I'm originally from Southern California, but have called Copenhagen home for several years now, where my time is divided between co-writing, touring, artist career consulting, leading workshops on songwriting and presenting the LISTENING ROOM CONCERT SERIES shows monthly in COPENHAGEN and STOCKHOLM, as well as other European countries, and the LISTENING ROOM INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITER RETREATS, held annually in seven countries, where songwriters from around the world gather to share their works and create together in remote, inspiring natural settings. These events are open to anyone with a sincere desire to expand their musical expression. Further info. at myspace.com/listeningroomsongwriterretreats
My touring has taken me to 33 countries so far, with ten of my co-written songs appearing on other artists albums in the past three years, including the hit single 'BREAKING NEWS' with Copenhagen Records artist MADS LANGER. Further co-writes with ANNETTE BJERGFELT (DK). BOO HEWERDINE (UK), SIMON LYNGE (DK), DR. MILLAR (IRE), TEITUR (DK), KEVIN WELCH (US) and many more have received extensive live play. I've also done harmony vocals on several commercial releases, including Scottish supergroup RUNRIGS' 'In Search of Angels' CD, and the upcoming release by AMALIE RIIS on Songcrafter Records, DK.
Over the past 20+ years, I've had the pleasure of working with and presenting hundreds of songwriters in several countries, ranging from the legends like Burt Bacharach, Jeff Barry, Joni Mitchell, Graham Nash, Stephen Stills, Randy Newman, Jackson Browne and more, to numerous emerging voices including Jonatha Brooke, Lisa Loeb, Tina Dico, Simon Lynge, Ron Sexsmith, Teitur, Juliet Turner and Dar Williams.
I started my songwriting and performing career in the early 80's as lead vocalist for L.A. based Power Pop band The Sneaks (early videos of which can now be found on YouTube), then going on to become a volunteer, staff member, Marketing Director, Managing Director and ultimately C.E.O. of the National Academy of Songwriters ('89-'96). Other past positions include Publisher, SongTalk Magazine, Producer, Salute To The American Songwriter Awards, Executive Director, Kerrville Folk Festival Foundation (TX), ten year screener for TAXI, host of the Notes From The Acoustic Underground Radio program (L.A.), and founding partner of the Unisong International Song Contest. (And lastly, a brief mid-80's period of exploring other areas of performance, which included fashion modeling, a couple of tv appearances, and a season as a feaured dancer on Soul Train in the mid-80's:-)
I believe music truly is an international language of the soul, and feel deeply fortunate to have discovered and developed a life based in pursuing my own expression, intuition and free spirited living, while offering others the encouragement and opportunity to do the same.
I also believe we are, each of us, so much more than we're taught to believe, and I look forward to meeting and encouraging more of you who sense the same...Namaste
INTERNATIONAL PRESS:
"Songs and vocals in the company of George Harrison, Elvis Costello and Neil Finn" REAL ROOTS MAGAZINE (BE)
Pop/folk songs that embrace the listener like a warm blanket on a cold winters day" BT
"Soul mate and honorary member of the East Coast folk scene"
- Dar Williams, Razor & Tie Recording Artist
When it comes to discussing songwriting in Denmark, Brett Perkins is one of three names most mentioned" - JYLLANDS POSTEN
'The voice of great experience' GAFFA.dk
'One of the best kept secrets of the Danish music scene, but not for long' POLITIKEN.
"Completely infectious stuff!" Susanne Milsaps, KCRL, Salt Lake City, UT
"I really liked your prior release ... BUT .. DANISH WEATHER is 100 times better!!! U L T R A cool!!!! ... immediately was put on my *tokeep forever* pile!!" Lord Liiter Radio, Berlin
"A fine example of an artist...emphasizing melody and storytelling"
- Santa Fe New Mexican, Weekend Calender Feature
"'Brett's songs show an excellent blend of melody and hook usage. Plus, he's Captain Harmony!" - Ellis Paul, Rounder Recording Artist
"A refreshing singer-songwriter who has a unique touch with a song, whether tackling a current event or political topic, or expressing emotion through his songs, he will captivate his audience with a fine performance. A truly engaging performer" - Wanda Fisher, WAMC Hudson River Sample, NY
"A strong stage presence and engaging vocal style...reminiscent of a youthful Paul McCartney" - Music Connection Magazine, Los Angeles
"His songs are so personal, they're universal"
- Flagstaff Live, AZ
"A true troubadour"
- Pasadena Weekly, CA
"A truly great songwriter"
- Kashmir Klub, London
"Showroom quality guitar/pop from across the Atlantic"
- Stadsblad Weekly, Utrecht, Holland
"In danger of being worn out due to constant playing!"
- J. Warner/93.7 Heritage FM, W. Australia
"The song is at the center of the scene"
- Musikkeren (DK)
"One of our favorite performers"
New Music Club/Edinburgh Fringe Festival
"A ..wash proof.. hit to be from this sympathetic American songwriter"
- Nat & Dag, Copenhagen
ASCAP Special Award Winner 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Spazio amici di BRETT PERKINS LIVE ACOUSTIC (Top 19)
Thank you kindly for adding us to your long list of friends, we sure appreciate your support. Please check TheClayhillBrosTV at YouTube for live videos from Kaustinen Folk Music Festival from June 2009. Take care & chop 'til you drop! The Clayhill Brothers from Finland
Yes, I wanna be your friend here too! Sounds really good. Have a great evening! And as I asked before, if you know a good place to play at the 11th or 12th of January, please tell me. Best regards, /Lena
I'm originally from Southern California, but have called Copenhagen home for several years now, where my time is divided between co-writing, touring, artist career consulting, leading workshops on songwriting and presenting the LISTENING ROOM CONCERT SERIES shows monthly in COPENHAGEN and STOCKHOLM, as well as other European countries, and the LISTENING ROOM INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITER RETREATS, held annually in seven countries, where songwriters from around the world gather to share their works and create together in remote, inspiring natural settings. These events are open to anyone with a sincere desire to expand their musical expression. Further info. at myspace.com/listeningroomsongwriterretreats
