Dennen updates sound, urges communication

A new sound looks to benefit more than record sales.

By Andrew Terry

Published March 2, 2009

Hailing from California, Brett Dennen has released three critically acclaimed albums and toured with big names and is one of the brightest up-and-coming artists. Now, through his music, he sets out on a goal to change lives.

Dennen broke into the music scene after his second album, So Much More, enjoyed much success. It had a poppy-folky core, complemented with Dennen's unique vocals.

His latest album, Hope for the Hopeless, which debuted at 41 on the Billboard Top 200, was a bit of a departure from his previous work, which had been more folky.

"I just wanted my music to reach more people," Dennen said.

The album, which includes such singles as "Make You Crazy" featuring the singer Femi Kuti, is far more developed and has a much higher production value.

But the desire for more listeners has less to do with sale numbers than it might seem.

"My career is a forum for people to get involved," Dennen said.

If you listen to the lyrics of most of his music, you can clearly hear the voice of a man who feels it is time for change. Even the title of his latest album, Hope for the Hopeless, sends a message.

"I want my music to be a way for young people to get involved with non-profit work," Dennen said.

That's where Dennen started his campaign for a better world. Before he became a touring musician, he worked non-profit work in California.

His Web site now boasts two large sections for charitable organizations: Love Speaks and the Mosaic Project.

Love Speaks is a blog where Dennen puts the word out on organizations people can get involved with, citing his deep-seated desire for people to do their part in this world. The Mosaic Project, which Dennen has been involved with since its inception, strives to eliminate prejudice through education.

But his music has done more than just change other peoples' lives; it has skyrocketed his career to unimagined heights.

Other than his impressive record sales, he has also toured with some of the largest artists in the pop/folk scene, such as John Mayer, Guster, Meiko and Mason Jennings.

"It's always great to open for those you admire," Dennen said. "Mayer's fans are fanatics and it's awesome to play in front of that, unlike Coldplay's fans who are just wearing the cool-card."

And playing in front of big names has been beneficial to the still relatively unknown Dennen, as his time is only just around the corner.

He has been featured on such TV shows as "Grey's Anatomy" and "House," with a subsequently large surge in downloads on iTunes and also played on the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien."

Dennen is on a three-month tour across the U.S. with Erin McCarley and Angus & Julia Stone from Australia.