Paul Brandit Bio
Paul Brandt (b. Paul Rennee
Belobersycky, July 21, 1972) was one of the Canadian country singers able to
take advantage of the massive success of Shania
Twain and parlay a successful career for himself in America.
Paul Brandt was born and raised Calgary, Alberta,
where he sang gospel music and learned to play guitar as a child. During high
school, he began playing local talent contests, singing his own songs. Most of
his original material was directly inspired by neo-traditionalists like Dwight
Yoakam and George
Strait. Instead of pursuing country music as a full-time career, he decided
to attend college and study nursing. For two years, Brandt went to college and
practised as a pediatric nurse at Alberta's Children's Hospital. However, he
continued to enter local talent contests and to place well in each event.
The turning point in Paul Brandt's musical career came
when he entered a national contest sponsored by the Canadian performance
organization, SOCAN. At the contest, Brandt won first prize for Best Original
Canadian Country Song with "Calm Before the Storm," and placed as the
runner-up for Best Performance. The SOCAN competition was monitored by several
insiders in the Nashville music community, and Warner Bros. expressed interest
in signing the singer. A demo tape of Brandt's songs made its way to Reprise's
Nashville office. Reprise arranged to see a showcase concert by
Paul Brandt and,
following the show, the label signed the young singer.
After signing the record contract, Paul
Brandt moved
to Nashville, where he recorded his debut album with producer Josh Leo, who had
previously worked with Kathy Mattea and Alabama.
Brandt's debut, "Calm Before the Storm," was released in June to
critical acclaim and strong sales. Outside the Frame was released the next year,
followed by both That's the Truth and A Paul Brandt Christmas: Shall I Play for
You in 1999. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
Article By: CMT
