Brett Kissel
Inspiring artist, gifted writer, talented musician and most of all superb entertainer.
Over the past years, Brett Kissel has become known for providing people with an unforgettable music experience and has plenty of practice doing so. He has played for 55,000 people at Commonwealth Stadium during half-time, performed acoustically on Good Morning Canada, sang at the Los Angeles Convention Centre and played countless shows in Western Canada.
This two-time Canadian Country Music Association Nominee (youngest in CCMA history) has been exciting audiences since he was in grade school – but now that the country star is twenty, he is ready to take the industry by storm. Brett Kissel has sold out thirty four consecutive shows during his first ever tour, “The Hometown Concert Tour,” and has received standing ovations at the main stages of the Big Valley Jamboree and the Kamloops Cowboy Festival.
The tremendous success of his last 5 independent albums has provided Brett Kissel with the opportunity to pursue his dream and continue making country music. Due to the success of his past albums, Brett has had the opportunity to MC and perform at many top Canadian Festivals, to be acknowledged as one of the top young songwriters from Alberta at the Western Canadian Music Awards, and be able to count the Premier of Alberta as one of his most loyal fans.
An appreciation of his rural roots and a level head when it comes to success are the results of growing up on a cattle ranch out-side of Edmonton, Alberta. Host of the famous Spirit of the West Radio show, Hugh McLennan, has said that “What fans love most about Brett is his respect and understanding.” Not only does Brett understand the importance of modesty, but also what it takes to be a first class musician – performing at over 150 events a year and working tirelessly to give a stunning performance every time. At a recent performance at the Ottawa Super Exhibition, Joe Pavia, the manager of programming and marketing said that Brett Kissel “ruled the stage, letting his infectious enthusiasm for his material and his rapport with the varied audience demographic, enthrall everyone.”
A huge contributing factor to Brett’s success is his former manager and agent – Dr. Bob Steadward, who is a world renowned leader in Olympic, Paralympic and professional sports. Bob has helped figure skating pair Jamie Salè and David Pelletier win Olympic gold medals and is also responsible for the marketing of many other individuals. By having such a capable team surrounding him, Brett is able to focus on what is important to him– his music.
During the spring of 2008 Brett released his 4th album titled “My Roots Run Deep.” Brett released this album in style with a sold out concert at the Winspear Centere, Edmonton’s Premiere Performing Arts Theatre, on May 9 of 2008, which also celebrated his 18th birthday. The first single off of the album scored Brett a number 1 hit on 790 CFCW with a song he penned “Queen on the River.” However, this was not Kissel’s first country hit. In early 2007, Brett released “Dance With This Old Cowboy” with friend and country legend Gary Fjellgaard. This song shot straight to number one, stayed there for 8 weeks and was awarded the most requested/played song of 2007 on 790 CFCW!
Over the past 5 years Brett’s fans and country industry peers have seen him progress immensely. His popularity is definitely on the rise and it won’t be long until Brett becomes a country music heavy weight.