios in New York City.[6] The album featured a 12-piece live band, including members of The Cardinals, Chris Cubeta & the Liars Club, Ghost Gamblers, Great Elk, Stone Cold Fox and more.[1]
The album debuted on AOL's Spinner website,[7] and video for "From Scratch" was featured on Paste Magazine's website.[8]
Live shows
Keenan has played extensively in New York City and has toured across the United States as frontman of Proud Simon and guitarist in Cricket Spin. He has played at NYC venues such as the Bowery Ballroom, Knitting Factory, Pianos, Arlene's Grocery, Sin-é, Pete's Candy Store and many more.[9]
He has shared bills with Americana acts, such as Tim Williams, AA Bondy, Paul Duncan, Mason Proper, Dear and the Headlights, Beau Jennings, Phonograph, Holler WIld Rose and many others.
Proud Simon
Keenan founded Proud Simon with his cousin Charlie Monte Verde in Rochester, NY. The band recorded 3 full length albums, Night of Criminals, Shoestring Universe and Sometimes a Stranger.[10][11] They released 3 EPs, 2009's Anchors Aweigh, Victory March and Leaving.[12]
Proud Simon reached their songwriting peak with their final EP, Anchors Aweigh, recorded and produced by Candiloro at Kampo Studios. The band ended in 2010 with Keenan's decision to record under his own name.[13]
Their song "Burning Bridges" was featured in independent film Sneakers & Soul.[14]
Musical style
His musical approach is a blend of classic country, Americana, folk and pop styles.[15]
Singing in a tenor range, the foundation of his songs are his acoustic guitar, often accompanied by organ, pedal steel, bass and drums. His influences include Ryan Adams, Gram Parsons, Townes Van Zandt, and Wilco.[16][17]
Gear
Keenan rotates between an arsenal of vintage and modern electric guitars, including a Rickenbacker 360, Gibson SG, Harmony Silvertone Stratatone Mars and others. His primary instrument is a Gibson J-45 acoustic guitar.[18]
Discography
Albums
- Today This Year (2011)
- Night of Criminals (2008)
- Shoestring Universe (2006)
- Sometimes a Stranger (2004)
EPs
- Anchors Aweigh (2009)
- Victory March (2005)
- Leaving (2004)
References
- ^ a b Last.fm, "Brian Keenan", 9/4/2012
- ^ Last.fm, "Proud Simon", 9/4/2012
- ^ Allmusic, "Proud Simon Biography", 9/4/2012
- ^ Last.fm, "Cricket Spin", 9/4/2012
- ^ Allmusic, "Today This Year", 9/4/2012
- ^ Daniel Sieling, SonicScoop, "Avatar Studios Hosts Paul Simon, Moby, O.A.R. and More", 4/21/2010
- ^ AOL Spinner, "Today This Year", 8/1/2011
- ^ Paste Magazine, "Video Premiere: Brian Keenan - "From Scratch", 8/11/2011
- ^ Facebook, "Proud Simon Events", 9/4/2012
- ^ Del Day, Americana UK, "Proud Simon Shoestring Universe", 2/1/2007
- ^ Paul Villers, Americana UK, "Proud Simon Night of Criminals", 10/27/2008
- ^ Allmusic, "Proud Simon Discography", 9/4/2012
- ^ William Ruhlmann, Allmusic, "Anchors Aweigh", 11/2009
- ^ Sneakers & Soul, "Music", 9/4/2012
- ^ Zachary Houle, PopMatters, "Brian Keenan: Today This Year", 8/1/2011
- ^ Allmusic, "Related", 9/4/2012
- ^ Sarah Moore, PopMatters, "Proud Simon: Night of Criminals", 11/13/2008
- ^ Flickr, "Today This Year", 9/4/2012