Brant Pethick

Meet Brant Pethick—an Ottawa born and bred musician with a flair for inspirational lyrics, a guitar-driven sound, and catchy melodies that you’ll find yourself humming hours later. Ever humble and down-to-earth, he is in awe of the many kudos that have been directed his way. Only You, has garnered commercial success charting for several weeks on Ottawa’s CHRI and Barrie’s LIFE 100.3. Only You and Awake have been featured in Canada’s Christian Top 20 as Homegrown Hits; Only You and Everything Tonight were semi-finalists in the 2012 ISC International Song Competition; and Imagine Someday was a finalist in the 2012 International Christian Song Competition. It’s Your Fight joined the Indie Music for Life compilation CD in the United States to raise funds for cancer research. And, most recently, Awake has hit CHRI’s top twenty hits.

A relative newcomer to life as a solo artist, Pethick enjoyed ten years as drummer and backup vocalist for On The Edge, a local band. On The Edge is best known for In Your Touch, a song that hit number one in several Ontario radio stations, In My Mind, and The Beer Drinking Song, which was featured in the Genie-nominated film Harmony Cats. They toured extensively, opening for Blue Rodeo and, on one very special occasion, playing to an audience that included Queen Elizabeth II and the Prime Minister of Canada. During his time with the band, Pethick found himself exposed to the ins and outs of life in the music industry—touring, performing, composing, and hearing the fruits of his efforts on radio for the very first time—serving as the perfect platform from which to launch his solo career.

As a teenager in the city’s Beacon Hill neighbourhood, Pethick found himself trying to quench what he calls an insatiable appetite to listen, to learn, to sing, and to play music. Glued to local Top 30 stations, he would find himself using his hands to lay down a drumbeat on anything and everything. Quite simply put, he was born for music.

Pethick states that he was always drawn to artists that can “create and perform memorable emotional moments that draw in the listener and make them forget about anything else that is going on.” He has truly blossomed into one of these artists, himself. Patrick Langston of The Ottawa Citizen describes Pethick’s first offering, A New Day, as “music with a message,” and The Ottawa Sun’s Allan Wigney calls it, “inspiring words…a tuneful collection that is most rare of popular music lyrical offerings: Something positive.” Logan Murphy of the Ottawa Music Index writes that the Awake CD “is empowering, soulful, and brings back lyrics that can really speak to you; lyrics with a positive spin on life,” while 2012 Juno Nominee, Colin Bernard, states it “is the beginning of something beautiful.” Yes, mainstream and Christian audiences, alike, have adopted his songs—his poignant lyrics resonating with each of us as we try to find our way in this walk called “life.”

One of the highlights of his career to date has been working with the legendary GMA Producer of the Year, Andrew Horrocks. When asked what this experience was like, Pethick responds that Horrocks opened his home up to him over a six month period while producing the eleven tracks on Awake, generously sharing his many talents. “I never wanted to leave the studio,” Pethick declares. “When in the same room as a multi-award winning Producer, you are awake to every moment. It was an experience that I will never forget.”

He has recently performed at the Orleans Festival, the Awake Release Concert at the Shenkman Arts Centre, and he has just celebrated the premiere of the Awake music video. His plans for the future include continuing to write, performing whenever the opportunity arises, and recording a follow-up CD. He loves “getting his music and message out to anyone that wants to hear it.”

When asked what advice he had for young musicians just starting out he has this to say—“hold onto your dreams, work hard at your craft, dream some more, take chances, let your music lead you. Be your ambition!”

He fondly remembers the first time he heard Only You on the radio—the very medium that played such an important role in his life. He excitedly declares, “Hearing my music on the radio are moments I will continue to cherish!”

