Chris Bruni
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
Chris Bruni's debut CD "Watch Me Burn" is one of those albums that I fully enjoyed on my first listen. A great collection of acoustic-flavored songs--some mellower in the singer/songwriter mode, some with more of a rock edge--and several that resounded with me immediately. Chris has a great, memorable voice that compliments his music and songwriting. An excellent album on his first time out; and I suspect that it only hints at how he will grow as a musician. It's an album that I highly recommend. - Mark Rogers, WSTW 93.7 Wilmington
- 93.7 WSTW
The title track, the album's first single, has all the qualities of a hit. Though more than half the songs easily could have been singles, "Watch Me Burn" stands out as an instantly addictive pop song. - Ryan Cormier, The New Journal
To read the full News Journal Article click here
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070221/ENTERTAINMENT/702210335/1114
- The News Journal
Watch Me Burn , Grade: A-
This debut album from West Chester 's Chris Bruni is like the first cup of coffee on a cold morning: warm, soothing, and gratifying. Bruni's primary instrument is his voice, a cross between Dave Mathews and John Mayer, and that's the power behind this record. His lyrics which touch on life's humbling lessons-namely, love and loss-are clear and sincere. The recording captures his clean, simplistic, coffeehouse sound (he was discovered at an open-mike in Wilmington ) The title track is sweetly infectious, as is Bruni's cover of Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror"
Greg Shutack, Philadelphia Magazine
- Philadelphia Magazine
"Convicted No Proof," for example is a tear jerker that will stop you in your tracks. The strings and raspy vocal here is stirring to say the least.
Paul Zimmerman, First Coast News
- First Coast News
Chris Bruni has won the award for Best Male Solo Artist in 93.7 WSTW's second annual Hometown Heroes Homey Awards. Chris also received 5 nominations. Featured on WSTW's Hometown Heroes segment in 2007, this is Chris's first Homey Award. Thank you to everyone who voted and be sure to check out the full list of winners on the Hometown Heroes section of WSTW's website.
- 93.7 WSTW
...The songs are quite catchy ("Broken Window" has definite hit single potential!) and well-performed to the extent that even listenters who don't like this kind of music well have to appreciate Bruni. Bruni's vocals on Watch Me Burn are well performed in a soulful singer-songwriter way. The tone of Bruni's voice is just unique enough to be interesting, without being so unique as to alienate. Lyrically Bruni's songs are catchy and sing-alongable without being simple....
Graham Baily, Puck Nation.com - pucknation.com
I can't say enough about Chris Bruni and his debut CD, Watch Me Burn. I can't stop listening to it.
Chris has a tremendous songwriting talent. But, what's better is seeing Chris perform live, truly dynamic! Comparisons pale to this original artist. Folks will be covering these songs one day.
Cindy Woullet, DJ/General Mgr, Radio Volta - Cindy Woullet
"Philadelphia local artist Chris Bruni's new album, I've Been Here, His song "Bobby Run" was yesterday's pick of the day.
"I've Been Here" is an album for the people by the people, literally; entirely fan-funded! Thanks to his fans and Chris' friends at Milkboy Recording, this relentless touring machine is back by demand. Released this past Tuesday. Like what you hear? Check out Chris Bruni Live!"-Helen Leight WXPN - xpn.org
One must wonder if somehow, somewhere, Tracey Chapman was involved in a cloning experiment that brought us 26-year-old Chris Bruni. With a distinctive voice that's somewhere on the spectrum between Dave Matthews and David Grey, Bruni deserves as wide an audience as he can find, and although his melodies fall onto the lighter end of things, his lyrics conjure up darker images and thoughts, dwelling as they do on the plight of the everyman in love, life and loss. With all that going for it, it would be a sin of the worst sort to condemn Bruni's debut album, Watch Me Burn, to a life in rotation on some random "Adult Contemporary" station somewhere. This is an album that deserves to be heard by everyone.
Album opener "Broken Window" has definite single potential, and offers up a perfect glimpse into Bruni's world with its simple arrangement, guitar and drum getting out of the way to let Bruni's voice dominate. Next in line is the title track, offering up pleading, apologetic lyrics, followed by the more hopeful and uplifting "Climbing a Mountain"; both tracks call to mind the aforementioned Chapman in their rhythms and vocal stylings. This is not to say that Bruni's vocals do all the work: track 5, "Gargoyle Juice," gives the listener a taste of Spanish-influenced guitar and rhythms that nicely supplement a chorus that asks the listener to "follow me down". Also worth noting is the album closer, a pretty, sad little song called "Songbird" which continues on beautifully for a full three minutes after Bruni stops singing. And don't miss Bruni's cover of Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" -- where Jackson's version is heavy on the production and nearly a saga, this stripped-down, countrified version is less gospel, and much more personal.
