Dennen Gets Kuti on Album
FIRST SINGLE, “MAKE YOU CRAZY," FEATURES AFROBEAT KING FEMI KUTI
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Singer/Songwriter Brett Dennen will release HOPE FOR THE HOPELESS on October 21, 2008 with Dualtone Music Group/Downtown Music. The follow-up to his 2006 break-through album features an electric take on the established touring musician's narrative-rich writing and pop, folk, rock and Afro-Caribbean sounds. With his rapid success, Dennen has evolved into one of today's most promising live performers. As his growth readies him for a full-band headlining tour in early 2009, he will first backtrack to smaller venues and clubs for a pared-down “mini-tour" following the release of HOPE FOR THE HOPELESS (dates to be announced).
The album's first single, “Make You Crazy," (listen below) is a deceptively infectious song featuring Nigerian Afrobeat star, Femi Kuti. Dennen explains, “I made the song catchy but it's about all the injustice in the world. 'It's enough to make you go crazy... and I'm amazed I haven't yet.'"
HOPE FOR THE HOPELESS was recorded at the Village Recorder Studios in Los Angeles with multi-platinum producer John Alagia (John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band). Dennen cites inspiration ranging from Fela Kuti's Expensive Shit/Ransome Kuti, to Joni Mitchell's Court And Spark, to The Rolling Stones' Exile On Main St. - not to mention his time spent crisscrossing the country performing to audiences that continue to double with each return.