If you haven’t yet encountered the music of Brant Pethick, you are missing out on something very special. Visit him at brantpethick.com and take a listen for yourself.
- Spotlight Ottawa

Meet Brant Pethick—an Ottawa born and bred musician with a flair for inspirational lyrics, a guitar-driven sound, and catchy melodies that you’ll find yourself humming hours later. Ever humble and down-to-earth, he is in awe of the many kudos that have been directed his way. Only You, has garnered commercial success charting for several weeks on Ottawa’s CHRI and Barrie’s LIFE 100.3. Only You and Awake have been featured in Canada’s Christian Top 20 as Homegrown Hits; Only You and Everything Tonight were semi-finalists in the 2012 ISC International Song Competition; and Imagine Someday was a finalist in the 2012 International Christian Song Competition. It’s Your Fight joined the Indie Music for Life compilation CD in the United States to raise funds for cancer research. And, most recently, Awake has hit CHRI’s top twenty hits.

A relative newcomer to life as a solo artist, Pethick enjoyed ten years as drummer and backup vocalist for On The Edge, a local band. On The Edge is best known for In Your Touch, a song that hit number one in several Ontario radio stations, In My Mind, and The Beer Drinking Song, which was featured in the Genie-nominated film Harmony Cats. They toured extensively, opening for Blue Rodeo and, on one very special occasion, playing to an audience that included Queen Elizabeth II and the Prime Minister of Canada. During his time with the band, Pethick found himself exposed to the ins and outs of life in the music industry—touring, performing, composing, and hearing the fruits of his efforts on radio for the very first time—serving as the perfect platform from which to launch his solo career.

As a teenager in the city’s Beacon Hill neighbourhood, Pethick found himself trying to quench what he calls an insatiable appetite to listen, to learn, to sing, and to play music. Glued to local Top 30 stations, he would find himself using his hands to lay down a drumbeat on anything and everything. Quite simply put, he was born for music.

Pethick states that he was always drawn to artists that can “create and perform memorable emotional moments that draw in the listener and make them forget about anything else that is going on.” He has truly blossomed into one of these artists, himself. Patrick Langston of The Ottawa Citizen describes Pethick’s first offering, A New Day, as “music with a message,” and The Ottawa Sun’s Allan Wigney calls it, “inspiring words…a tuneful collection that is most rare of popular music lyrical offerings: Something positive.” Logan Murphy of the Ottawa Music Index writes that the Awake CD “is empowering, soulful, and brings back lyrics that can really speak to you; lyrics with a positive spin on life,” while 2012 Juno Nominee, Colin Bernard, states it “is the beginning of something beautiful.” Yes, mainstream and Christian audiences, alike, have adopted his songs—his poignant lyrics resonating with each of us as we try to find our way in this walk called “life.”

One of the highlights of his career to date has been working with the legendary GMA Producer of the Year, Andrew Horrocks. When asked what this experience was like, Pethick responds that Horrocks opened his home up to him over a six month period while producing the eleven tracks on Awake, generously sharing his many talents. “I never wanted to leave the studio,” Pethick declares. “When in the same room as a multi-award winning Producer, you are awake to every moment. It was an experience that I will never forget.”

He has recently performed at the Orleans Festival, the Awake Release Concert at the Shenkman Arts Centre, and he has just celebrated the premiere of the Awake music video. His plans for the future include continuing to write, performing whenever the opportunity arises, and recording a follow-up CD. He loves “getting his music and message out to anyone that wants to hear it.”

When asked what advice he had for young musicians just starting out he has this to say—“hold onto your dreams, work hard at your craft, dream some more, take chances, let your music lead you. Be your ambition!”

He fondly remembers the first time he heard Only You on the radio—the very medium that played such an important role in his life. He excitedly declares, “Hearing my music on the radio are moments I will continue to cherish!”

If you haven’t yet encountered the music of Brant Pethick, you are missing out on something very special. Visit him at brantpethick.com and take a listen for yourself.
- Spotlight Ottawa

Listening through on just the first take, it’s no surprise that Brant Pethick’s latest full length album, Awake, has the smooth and driving pulse to be broadcast nationally across Christian radio in Canada.
This album provides a really inspirational and uplifting message in the same musical vein as bands like Dishwalla and Vertical Horizon. Brant Pethick’s song writing executes the soft pop genre to perfection. What makes this type of album really refreshing to listen to is the fact that it doesn’t waver back and forth between emotional highs or lows like so many popular genre albums tend to do. Awake is empowering, soulful, and brings back lyrics that can really speak to you; lyrics with positive spin on life.
A few of Brant’s songs off of this album have been nominated as finalists in a number of International song writing competitions and his first two singles off the album have held steady on national radio for seven months running; a huge accomplishment for an independent singer and songwriter.
Here’s hoping that you take a few minutes to enjoy a track or two from a full-bodied soft rock album that deserves all of the acclaim it has received so far.
We recommend: “This is Love” and “Only You”. - OMI Ottawa

EMC entertainment - Brant Pethick took a less traditional route for his upcoming album release concert.

