Alanna J Brown

Happy Family Day!!

Alanna J Brown — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:32:39 +0000

Happy Family day everyone!! I’ve been a busy little bee lately buzzing around from Toronto to Quebec to Ottawa and back! This past weekend was spent being a tourist at Parliament, bar and brewery hopping, eating maple sugar on a stick, teaching bartenders how to make delicious drinks, cuddling Louie – the most adorable puppy alive and playing the longest game of Catan ever.

Ottawa – you’re fun! Merci for les bon times! Now that I’m back in TO it’s time to get down to business. My music video for “Accelerate”

will be released mid-week and this coming weekend I will be filming my first ever Southern Souls video with the talented Mitch Fillion. I also am lucky enough to be playing ANOTHER show at Hart House (UofT) with some selected members of the Hart House String Ensemble. We’ll be playing three tunes – The River, In My Room and One Behind The Other and then some other killer songwriters will be up to perform their tunes as well. The date is March 8th, 2012 at 8:00pm The show is free and will be filmed by a UofT TV crew so if you can’t make it I’ll post some live footage soon after.

New Shows on the waaaaaayyyy

Alanna J Brown — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:34:10 +0000

It’s been a busy busy start to the new year y’all! I got the opportunity to play with the Hart House String Ensemble again this past weekend. The show was headlined with Kevin Fox – a Canadian cellist/vocalist/songwriter. He arranged all of his own tunes for the strings and it was an absolutely beautiful performance. During my set I played three tunes: The River, In My Room and One Behind The Other, all arranged by Blaise Alleyne who was also playing upright bass. The show was such a success that I got asked to come back to Hart House and perform with selected members of the string ensemble on Thursday March 8th, 2012 – more info on my “gigs” page…

I’m also going to be playing a show in Quebec on Friday February 17th, 2012. The venue is TBA as we’re currently choosing between two different places. Check back for more details soon!

ALSO my first official music video is almost done being edited!! I’ll post it super super super soon!!

Stay warm out there guys! Apparently winter is on it’s way…

xo – AJB

Hart House Show

Alanna J Brown — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:43:58 +0000

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Hart House Strings show this past Saturday Feb 4th!! I had SUCH an amazing time and was so excited and impressed with all of the musicians I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with. I have a little clip of my last tune “One Behind The Other” right here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FXBZVvLxoc&list=UUKMZFcb4Pol6qm80cgpgC2Q&index=1&feature=plcp

I’ll post some photos and more videos soon!

xo – AJB

C’est What show is Sunday Jan. 29!

alannajb — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:41:39 +0000

The show advertised for tonight, January 26th at C’est What is in fact scheduled for Sunday January 29th. Apologies for any confusion, and hope to see you all there.

Yo! I’m not playing C’est What tonight despite what my website says. It’s really Sunday night!!! Sorry guys!!!

— Alanna J Brown (@AlannaJBrown) January 26, 2012

Is stoked to play live at C’est What Sunday night with @Dboomius

— Alanna J Brown (@AlannaJBrown) January 26, 2012

It’s JANUARY

Alanna J Brown — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 18:26:13 +0000

Hey guys!!
Can you believe it’s January?? Wow… I feel like I start every blog entry with “can you believe it’s already [insert month/season/year/weather etc.]

I’m currently working out ideas for a music video for my album’s single, “Accelerate”. I teamed up with a friend of mine who’s going to shoot it and am looking for some extras who’s like to be in the video! Leave a comment or call me if you are interested!!

I also just got home from playing probably one of my favourite gigs ever!!! I was asked last week to sing at a 6 year old girl’s birthday party because she listens to my EP “Tuesday’s Coming” all the time. I showed up to the warmest group of kiddies who were so excited about my guitar and music, and it was just overall such a wonderful experience. They even sang along to my performance!! I’ll have a video up soon from “The River”, ft. all the little ones Oooo’in along with the chorus. It really was a heart-warming experience and I can’t wait to get giggin’ again! Speaking of… check out my “gigs” page for some up-coming shows, including my show at Hart House (UofT) of my original music accompanied by a 30 piece string ensemble. I can’t wait!! If you like the EP you gotta come check out the live show!

Happy Saturday everyone!

just playing some guitar!

xo – AJB

SHOWS SHOWS SHOWS

Alanna J Brown — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:34:21 +0000

Howdy!! I’m playing 2 shows coming up in the next few weeks. Check out my gig’s section to see what’s up!

xo – AJB

It’s Almost Christmas!!

Alanna J Brown — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:54:28 +0000

What’s up?? I haven’t forgotten about this… life has just gotten extremely busy! I was called up by RMW music to write some commercial material and have also started a new job along with my teaching. Hey, it’s December… which means $$$ for Xmas presents, right?

