by Runs Sept. 22-26
Chad Brownlee (born July 12, 1984 in Kelowna, British Columbia) is a Canadian country music artist and ice hockey defenceman. Brownlee was a draft pick for the Vancouver Canucks in 2003, going in the sixth round No. 190th overall. After four years of playing for the NCAA’s Minnesota State Mavericks (located in Mankato, Minn.), Brownlee made his pro debut with the ECHL’s Idaho Steelheads in 2007.
A testament to his drive and talent, Chad Brownlee (MDM Recordings Inc. / Universal Music Canada) is an extraordinary example of what one person can achieve. Although he may focus on living in the moment and absorbing every treasured second with his fans while performing on stage, Brownlee has already lived a life many would argue could fill multiple lifetimes. An award-winning singer, songwriter, philanthropist and former NHL draft pick, country music artist Brownlee is by definition a renaissance man, who lives by the credence that “opportunity lies along the path created by the choices you make.”
In recent years his singles have rapidly climbed the country music charts, with multiple singles cracking Top 10, including “Listen”, “Smoke In The Rain” and “Crash”. In February 2014 he released the single “Fallin’ Over You” off his forthcoming album, THE FIGHTERS out June 3.
Shares Brownlee, “Fallin’ Over You has become one of my favourite songs to sing because of the passion that comes out of the melody and lyrics. You know that feeling you get when you realize that a certain someone has taken a hold of you in the best way possible? That’s what this song is all about. That feeling of freedom, of flying, and falling without worrying where you’re going to land.”
Over the last few years Brownlee has received critical acclaim and numerous accolades including a highly coveted JUNO nomination for Country Album of the Year, and consecutive Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA®) Award™ Male Artist of the Year nominations (2012 & 2013). For this British Columbia, Canada native, a strong work ethic defines his successful transition from the ice rink to the stage. A culmination of many days and nights on the road and hours in the studio, Brownlee has been taking the Canadian country music world by storm. He plans to cross the border later this year to share the Country Thunder Festival stage (in both Wisconsin and Arizona), performing a mix of fan favourites and new tracks off his forthcoming album.
Since the release of his sophomore album Love Me Or Leave Me, the talented singer-songwriter has shown the industry that his star in country music is on the rise, quite literally, as he was also the recipient of the 2011 Rising Star Award at the CCMA Awards™. In celebration of the release of this album, Brownlee hit the road, touring with Grammy-nominee Dierks Bentley across the country, and has been touring ever since recently wrapping up co-headlining the coast-to-coast Your Town Throwdown tour with Deric Ruttan and Jason Blaine in the fall of 2013.
An artist who believes “to be considered a professional you must always act like a professional”, his warm personality and charming persona intimately invites the audience to experience a musical journey as he performs with a commanding, intoxicating stage presence. With a new album release on the horizon, and more tour dates to be announced, his fans can look forward to another memorable year filled with new music and powerful performances.
Brownlee’s passions run deep; helping his fellow man most certainly sits high on his list of priorities. He frequently donates his time wherever and whenever possible to a variety of causes. Annually he continues to partner with the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation™ to share the joy of music with young campers, leading music workshops across the country. He recently recorded a track and filmed a video with kids who benefit from the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation™ called “We Don’t Walk This Road Alone”. All artist proceeds from the sale of this digital single will be donated to the foundation.
His gift for songwriting was first acknowledged when he was nominated for the NCAA Hockey Humanitarian Award for his song “The Hero I See” in his fourth year at Minnesota State University. The song contributed to raising thousands of dollars for the Anthony Ford Foundation, and was a catalyst to his soon-to-be career shift into the country music realm. Brownlee’s outstanding display of accolades and intoxicating musical talent truly affirm he is a Canadian artist to watch as his promising career continues to thrive.
In only a few short years, since the August 2010 release of his self-titled debut album, Brownlee has been stealing the hearts of his fans across Canada with his mesmerizing live performances and his rugged good looks.