The Orléans singer-songwriter launched his Awake album last September and is planning the release concert nine months later, at the Shenkman Arts Centre on June 15 starting at 7 p.m..... - EMC

Brant Pethick headlines Do More Canada's annual Acoustic Showcase

Orléans resident and aspiring musical talent, Brant Pethick, will be performing on Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Cumberland Farmer’s Market. The event is in preparation for the upcoming acoustic showcase 'Rhythms for Change' on Nov. 3, which has been organized by the non-profit student initiative, Do More Canada Inc.

Pethick is headlining the event, accompanying many other local talents who will be performing in what should be a very diverse show, and for a good cause.

With a two year working relationship with Do More Canada’s director of arts, Kellie Sarazin, Pethick believes she was the reason he was granted the opportunity to work with the non-profit organization. But his musical career began long before that. “It was probably about eight years ago,” recalls Pethick. “I was in a local band growing up called On The Edge. When it disbanded I wrote music and decided that I had a lot of concepts. I was a drummer growing up and I decided to move into singing and song writing post that band. I’ve always been dabbling in music.”

Following his first album, A New Day (2007), Pethick released his second full length album, Awake, on Sept.8, 2012. The album’s first single, Only You, stays true to Pethick’s previous pop/rock vibe. "The record is driven with honest lyrics and is a unique blend of pop/rock and inspirational anthems," said Pethick. He is thrilled to have at least one of his 11 new tracks currently airing on Christian Hit Radio Inc. (CHRI).

Though community events, such as those organized with Do More Canada, have gained Pethick great local exposure, the aspiring musician has faced some challenges along the way. “It comes down, really, to two things: building relationships with people that are in the industry that will support you and building a relationship with your fans.”

Pethick has developed a deep appreciation for other members of the community that are struggling to make it in the industry. “The challenge is in trying to create, produce and distribute music, it takes an incredible amount of effort and I can appreciate how much work goes into it. I really respect the work that they have done,” says Pethick of the artists he will be performing alongside on Sept. 15.


Do More Canada's Acoustic Showcase is an annual event that has an objective of raising human rights awareness though the medium of local arts. The third edition will take place at the Shenkman Arts Centre on Saturday, Nov. 3.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit the website: www.acousticshowcase.ca

- Orleans Star

New day dawns brightly for singer

By ALLAN WIGNEY, SUN MEDIA

A New Day, the debut solo release from local singer-songwriter Brant Pethick, is a tuneful 11-track collection that is that most rare of popular music lyrical offerings: Something positive.

"Release the passion from the pain," Pethick advises on the album's title track. Elsewhere, Pethick counsels us to "Never run from life," "Never change your heart," "Set your conscience free" and to "Find the message in the mirror."

Not exactly the sort of thing likely to be embraced by local metalheads and gangsta-rap followers. But, as Pethick notes, "There are millions that enjoy rap and millions that don't. All I can do is put my music out there and hope it reaches the right person."

How very, um, positive of you, Brant. Refreshingly so, really, even as it has already raised questions in the minds of casual listeners since the release of A New Day last month. Questions inspired in part by references to a search for a saviour as well as odes to the spirit, the soul and, well, A New Day.

"I am a spiritual person," Pethick confirms, "but from a musical perspective.

"Really, the album didn't start out as this statement of optimism that people seem to see it as. It's just that, in the wake of some difficult experiences and the loss of a close friend, it naturally took on that tone. It was a response to those challenges.

"And, I think, just getting older in years and building a family, you have to find ways to get through and to make the best of things. That's what came out."

