NEW ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Dean Brody

Raised in the shadows of the Canadian Rockies, Dean Brody grew up with an appreciation for rural life in British Columbia. After high school graduation, he continued to work at the local sawmill until the business slowdown forced him to take a new job as a miner.

Brody's musical gifts led him back into the light and down to Nashville, where he got a publishing deal. But as he made his way into the business, the clock on his work permit kept winding down. After two years, he had no choice but to head back home to the mines.

Then word arrived that Keith Stegall wanted to sign him to BBR (Broken Bow Records), and Brody returned to cut his self-titled debut album, with Matt Rovey producing. His gifts as a writer shine on "Brothers," a heartbreaking chronicle of sibling love and one of the album's six tracks that he wrote on his own, in addition to three co-writes.

Elsewhere, the romanticism of "Gravity" belies the title with a melody that floats like a feather on the chorus, while "Undone" takes an opposite approach with a thumping chorus behind lyrics that promise adventure and love at "the only drive-in left from here to Lincoln County."

More than a skilled writer, Brody possesses an expressive voice and an ability to bring stories to life through understated delivery. It's Nashville's good fortune to have him back and on his way toward brighter days.

CMA Close Up® New Service / Country Music Association®, Inc.

Photo: David McClister