Interview: Brett Dennen

We speak to Californian folk/pop singer Brett Dennen ahead of his performance supporting Paloma Faith at the Royal Concert Hall tomorrow night.

Hi Brett, how are things?

Really great. Thank you for asking. I’m enjoying this tour with Paloma. Just went for a rainy run. 

For those of our readers who might not be familiar with you could you give us a bit of background and how you got started in music?

Absolutely. I’m from Northern California. I’m a singer songwriter. Been doing it for ten years. I have 5 albums out. I started playing music at summer camp in the mountains. That’s where I get a lot of inspiration. From mountains and nature. 

You’re currently on tour with Paloma Faith how did that come about?

She asked if I’d like to come and support her shows. She’s been listening to my music for a while now. That’s the crazy thing about making albums. You never know who will end up listening. It’s a really big break for me, obviously, so I’m feeling very lucky. 

How is the tour going so far?

Fantastic. I just love Paloma. I love how eccentric she is. She’s a very powerful performer too. She has a humongous voice and presence. Her encore is the best encore in music right now. She does River Deep Mountain High, by Tina Turner. 

You’re playing at Nottingham this week, have you played Nottingham before and if so what memories do you have of playing here?

Yes, I was just here opening for Jon Butler Trio. I remember eating some of the best Thai food of my life here. I just went to the restaurant where I had it but it was closed. I like dodging down the little shopping alleys and narrow streets. It’s quite charming and there are so many interesting little shops. 

The gig is taking place at the Royal Concert Hall, how does playing venues like concert halls and theatres differ from your standard gig venue?

Not much different. I play the music the same way. The crowd is the only difference. They usually are more attentive. 

You released your fifth album Smoke & Mirrors late last year which you described as a “return to your folk and acoustic roots”, do you think it’s your most personal and from the heart release?

Yes. I felt the most vulnerable releasing it. It’s the only time I’ve been a little scared to release an album. 

We understand you went back to the Sierra Nevada mountains, where you started off, to work on Smoke & Mirrors, how much did it help to be able to get away from the hustle off the major city?

I’m just so much more creative in wilder places. Mountains make me reflective. Cities are too distracting to me. 

One of your tracks, “Comeback Kid (That’s My Dog) is the theme tune to the current series About A Boy (based on the Hugh Grant movie), have you noticed any new attention coming from that?

Yea. That’s been really great. The song has a whole new life and a whole new group of fans. 

Are there any plans for a new album in the near future?

Yes, but not sure when exactly. I have a lot of different songs and things I’m working on and I’m really inspired to be touring at the moment. 

What are your plans once the tour is over, will you be heading home to enjoy Christmas?

Yes, I’ll be taking the month of December off to write and enjoy home. 

When you’re not playing, or recording, how do you like to unwind?

I love being outside. I do a lot of hiking and surfing. This winter I’ll be skiing. 

Finally is there anything else you’d like to say to the NottinghamLIVE readers?

I just want to thank you and everyone for this opportunity. Hopefully you all like my music.

Interview by Darren Patterson

Brett supports Paloma Faith at the Royal Concert Hall on Wednesday 12 November, for more information click here