Abe Drennan

A self-taught musician, Abe has been playing for 8 years as a, solo artist, band leader, recording artist and concert promoter/organizer. A member of SOCAN, Folk Alliance, Ontario Council of Folk Festivals and the Songwriters Association of Canada, he enjoys making things happen and steering his career.Starting off as a busker on the streets of Montreal, he contributed to the Montreal music scene by founding a variety night open stage called, “The Chameleon's Cove” in 2001. As host of the event, he established "The Cove" at McKibbons' Pub in the cities weekly open mic circuit. His folk based songwriting came through with early influences of James Taylor and Gordon Lightfoot. As a solo artist, Drennan has shared the stage with Albert Saxby, Roger Marin, Dave McEatheran and Gordie Tentrees.Starting a rock band called “ONE” in 2003, the folk/rock trio evolved into a 4 piece rock band by 2006 playing bars and festivals in rural Ontario. Sticking primarily to original material, influenced by U2, Tragically Hip and the Barenaked Ladies, the band has shared the stage with The Salads, Staylefish, Jimmy Bowskill and many others. Producing a 3 song demo in 2005 the band opened their own recording studio. At ONE Sound Labs, the band is currently recording their first independant album.An experienced concert, festival organizer and promoter since 2003, Drennan helped organize numerous events and concerts while founding a rock event called "Freedom Live". He believes that being part of the organization and operations of the event is the truest way to learn the business, make connections and steer his career. He connected with Brian Mortimer and Greg Simpson at the Jack Richardson Music Seminars in 2007 in London, Ontario. Entering into a mentor relationship with Mortimer, Drennan has learned much about festival promotion and planning.In October 2007, Drennan started a solo project with Juno award winner Howard Baer. During his 35-year career, Baer has had over 7000 of his arrangement recorded, has received seven JUNO nominations for album production including a win in 1999. The two are working together to create an easy listening, uplifting, acoustic collection of folk/jazz/world influenced music.The themes of Political/Social Justice, Peace, Environmental Awareness, Personal Relationships, Individual Freedom and Empowerment are prevalent within the songwriting. Abe's songs represent the outcomes of his own self-discovery and reveal a sense of empowerment from within to live a balanced, harmonious life.Drennan says, “I believe music has a way to cross boundaries with the power to inspire and change people. It makes people feel, it helps people relate, it touches parts of the human soul that cannot otherwise be accessed. Producing music that carries a positive message has the potential to change and influence people in a positive way.”Contact Abe Drennan at [email protected] or through My Space.