Favorite Track: Track 11, "Songbird"
- Online Rock.com
Discography
Debut album "Watch Me Burn"
Release date February 13th 2007
"I've Been Here"
Independently Released
October 2009
Photos
Bio
Chris Bruni Biography
Following the critical acclaim of his 2007 debut release,” Watch Me Burn”, singer/songwriter Chris Bruni is out on his own this time around with his sophomore effort, “I’ve Been Here”, a fully fan-funded album. With the confidence provided by the success of his first effort, Chris decided to take more control of his career as an emerging artist and release this new collection of songs using a completely DIY approach. After two years of heavy touring and an obvious connection with a newfound fan base, Chris found himself with the need for new music. Along with the freedom that came from departure with his previous label, Chris was also posed with the dilemma of financing a professionally produced album and releasing it completely on his own. It was at this time that he chose to take a path that many independent artists are taking in the changing face of the collapsing music industry. He decided to turn to the support of his devoted new fans to help him reach his goal in releasing the new music he had been working so hard to perfect.
“At first it was just an idea that I thought may generate a small level of interest from the people who had taken an interest in what I was doing. I wanted to keep them involved even though I wasn’t really sure what direction my career was going to take.” says Chris.
After an initial fundraiser was organized by Bruni and some helpful “business partners”, Chris suddenly found himself with enough money raised to fund the initial recording process of a new album. With this overwhelming financial support, he chose to use the services of Milkboy Recording, in Ardmore, PA, a facility that has made a huge name for itself by helping to launch the career of Sharon Little (CBS Records) as well as a highly publicized session with Dave Matthews.
Milkboy Recording proved to be the perfect place for Chris to utilize his unexpected financial backing. Upon entering the studio with his live band, Chris was introduced to Grammy nominated producer, Tim Sonnefeld “Townhall”. The immediate connection with Sonnefeld would energize Chris in a way that he had not perceived beforehand. Adding the talents of Philly masterminds John Lilley (The Hooters), Devin Greenwood (Norah Jones, Amos Lee) and fellow singer/songwriter Laura Shay, this new collection of songs became more polished and dynamic than Bruni had ever imagined since venturing out on his own.
“I knew my writing had progressed tremendously since my first recording, but I wasn’t really prepared to hear what these fantastic people were able to add to my sound. Even though the song structures basically stayed the same, the talent of everyone who lent a hand in this recording made the sonic impact of this album something that I am so incredibly blown away by.”
Following a second round of fundraising with FeedtheMuse.net Chris was able to raise another impressive round of financial backing that enabled the completion of graphic design and duplication for “I’ve Been Here”. The album, to be released on October 20th, is a testament to the connection that exists between a rising artist and the still very prevalent support that listeners have for someone they truly believe in. In the face of a failing economy and music industry caught in a whirlwind of change, it is still encouraging to know that the bond created by musical expression can rise above the status quo.
“This album is dedicated 100 percent to everyone who has helped me keep this train rolling. In a world of constant change and financial struggle, it is a victory for me just to have people who believe in what I’m trying to do” says Bruni.
“I’ve Been Here” finds Bruni reaching a new level of emotion and depth musically. The songs on this album clearly show Bruni exploring a darker side of himself as well as touching on topics that aren’t completely personal. It is undeniable that this still young artist has matured greatly from his first release. That being said, “I’ve Been Here” still stays true to the accessible nature that Bruni carries with him in his music and his personal manner. This mix of folk, pop, and soul will continue to attract new listeners from any age group or social status. His storytelling and unique vocal talents shine through on a level that is hard not to be impressed with. This Pop/Folk/Soul performer somehow finds a way to create a blend of simple song approach with a one of a kind soulful tone that calls to mind artists like Martin Sexton, Stevie Wonder, and David Gray. With his newfound approach as an independent artist and the support of a loyal and growing fan base, Chris Bruni has found a way to succeed where many artists may have decided to pack it in.
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