Brett DennenChattanooga Times Free Press entertainment reporter Casey Phillips spoke with California-based folk/pop singer/songwriter Brett Dennen about learning to write songs with a groove, keeping upbeat and why he doesn’t mind when life throws him curve balls.
CP: You’re about to start a really extensive national tour in support of “Loverboy.” What are your thoughts going in?
BD: I love touring. It’s my favorite part of being a musician. I love songwriting – that’s great – but there’s nothing better than touring for me. Many musicians get tired of being on tour, and I have my moments of burn out and homesickness, but in general, I love being on tour. I love being with my friends and playing music every night or rehearsing and jamming. It makes me feel like I’m doing what I’m meant to do.
When you’re off tour and you’re writing or taking a break, sometimes, I get out of the habit of playing music every day. I like being on tour, because it encourages me to do that.
This tour, we’re not playing any major cities. The closest we get to a big city is Nashville. For the most part, we’re playing the Chattanoogas of the world. For the most part, we’re playing rock clubs and small theaters. It’s one of my favorite ways to tour. More and more, as I get into music, I want to play the smaller markets and smaller towns. I want to bring music to the people and not necessarily make them drive three or four hours to see a concert. I’d like to come to their town.