ALBUM INFO: I picked the final track order this morning and now my tunes are sent off to mastering. It will be done so soon!!

xoxo love you all,

AJB

Happy December

Alanna J Brown — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:07:33 +0000

Raven – Dave Matthews Band

Alanna J Brown — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:52:41 +0000

Happy Friday everyone!! I hope you’re all having a fantastic end to your week. Tonight is my 24th Birthday party, and I couldn’t be more excited to have my girlfriends over for dinner and champagne!
I wanted to leave you with this beautiful video to check out. This is the only time I’ve heard Dave sing this song solo and it blows me away.

Enjoy!!Raven – Dave Matthews Band

xo – AJB

album artwork

Alanna J Brown — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:38:42 +0000

Yesterday I had my album photo-shoot with Greg Williams out in Port Union. He and a good friend Julia Ainsworth are teaming up to create some original photography-meets-illustration artwork for my album. I’m so lucky to have such talented and wonderful friends! Here’s a sneak preview of what to expect…

I’m also going to be singing a track or two on the upcoming Shinogo album, written and produced by Greg Williams. I love having the opportunity to collaborate with musicians who embody different styles.

xo – AJB

Thanks everyone!!!

Alanna J Brown — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 19:35:48 +0000

I recently came across something posted on a friend’s twitter that really made me think.

“Sometimes the people we’ve known for a short amount of time have the biggest impact on our lives, even more than those we’ve known forever.”

I started thinking about all of the people who are really important in my life and how they’ve inspired me. I was lucky enough to grow up in a friendly area that has really created a home-base community for me. I don’t know many people that can say they are still very close with and love some of their first friends made in kindergarten when they were 3, and for that I’m extremely grateful. Through moving about 5 times around Toronto and even all the way out west to Vancouver, enrolling in 2 different Universities and playing in bands with many different musicians I’ve met a ton of people in the past 6 years who have all had an impact on my thoughts and choices. This little twitter post got me thinking about my friendships, loves, acquaintances and business relationships and how some people have had an extremely positive impact on my life without even knowing it.

Thank you to the BF-soul singers ( http://www.myspace.com/BFSoul ) for being amazing, talented, beautiful and strong women who constantly make me want to practice singing. I’m so lucky to have had the opportunity to sing with all three of you, and can’t wait to see what you guys take over in the music industry!!

Thank you Chef Michael Smith for making me want to experiment in the kitchen. Although we’ve never even met, you inspire me everyday!

Thank you “Hollywood”! – If you’re from the Beaches you’ll know who I’m talking about. You always make me smile and giggle even when I’m just running errands or grabbing a coffee.

Speaking of coffee, thank you cute red-headed barista lady at Starbucks near Shaw and Queen for not only giving me my drink for free, but making it even a size bigger and with more chocolate! You totally made my day.

And now speaking of chocolate… thank you Matthew from Premier Fitness. I’ve only seen you a few times but you have been a pleasure to work out with and have really gotten me motivated about the gym again.

Thank you Kelly VanVeen from Humber Radio. It was a pleasure doing an interview with you and I love how excited and dedicated you are to your education and experiences. It always makes me so happy to meet people who are so happy and positive. Thank you to Kelly’s mom too for being a sweetheart and having such an uplifting personality.

Thank you to those I’ve loved and those I’ve lost because I’ve really learned a lot from you, and even if we aren’t in each others lives anymore I appreciate the time we spent together.

Thanks to whoever invented the pink Tide laundry detergent that smells like apples. Because of you I really truly enjoy doing laundry.

Thanks to all of the people who send me messages on Facebook, e-mails or Soundcloud about my music. I love hearing from every one of you and it inspires me to continue making more music.

Thank you to the cashier in MEC who knew my name from seeing a show 4 years ago. Even if the only thing you remember about me was the gray sweater I was wearing that you liked, it still made me smile!

Thank you Jen for asking me to sing my song “Easy For Me” at your wedding, whenever that will be. I do!! I mean… I will!

Thank you Alex Tait for calling me when you can’t make a gig. I’m absolutely terrified to fill your shoes but it’s nice to know you think I could!

Also, of COURSE thank you to all of my best friends for always doing things that make me feel like a million bucks.

Take a second and think about the people who’ve passed you by or that you’ve met along the way and how they’ve helped make you who you are.

xo – AJB

PS: It’s friiiiiiiday! Let’s party!

Alanna J Brown, B.Mus.

Alanna J Brown — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:26:50 +0000

I did it!

Alanna J Brown, B.Mus

xo – AJB

Wrapping Up

Alanna J Brown — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:38:08 +0000

Things are starting to wrap up in regards to the new album! I’m currently working out my album artwork and once we have the last few mixes back from the studio we’ll head to mastering!

Other than working on the album, life has been quite busy lately. I’ve been teaching up a storm and have started writing some new material for my next album.

