Brandon Reid Allen

We often define life by the things we have. Brandon Reid Allen defines his by the things he’s survived. Allen launched a successful career as a singer-songwriter.  He won Best Rock Vocalist at the LA Music Awards as well as Songwriter Of The Year.  Also, Breakout Artist of The Year at the American Christian Music Awards.  He signed a label deal with distribution and publishing through EMI.  Later creating quite a buzz as an independent musician.  He soon would catch the ear of famed rock drummer Troy Luccketta of the multi-platinum selling band, Tesla. “Troy was instrumental in my career.  He opened a lot of doors.  He believed in me and gave me opportunities recording great music and sharing the stage with legends.  The Eagles, Alice Cooper, Aaron Lewis. The list goes on.” Things looked promising on multiple fronts, but personal tragedy would come calling once again.  He’d lose a lot of things along the way before truly finding himself.  One thing after another unraveled, until he found himself living on those old familiar streets. Eventually he found himself.  Cleaned up and clawed out.  Dedicating his life and his art to being someone who tells the stories of the forgotten.  He traveled, playing gigs, spreading the message and being free.  New York to Florida and everywhere in between. Then onto Texas, where he cut the EP Est.1973 for his new Americana/Alt-Country project Boxcar Junkies through Edgewater/Sony Music Group. Now the prodigal son returns home to Nashville to share his experiences. Drawing from artists like Amos Lee, Springsteen, Tom Petty, Rob Thomas, and Wilco, Allen puts his own spin on a style of music deeply embedded in the American experience. A punchy rhythm section forms the backdrop for deep textured guitars, rootsy Hammond organ, along with organic overlays of steel guitar and harmonica. The record was produced and performed on by producer Derek Hames and engineer John Shelton of Houston’s Edgewater Music Group/Orchard/ Sony Music Group Isaias Gil (Black Flag, Macy Gray, David Lee Roth, Jaci Velasquez) played drums alongside bassist Mark Riddell (Mike Stinson, Charlie and The Regrets, Leon III, Grand Old Grizzly).  International guitar legend Gary Hoey guested on the record, while Texas steel extraordinaire Will Van Horn (Lyle Lovett, Robert Ellis) and Houston harmonica great Sonny Boy Terry added their unique flavors as well. Ultimately, though, the record is focused in on the incisive, plaintive songwriting and smoky baritone vocals, Allen himself provides the project.  The tapestries of the backing tracks are pleasing, but the music itself is what drives the ship. “I’m trying to make right with my past and help some people along the way that have been pinned down by their circumstances.  My hope is that I become invisible and that people focus on the message.” Shining a light into dark places.  Music is the medium.  Hope is the message.