Not that there's anything wrong with that. And Pethick, who cut his teeth as a member of the local rock band On the Edge (two of his former bandmates accompany him on A New Day), has already put his money where his inspiring words are, by turning his sold-out CD-release show last month into a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society.

SINCERE

Another benefit concert featuring Pethick is in the works for this winter. And as the artist's song Save a Life confirms, Pethick is nothing if not sincere when it comes to helping others.

"That song was inspired by Darfur," Pethick says, "and by realizing how good we have things over here, compared to so much of the world.

"The idea is to simply try to save one life. It starts with caring, with realizing that something is happening and wanting to help. Small steps, I know, but power is in the people, right?"

To that end, Pethick is determined to bring his message to more people. There has been interest from Europe and the U.S., he says. Much of it, he admits, from Christian-rock radio.

"That's not my first choice," Pethick says. "That's just one element one can derive from the songs. But I'm starting to look into many avenues to promote the CD. And that's as good as any."

After all, there is also power in positive thinking.
- The Ottawa SUN (October 12, 2007)

During the mid 1990s we received quite a lot of singer-songwriter AOR/Westcoast-Rockalbums, but in the 2000s this style was nearly dead. At the end of the tunnel we find ourselves some light of hope for this genre, because a Canadian artist named BRANT PETHICK has released a very strong singer/songwriter AOR/Westcoast-Poprockalbum in the shape of ‘A New Day’, which is the debut CD of this Canadian musician. It reminds me of artists like BRETT WALKER, WAYNE SMART, CARL DIXON, STAN MEISSNER, DAVID KUHN, SCOTT SUDBURY, MICHAEL ZEE and of course good old BRYAN ADAMS… Fans of this genre will then know what to expect and I must say that the catchy AOR/Poprock on the first CD of BRANT PETHICK sounds indeed as good as mentioned acts. The production is quite excellent and songs like “Save Me”, “Save A Life” and “It’s Your Fight” are really impressive tunes. Check it out for yourself at: www.BrantPethick.com

(Points: 8.3 out of 10) - Strutter Magazine

With true rock essence, Brant Pethick kicks in a grand musical vibe to set off the winter blues or have you travellin' with the top down convertible in mid summer. Off to the latest weekend bash? Pop in some of these tunes for your traveling enjoyment. A classic edition to the Canadian pop rock scene, Brant gives us an essential and timely pop rock nugget in an era when the genre is showing signs of fading. Well you can put those fading ideas to rest. An awakening is taking place and Mr. Pethick definitely has the juice to bring the genre to life. A la Tom Cochrane, I can hear some big things happen for Brant and you should too. Pick up his album "A New Day (2007)" for a true Canadian treat.

Standout Tracks: Save Me, A New Day

- Catsask Music & Entertainment

Music with a message: Ottawa's Brant Pethick likes the concept. Pethick's solo debut urges us to seek life's positive side, a valuable ally in facing down those dark old nights of the soul. Guitar-driven, his collection of original tunes is strong on anthemic melodies, infectious hooks and emotional delivery. Brant Pethick's CD release party, at the Orléans Theatre on Friday, Sept. 7, is in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.
Patrick Langston - The Ottawa Citizen - Patrick Langston - The Ottawa Citizen

Music with a message: Ottawa's Brant Pethick likes the concept. Pethick's solo debut urges us to seek life's positive side, a valuable ally in facing down those dark old nights of the soul. Guitar-driven, his collection of original tunes is strong on anthemic melodies, infectious hooks and emotional delivery. Brant Pethick's CD release party, at the Orléans Theatre on Friday, Sept. 7, is in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.
Patrick Langston - The Ottawa Citizen - Patrick Langston - The Ottawa Citizen

One Orléans rocker says the headiest challenge of assembling his first full-length record wasn’t in the songwriting, the singing or even the unavoidable hours of practicing.

Rather, Brant Pethick says the hardest aspect was emerging from the shadows of the stage. “It was a huge challenge,” says the former drummer for now-defunct Ottawa band On The Edge, about fronting his own four-piece ensemble. Pethick sang backup and helped write music whilst wailing on the drums for OTE back in the early 1990s, when grunge sounds and plaid shirts were all the rage.