Stay tuned!!

xo – AJB

Tuesday’s Coming – strings

Alanna J Brown — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:23:21 +0000

Last night was my last tracking session for the album. I am so fortunate to have such talented people working with me on this project!! Annalee Patipatanakoon and Roman Borys (2 of the Juno award winning Gryphon Trio members), Carol Mah and Eric Nowlin
made up the beautiful string quartet we tracked. Jonathan Goldsmith’s arrangements for my tune “Tuesday’s Coming” were out of this world! The musicians were a little hesitant and even vocalized how this was possibly the hardest thing they’ve ever been asked to play in their lives, but in the end they totally nailed it! I was truly inspired to be watching these outstanding and beautiful musicians put life to my music. We got two different arrangements down and are planning on combining them in the final mix to create a moving and somewhat spooky listening experience.
I can’t WAIT for you to hear it!

Here’s a small preview (taken on my iPhone) of the violin 1 and 2.

Tuesday’s Coming Arrangement V1V2

xo – AJB

Time For Some Strings!

Alanna J Brown — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:53:23 +0000

The album is getting closer and closer to being finished! Thursday evening I’ll be tracking a string section with my producer Jeff Wolpert and arranger Jonathan Goldsmith. Jonathan has written a beautiful, warm, eerie and fascinating 8 part string arrangement for my tune “Tuesday’s Coming”. I absolutely love Blaise Alleyne’s arrangement from my EP but decided to switch things up a little and go for something totally different for the album.
Sit tight kids; I know there’s been a delay to the release date but we’re letting it simmer a little bit more before revealing my new album of 100% original music!!!

Thanks for being patient! Come back soon for photos of the tracking session for the strings!

xo – AJB

NEW SHOWS ANNOUNCED

Alanna J Brown — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:53:23 +0000

Wednesday September 28th, 2011
THE CAMERON HOUSE
408 Queen St. West
8:45pm start
playing with: The Cameron Brothers Band

http://www.myspace.com/thecameronbrothersband

Wednesday October 5th, 2011
THE CENTRAL
603 Markham Street
9:00pm start time
playing with: Daiva Paskauskas

http://www.myspace.com/daivap

xo – AJB

A Capella Time!

Alanna J Brown — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:44:26 +0000

Sometimes you just gotta sing some A Capella music, and how could you sing it with anyone other than my good friend Danny Fong?? Danny and I met 4 years ago in vocal masterclass at Humber College. He and I have been singing together in ensembles and on stage since we met, but this is the first time we’ve ever done anything as a duet! I hope you enjoy it, and PLEASE check out his Youtube channel for some amazing videos of Danny’s work!

watch?v=EQfqfxG1AKo \"Not Like This\" – Danny Fong ft. Alanna J Brown

xo – AJB

Don’t fret the Fall

Alanna J Brown — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:07:56 +0000

Don’t you fear, fall is here!

I know that this specific season change isn’t the most desirable of them all, but I’ve decided that rather than thinking about all the wonderful summer things I’m going to miss, instead I’ll look forward to the fun things these fall months bring.

Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks: yeah, I know everyone makes a huge deal about this, but it’s because they are a huge deal – freggin’ delicious!!

Apple Picking: which leads to apple baking, apple cider, apple sauce… mmm

Cozy Sweaters: who doesn’t like cuddling up in over-sized wool sweaters??

Halloween: dressing up, candy eating, pumpkin carving, watching scary movies – all super fun things!

“Songs For Christmas” – Sufjan Stevens: Just because there’s no snow on the ground yet doesn’t mean it’s too early to listen to Sufjan Steven’s Christmas compilation box set.

What are you excited about??

xo – AJB

PS: The new band is sounding killer. We can’t wait to start giggin’!

THE SEARCH IS OVER!

Alanna J Brown — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 20:49:17 +0000

First of all, thank you to EVERYONE who showed so much interest in being a member of my band! It is such an amazing feeling knowing that people are not only interested in listening to your music, but playing and performing it as well! After lots of consideration I have chosen the final members!
Welcome guitarist and backup vocalist Matt Marcoccia, electric fretless (ooo change!) bassist Mark Wilson, and Kit Drummer Steve Gallant! I can’t wait to start gigging with these guys! With weekly rehearsals, new material and an upcoming album release show we have LOTS to look forward to as a band.

On other news, I will be playing live at Fitzgeralds (Queen street East) for a family friends 60th birthday party this Saturday. To her a sneak preview of the show check out this link! Can you say family band much? This was shot while enjoying happy hour drinks at my cottage, and features myself, my mom, my dad and the birthday boy himself Ken Ainsworth!

Helplessly Hoping

Stay tuned for some album sneak peaks and leaks. It’s ALMOST here!

xo – AJB

RIP Alanna J Brown Band

Alanna J Brown — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 23:39:05 +0000

Hey everyone! Happy September! I’m going to keep this one short because who wants to be on a computer on the Friday night of a long weekend?? Not me!!

RIP Alanna J Brown Band! Brandon is in Montreal, and Derek in in Berlin! I’m now looking for new band members to play local and touring gigs with! Do you think you have what it takes? WRITE TO ME alannabrown11@hotmail.com and let me know! I’d love to start jamming as soon as possible to get ready for my album release (wooo-hooo!!).

Happy weekend!!!

xo – AJB