Singer’s goal is to have some laughs
Chad Brownlee is one of those rare pro-hockey players who negotiated his own trade — not to another team but onto the country-music scene.
With the success of his 2009 single, The Best That I Can (Superhero), it’s fair to say the transition was a success, as Brownlee was honoured with the Rising Star Award at the 2011 Canadian Country Music Awards.
His 2012 album, Love Me or Leave Me, was released on Feb. 14 and the title-track hit No. 9 on Canadian radio.
The second single, Smoke in the Rain, enjoyed 10 weeks on Canada Singles Top 100.
“I think this one kind of almost made itself,” Brownlee said of his new album.
“Creativity is really unexplainable and you just have to trust the process.”
He credits his independent label, MDM Recordings Inc. (founded by Mike Denney in 2008), for being supportive in the creative process.
Brownlee has been playing music almost all his life, drawing inspiration from an array of musicians like Garth Brooks, Jack Johnson and John Mayer.
“I just think their songwriting is fantastic,” he said.
Brownlee will be bringing his brand of country music to Kamloops on Friday, Nov. 30, co-headlining with fellow musician Dallas Smith for their sold-out Boys of Fall Tour at the Kamloops Convention centre.
“We sort of blended our bands together,” Brownlee said, “like one band with two lead singers.”
He is excited about touring Canada.
“The fans really make the show and you are there to entertain and to give them a good time.”
Though he’s been playing for a while, he still feels pre-show jitters.
“When I played hockey, I got nervous before every game.” Brownlee said. “It kind of builds up your adrenaline and gets you psyched up.
“I’m just a regular guy who sings and plays songs” Brownlee said. “We’re going to have a party together and have some laughs.”
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