Between his Love Speaks organization (a forum for non-profits and community groups to get the word out about their causes) and his work with the Mosaic Project, it’s been obvious for a while that Brett Dennen is an artist who likes to give back, but now he’s asking fans to do a little giving of their own. The California-based singer-songwriter has announced that he’ll be holding a White Elephant gift exchange during his show this Saturday at the WIltern, and not only are fans encouraged to bring a gift to swap with their fellow music lovers, but they also have a chance to win a present from Dennen himself. All they have to do is head over to his Facebook page and tag themselves in a photo for a chance to win the DVDs, Slinky Juniors, shower loofahs, and adorable puppy calendars he’ll be giving away at the show. Keep in mind that even if you don’t win Dennen’s snowmen dishtowels, you can be sure that he’ll be sending you home with the gift of a great night of music
Dennen took some time out from gift buying to provide LA Music Blog’s readers with a little insight into the new EP, his plans for 2010, and his favorite place to grab a brew in LA.
You recently released an iTunes Exclusive “Live Session” EP. What was that experience like?
It was incredible. I worked with a band made up of ex-pats from Brazil called Forro in the Dark. We did Forro/Samba/Rocksteady renditions of some of my tunes. I got really inspired to write songs with Brazilian rhythms.
Can you tell us a little about the new tracks on the EP?
One of the songs is called “Joan of Arc.” I wrote it about four years ago but never did anything with it. When I started working on this EP, I thought the song would be a perfect, not only because it is a song that no one has heard before, but because it leant itself really well to the Rocksteady beat.
The other song, “Road To Forgiveness”, is a tune I wrote last year with Jason Mraz. We wrote it as a part of a charity album for Survival International.
You recently had an entire episode of Last Call with Carson Daly dedicated to you and your music. How did that come about?
I’ve known Carson for a couple of years now. He has been a big supporter of me, and I cannot say thank you to him enough. I’m a fan of his, too. I think the format of his show is awesome. He makes it all about the musician and the music. No cheesy couch talk. Real conversations. We had been trying to figure out a way to get me back on his show, and then they came up with the idea of an acoustic “coffee house” performance. They let me pick the spot, so I chose the Library Ale House in Santa Monica, which I think is the absolute best place to hang out and drink a beer in LA.
How would you describe your songwriting process?
I’m not really sure. Every song comes out differently. It usually starts with a line or a little melody popping into my head, but I can’t finish a song unless I can clear some time in my schedule and be totally alone. I really have to push myself to focus.
You have been compared to Bob Marley, Paul Simon, and James Taylor. Would you say that they are major influences in your writing?
Absolutely. All of them. I wouldn’t compare myself to any of them, but they are all huge inspirations to me.
What inspires you to write a song?
I get inspired by many things: books, movies, art, music, people, stories, friends, personal experiences, the news, food…
What’s in the works for 2010?
I am touring Australia in January, and then I am taking a couple months off to make the next record. After that, I will be out on the road for the rest of the year.
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