THE "BRANDING" OF AMERICA
I always enjoy catching the side stage performances at radio station sponsored festivals. In the past some side stage performers have gone on to become huge names in country music (Jason Aldean and Zac Brown Band come to mind).
A few weeks ago during the Fall Festival in Bristow, Virginia, I was delighted to see singer / songwriter Adam Brand perform on the side stage. Who is Adam Brand, you ask? He’s no stranger to country music, just a stranger in our country.
Adam Brand hails from Perth, Australia. He has numerous Platinum and Gold Australian Country Music Record Awards, plus several CMAA awards - the most recent being “Male Artist of the Year” in 2009. He’s also been nominated for 2010 CMAA’s Album of the Year, Single of the Year and Male Artist of the Year.
Brand was featured in season nine of the Australian “Dancing with the Stars” and won! His partner, professional dancer Jade Hatcher, became his wife on May 31, 2010. They decided to take an extended honeymoon in the United States.
Brand has recently signed with U.S. label Arista Nashville (a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment) and has a single available on iTunes called “Ready for Love.” In a video created for the song you will see glimpses of his beautiful wife, Jade.
Check out the newly released video here.
What a treat to be able to have Adam Brand at such a small setting as a side stage and hear this seasoned performer share his wonderful songs with us. In addition to “Ready for Love” one song in particular stands out in my mind. “Kissing the Phone” was especially poignant for those listeners missing a loved one far away from home. This song talks about people attempting to convey their emotion and longing over the phone.
I can’t imagine what it must be like for Adam Brand to go from tremendous stardom to being a virtual "unknown" here in the states. As Brand sings his way across America I hope many of you will get the opportunity to hear him before he heads back to Australia. If you don’t hear him this tour, perhaps next time when he returns to “Brand America.”
Photos from Adam's performance in Bristow: here
I have one of his cds (and a dvd) that my friend Ellen who lives in Australia sent to me a couple of years ago. She also introduced me to Travis Collins and Shane Nicholson/Kasey Chambers. Great music!
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