Tag: brett dennen

Basic Folk – Brett Dennen

Posted on by Shelby Williamson

Brett Dennen is a songwriter, painter and summer camp enthusiast. His camp experience was instrumental in developing his musicality. He attended Camp Jack Hazard in the Sierra Nevada Mountains where young Brett was enamored with the music his camp counselors would play on guitar around the campfire. He was introduced to Paul Simon, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and John Denver thanks to his counselors and his parents. He really developed as a songwriter in college at UC Santa Cruz. After school, he wove himself into the LA songwriter scene, which in the early 2000’s was a haven for musicians like himself, Alexi Murdoch, Damien Rice and Josh Ritter. He developed a large fanbase that remains loyal to this day.

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Brett talks about running his own summer camp, Camp Dennen, which allows him to create community through nature and art. He shares his experience of writing and thinking about being a dad and how that relates to the reality of fatherhood. And he talks about decidedly not being in the cool crowd and also not caring about it … well, not caring about it as much as he used to. Brett’s written some of my favorite songs of the 21st century. It was an honor to have him on the pod!

Photo Credit: Elli Lauren

7 New MyMusicRx Videos with Brett Dennen, John Moreland, River Whyless, and More

Posted on by Editor

Children's Cancer Association is a Portland-based non-profit organization dedicated to bringing joy to seriously ill children and their families. Through a number of programs, CCA has provided laughter and love to countless families battling pediatric cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. One of those programs, MyMusicRx, uses the healing power of music to connect sick children with concerts, music lessons, games, and more, the bulk of which is available at MyMusicRx.org.

Through MyMusicRx, CCA produces SongRxs, "song prescriptions" performed by popular artists and filmed at music festivals like Newport Folk, SXSW, and Sasquatch. We're happy to premiere seven new SongRxs from some of our favorite artists. Learn more about CCA, the MyMusicRx program, and how you can donate right here.

Brett Dennen, "If I Had a Boat" (Lyle Lovett cover)

Nicki Bluhm and the Infamous Stringdusters, "In the Mountains" (Sarah Siskind cover)

John Moreland, "Gospel"

Phil Cook and Amelia Meath, "Take Your Burden to the Lord" (traditional hymn)

Hayes Carll, "The Magic Kid"

River Whyless, "All Day All Night" 

The Oh Hellos, "In Memoriam" 

Gig Bag: Brett Dennen

Posted on by Editor

Welcome to Gig Bag, a BGS feature that peeks into the touring essentials of some of our favorite artists. This time around, Brett Dennen gives us a look at what he has to have handy when he's out on the road.

Brett Dennen is something of a road warrior. A fixture on the festival circuit since releasing his self-titled debut album in 2004 (as well as his breakout record, So Much More, in 2006), the northern California singer/songwriter has likely earned a sizeable portion of his legions of fans at his own lively headlining shows and through opening slots for folks like John Mayer and the Avett Brothers. 

Now, Dennen is about to hit the road again, this time in support of his brand new album, Por Favor. Helmed by Americana super-producer Dave Cobb, the album shows Dennen at his most vulnerable, both lyrically and sonically. "I think the songwriting is top-notch, compared to my previous work," Dennen says. "The depth is subtle. The melodies flow easily and everything feels peaceful. I'm most excited about the rootsy feel of it. It's natural. Nothing is forced." 

Dennen and Cobb recorded the album in Nashville, with Cobb's quick, no-BS approach to recording setting the tone. "[It was] fun. And fast," Dennen says of working with Cobb. "There's no bullshit with him. He doesn't like to do any second guessing."

The new tunes are road-ready, too. "We'll play them pretty much the same way they are on the record," Dennen explains. "At least right now. Maybe by the end of the tour, we'll work up some jams."

Check out what Dennen carries in his Gig Bag, and peruse his tour dates here.

Coconut oil: For multiple uses. I rinse with it in the AM (oil pulling), I eat it, put it in my hair, use it as sunblock, and as moisturizer. 

My knife: My girlfriend gave it to me. I'm a pocket knife guy. So is my dad. 

NutriBullet: I use it multiple times a day, mostly for smoothies. I get a lot of vegetables on my hospitality rider, so I blend them all up and drink them. It's much easier than chewing.