By day, he’s a Toronto-area hospital director. By night, he’s a rock star.
On Nov. 5, Shawn Brady is returning home to give friends, family and fellow Sudburians a sampling of what he’s been working on musically.
After graduating from Lasalle Secondary, Brady went on to study physiotherapy at Queen’s University. After graduating, he worked at the Sudbury Regional Hospital for two years, before heading back to Toronto to get his master’s. He stayed in the city, and later became the director of inter-professional practice at a Toronto hospital.
All the while, music was a part of his life. He competed in Battles of the Bands competitions while in high school, playing guitar for Lasalle. Brady is also part of Elevation, a U2 tribute band, that has put on more than 1,000 shows in 14 countries.
He said he does keep a guitar in his office, but likes to keep work and play separate.
“When I’m at work, I’m focused on leading the people I need to lead,” he said.
Brady said he’s lucky to have a strong, supportive network of colleagues and friends in Toronto, that allow him to pursue both his passions. “I love (working at the hospital and making music), so that helps,” he said.
While maintaining a day job and touring with the group kept him busy, Brady said a solo album of originals was something he always wanted to do.
Now, he’s preparing to release Electric Blood. Hometown audiences will be treated to a pre-release concert, complete with music off the 10-track album, at the Coulson Night Club, Nov. 5.
He said the CD is full of “songs that will resonate with a lot of people.”
The hopeful, optimistic album is full of heavy guitar riffs, pounding drums and smooth melodies, which all contribute to “a soaring sound-scape,” Brady said.
One of the tracks, All for the Run, pays tribute to his days as a Track North distance runner. Brady said the Laurentian trails were heavy on his mind when he penned the song.
Northern influences are present in the rest of the album, too. “Northern Ontario shaped a lot of who I am,” he said. “It definitely comes through in the writing.”
Brady takes the stage at 10 p.m. His performance begins with his original work, then will include covers performed by him and his band. The band will also be on stage on Nov. 4.
Both his performances are free. Copies of Electric Blood will be available for $12. An official CD release party is scheduled for Nov. 12 in Toronto.
Visit shawnbrady.com.
Posted by Jenny Jelen
