Singer, songwriter, guitarist, and filmmaker, Pennan Brae, describes himself as a musician who “travels back in time yet remains unmistakenly contemporary.” This is evident with his new single, “Pay Dirt,” featuring “raw proto-punk guitar propulsion, with stop-start verses, glory note leads, and a kick-and-cowbell intro that grabs you by the lapels and demands you pogo along.” (Hip Video Promo) “Pay Dirt” is an extension of how to release pent-up frustration through the grandiose power of music, and a little bit of rock n’ roll. Pennan’s influences stem from classic American rock and blues artists like Elton John, Muddy Waters, BB King, Elmore James.
The music video for “Pay Dirt” features clips of “street-level camcorder shots of New York City,” directed by Rob Fitzgerald, who “went for bright lights meet vandalism, which summed up everything about NYC in the 70s and 80s.” (Hip Video Promo) In our interview with Pennan he discussed what drew him to music and when he first picked up a guitar, how it feels for him to let out frustration in his song “Pay Dirt,” what it was like filming the music video for “Pay Dirt,” and his fun music favorites.
What drew you to music, specifically rock n’ roll?
Pennan Brae: Rock ‘n roll is simply the music I’ve always been drawn to; I love the marriage of American blues & country music. My parents had a lot of Beatles, Eagles & CCR records on the turntable when I grew up, so it was all I heard during my early years. I’m so thankful for that music being around the house.
When did you first pick up a guitar, and are there any other instruments you play or would like to play?
Pennan: I first began taking piano lessons at age 5. That’s a great time for a kid to start music. I didn’t pick up the guitar until my teens & my fingers bled for months. It took 2-3 years to feel comfortable with the instrument as I was playing an uncomfortable acoustic guitar that was painful to play. But I finally got a new one which was of better make. I enjoy playing the harmonica also. I don’t play the drums but when I see my friends switch from guitar to percussion, I dearly wish I did.
You describe yourself as the kind of musician who “travels back in time yet remains unmistakably contemporary.” What does this mean to you?
Pennan: I rarely listen to music past the mid-1990s; I still receive so much joy & satisfaction from music spanning the 1950s – 90s. So in a way, I never left that era; it’s still very current to me. I suppose I’m contemporary by means of the musical arrangements during the recording process.
“Pay Dirt” is a great example of letting out frustration through song. What does that feel like for you when you exhale frustration through the power of music?
Pennan: It feels wonderful, especially with a guitar which is such a conducive instrument for that emotion. & not just the sound of it; the motion of playing the guitar it is a nice physical release & some good exercise. & once you set your amp to sonically meet your mood, you’re off to the races.
The video for “Pay Dirt” is just as lively as the song, with clips of street-level camcorder shots of New York City. What was the creative vision behind the video, and what was the collaboration like with it?
Pennan: Fortunately I was working with creator Rob Fitzgerald at HIP Video Productions. Along with HIP Founder Andy Gesner, we felt the song had a late 1970s NYC punk-rock vibe & wanted to create corresponding visuals. Rob did a great job in researching those scenes & then editing them with the music as the visuals unfold at a nice pace to compliment the song. I find the fonts which Rob used are pretty cool, too.
Fun Questions
Who was your first concert? Who has been your favorite so far?
Pennan: My first concert was Hall & Oates at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens when I was in Grade 6. I went with my Mom & sat behind the stage & found the live venue experience to be incredible. The Spoons opened, which was a successful local group. I swear Darryl Hall turned around & looked right at me when he addressed the crowd. But I’m sure thousands of other fans thought the same thing. I’ve seen John Mellencamp 6 times & his concerts are always fun with everyone dancing & having a good time. I’ve seen The Rolling Stones twice & they’re my favourite band so that was awesome. Watching Paul McCartney in Vancouver was an amazing experience; he played the first 45 minutes without even taking a sip of water or a moment’s break. I think the whole show was 2 and a half hours & he was 72 at the time; he had more energy & endurance than a band in their 20s. Lastly, AC/DC was simply fantastic; their songs have everyone into them at the show & Angus Young is simply a phenomenon.
What was your first album on cassette, CD and/or vinyl?
Pennan: I had a pair of ‘78 inch records which I just loved listening to. I still have them. One is, ‘Hard For Me To Say I’m Sorry’ by Chicago which is such a beautiful piece vocally & the arrangement is gorgeous. & the other is ‘Too Much Time On My Hands’ by Styx which is just killer. As a kid, I thought these 2 songs sounded magical coming out the speakers. I still do.
Which five albums and/or artists would you not want to live without?
Pennan: For artists, it would be The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Eagles, Bob Dylan & Neil Young. Add AC/DC in there as well! For albums, it would be ‘Exile on Main Street’ & ‘Some Girls’ by the Stones, The Beatles ‘Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’, ‘Talk is Cheap’ by Keith Richards & ‘Rumours’ by Fleetwood Mac. Plus ‘Highway to Hell’ by AC/DC!
Do you have a guilty music and/or entertainment pleasure?
Pennan: I don’t think so. With music, if I enjoy it, there’s nothing guilty about it.
How have you been keeping yourself creatively occupied during the pandemic/quarantine?
Pennan: I’ve focused on songwriting & recording at home. I had taken a break from that for a while & am just refocusing in on it.
Follow Pennan on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Check out his film reel on IMDB.
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