But being frontman, he explains, is a different animal entirely.

“I always enjoyed singing, and always wanted to get up front at one point in my life. But I think with each performance I gain more confidence, and with each performance I learn something,” he says. Though he describes himself as a “visual drummer”, he also acknowledges the added stress of the centre-stage can be nerve-wracking. “So this is going to be a continuing effort.

“Back in the day, though, being more of a backbeat kind of guy, my band members would say there was a part of me that enjoyed being in the spotlight.”

Indeed, if it’s the spotlight Pethick craves, it seems he’s found his niche. The 11-song debut album features a collage of rock, pop-rock, acoustic and even classical sounds and was recorded solo, in his basement studio. “There are songs about life, songs about death, songs about relationships,” he illustrates. “A lot of the songs are about celebrating life.”

Pethick plays guitars, keyboards and drums on the record though he’s recruited a crew of local musicians for live shows, including his CD release bash at the Orléans Theatre Friday, Sept. 7.

While the Beacon Hill native says he’s ecstatic to have his own production, he’s also under no illusions about the realities of independent music production and promotion. “It’s a ton of work,” he confides. “It probably took me two years, end to end, to complete setting up the (studio) room and then record it myself, up until the release. And I’ve been working towards the content for probably up to five years.”

He spent those five years assembling the bricks and mortar of a “foundation of creativity,” as he calls it – writing songs, buying equipment and outfitting his studio, along with slowly preparing to make the leap to lead position.

And while he reiterates fronting a band takes some getting used to, it’s a transition process he’s happy to endure. “I guess I always wanted to be noticed, and be up front,” he says.

“I guess I’ve got my chance now.”

Tickets for the Sept. 7 show at the Orléans Theatre are $5 at the door and all proceeds go to the Canadian Cancer Society.
- Jim Donnelly - The Orleans Star

One Orléans rocker says the headiest challenge of assembling his first full-length record wasn’t in the songwriting, the singing or even the unavoidable hours of practicing.

Rather, Brant Pethick says the hardest aspect was emerging from the shadows of the stage. “It was a huge challenge,” says the former drummer for now-defunct Ottawa band On The Edge, about fronting his own four-piece ensemble. Pethick sang backup and helped write music whilst wailing on the drums for OTE back in the early 1990s, when grunge sounds and plaid shirts were all the rage.

But being frontman, he explains, is a different animal entirely.

“I always enjoyed singing, and always wanted to get up front at one point in my life. But I think with each performance I gain more confidence, and with each performance I learn something,” he says. Though he describes himself as a “visual drummer”, he also acknowledges the added stress of the centre-stage can be nerve-wracking. “So this is going to be a continuing effort.

“Back in the day, though, being more of a backbeat kind of guy, my band members would say there was a part of me that enjoyed being in the spotlight.”

Indeed, if it’s the spotlight Pethick craves, it seems he’s found his niche. The 11-song debut album features a collage of rock, pop-rock, acoustic and even classical sounds and was recorded solo, in his basement studio. “There are songs about life, songs about death, songs about relationships,” he illustrates. “A lot of the songs are about celebrating life.”

Pethick plays guitars, keyboards and drums on the record though he’s recruited a crew of local musicians for live shows, including his CD release bash at the Orléans Theatre Friday, Sept. 7.

While the Beacon Hill native says he’s ecstatic to have his own production, he’s also under no illusions about the realities of independent music production and promotion. “It’s a ton of work,” he confides. “It probably took me two years, end to end, to complete setting up the (studio) room and then record it myself, up until the release. And I’ve been working towards the content for probably up to five years.”

He spent those five years assembling the bricks and mortar of a “foundation of creativity,” as he calls it – writing songs, buying equipment and outfitting his studio, along with slowly preparing to make the leap to lead position.

And while he reiterates fronting a band takes some getting used to, it’s a transition process he’s happy to endure. “I guess I always wanted to be noticed, and be up front,” he says.

“I guess I’ve got my chance now.”

Tickets for the Sept. 7 show at the Orléans Theatre are $5 at the door and all proceeds go to the Canadian Cancer Society.
- Jim Donnelly - The Orleans Star