Brian Keenan (born August 23, 1982) is a Brooklyn-based songwriter and musician. He was born in Rochester, New York where he resided until 2005.Last.fm, "Brian Keenan", April 9, 2012
He has released albums under his own name, and as frontman for the Americana band Proud Simon.Houle, Zachary (2011) "Brian Keenan: Today This Year", PopMatters, August 1, 2011, retrieved October 10, 2012Last.fm, "Proud Simon", April 9, 2012Leggett, Steve "Proud Simon Biography", Allmusic, retrieved October 10, 2012 He played lead guitar in indie pop outfit Cricket Spin.Last.fm, "Cricket Spin", April 9, 2012 His debut solo album Today This Year was released on August 1, 2011.Allmusic, "Today This Year", April 9, 2012
Today This Year was recorded at Avatar Studios in New York City.Daniel Sieling, SonicScoop, "Avatar Studios Hosts Paul Simon, Moby, O.A.R. and More", April 21, 2010 The album featured a 12-piece live band, including members of The Cardinals, Chris Cubeta & the Liars Club, Ghost Gamblers and more.
The album debuted on AOL's Spinner website,AOL Spinner, "Today This Year", January 8, 2011 and the video for From Scratch was featured on Paste Magazine's website.Peterkin, Caitlin (2011) "Video Premiere: Brian Keenan – "From Scratch"", Paste, August 11, 2011, retrieved October 10, 2012
Keenan founded Proud Simon with his cousin Charlie Monte Verde in Rochester, NY. The band recorded three full-length albums: Night of Criminals, Shoestring Universe and Sometimes a Stranger.Del Day, Americana UK, "Proud Simon Shoestring Universe", January 2, 2007Paul Villers, Americana UK, "Proud Simon Night of Criminals", October 27, 2008 They released three EPs: Anchors Aweigh, Victory March and Leaving.
The band split in 2010 with Keenan's decision to record under his own name.Ruhlmann, William "Anchors Aweigh Review", Allmusic, retrieved October 10, 2012
Their song Burning Bridges was featured in independent film Sneakers & Soul.Sneakers & Soul, "Music", April 9, 2012
The main instruments used in his songs are acoustic guitar, often accompanied by organ, pedal steel, bass and drums. His influences include Ryan Adams, Townes Van Zandt, Radiohead, and Wilco.Allmusic, "Related", April 9, 2012Moore, Sarah (2008) "Proud Simon: Night of Criminals", PopMatters, November 13, 2008, retrieved October 10, 2012
References
External links Official Website