Brian Macmillan

 V
Location:
Toronto, Ontario, CA
Type:
Artist / Band / Musician
Genre:
Pop / Acoustic / Folk
Label:
bmacmusic
Type:
Indie
' The ever-charming Brian MacMillan has a musical presence that is gentle and soulful. Aaaaah. 100% guaranteed…'

Knox Acoustic Cafe



'Brian Macmillan carries a calm, warm and seasoned soul in his lanky bones. Lyrics are optimistic, but not naive; he preaches patience, that there will be Another Day, and appears to be at peace with the circle of life.'

Andy Frank, producer, Take 5 CIUT 89.5 fm



'keyboard flourishes and bouncy bass, inject a little Bruce Cockburn-meets-Paul Simon reggae/dub into his wholesome sunniness. An easygoing, optimistic debut.'

Ian Nathanson, Metro News



Who is that?

No, that's not James Taylor you're hearing. Nor is it Paul Simon. Or Jackson Browne. You'll hear the music and think it was made in a different time - you'll wonder how you missed that artist because you swore you thought you knew all the classic albums. But after you scratch your head, you will be refreshed. Relieved even - that there are still people making real music out there.

Brian MacMillan: picked up a guitar when he was sixteen and hasn't put it down since. A prolific songwriter. A warmth and presence on stage that makes you laugh, listen, and sing along. A voice rich, bold, and true. Lyrics that imprint your busy brain and have you singing them for days. An artist who generously invites you inside his music. Brian MacMillan is the breath of fresh air that music has been waiting for.



The story behind Brian's most recent album, Shine, and how it says a lot about him.

Brian had his pockets full of songs, and no money to record them with. Was playing to a full house at Hugh's Room in Toronto, and jokingly said to the audience, "Hey, if anyone has an extra few thousand dollars kicking around that they'd like to send my way, I wouldn't say no." Inspired by his music, and touched by his ingenuity, Brian was approached after the show by a man named Tim Rudkins who was looking to invest some of his money in a good cause.

Tim wanted to be part of something positive that would inspire people, and Brian's music and mission were worthy of his support.

Mr.Rudkins is a part of an amazing company, helping businesses of all sizes make tangible steps towards greener business practices.

check in with Tim here!

Brian's music spoke for itself that night - and Shine was recorded a few months later. 11 original songs: half of them make you want to dance, and the other half - bare your soul.



The music he plays and how he plays it:

You can call it pop, folk, folk-pop. You can throw a splash of reggae in there if you want. His songs are anthems and ballads. You can say he's a singer-songwriter, or multi-instrumentalist. He writes the songs, plays the guitar, bass, drums, keys, sings lead vocals and harmonies. He leads a band like a true gentleman, and can warm up a room in seconds.



Things he's done:

Produced and recorded: three original albums.

Received: 2 OAC grants. Won: the Colleen Peterson Songwriting award. Shared stages with: Great Big Sea, New Odds, Barenaked Ladies, Spirit of the West. Gave his magic touch to albums by: Kevin Hearn and Thinbuckle, Wailin' Jennys, Elizabeth Sheppard, Garth Hudson, Barenaked Ladies, Layah Jane, Jory Nash, Lori Cullen, Eden Hertzog, Nine Mile, Mr. Something Something. Played on a ship with: The Barenaked Ladies, three years in a row. Rocked these festivals: Shelter Valley, Mariposa, Home County, Blue Skies, Eaglewood. Created music programs for: Where are the Mothers (art project pairing musicians with women living in the Toronto shelter system) and CICO (Community In Community Out is an alternative school).

Is now: A fixture in John McDermott's touring band. Mentored Youth: At the OCFF conference. Was featured in: John Kong's Do Right Records Required Listening compilation.

Is sponsored by: Stonebridge guitars and New Moon Kitchen. Had this cookie named after him: The Mackie.



But enough talking. Just turn the radio up and listen to Brian. That's what this is about anyway.

Purchase bmac's music!
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