Sam Brenner

Meet the Artist: Sam Brenner (vocals, guitar)

From the Bedroom to Band Rehearsal: Currently living in Lyndhurst after graduating from John Carroll University in 2009, the Buffalo native sharpened his writing and playing skills in his bedroom. That situation eased Brenner's transition into live performances as a solo artist. On his debut, Where We Begin, and on his upcoming second album, he uses a backing band to flesh out the sound.

Approach to Songwriting and Career:

Brenner makes no apologies that he wants his music to appeal to the masses. "I am just looking to create honest, thoughtful music that can relate to a lot of people, but that doesn't mean it can't be sophisticated, well thought-out and exploratory. It just means I've embraced my role as a pop singer-songwriter."

Have Guitar Will Travel:

Brenner has played around Northeast Ohio and performed in New York, Chicago, and Washington D.C. He recently played his new single, "Kind of Love," on Channel 3's Good Company.

Why You Should Hear Him:

His early material bears the influence of John Mayer and Jason Mraz, but he grew up listening to Paul Simon, James Taylor, the Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, and Bruce Springsteen and now listens heavily to Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Jackson Browne. Brenner makes sure that each concert's set list is different.

Where You Can Hear Him:

sambrenner.com

Where You Can See Him:

He performs at Brothers Lounge on Saturday, Nov. 3.

— John Patrick Gatta - Cleveland Scene Magazine

"We liked it." - Sam's parents

Penn State students can be extremely busy. Sometimes they cannot even afford to take a break. However, when Sam Brenner played at Penn State’s Noontime Concert Series, more students broke from their daily routines than ever before. With his smooth voice, and catchy melodies, Sam was able to draw in one of our biggest crowds of the year. Song after song, he kept the audience captivated. His infectious riffs may have sparked their interest, but his personality helped to keep the students in their seats and fixed on him. He had an undeniable stage presence, and made sure to interact with the crowd. Throughout the duration of his hour performance, the seats were constantly filled. Keeping people interested for such a long set really speaks to Sam’s versatility as an artist. - Rachael Krasnoff, Student Programming Association (SPA) Director of Events

Penn State students can be extremely busy. Sometimes they cannot even afford to take a break. However, when Sam Brenner played at Penn State’s Noontime Concert Series, more students broke from their daily routines than ever before. With his smooth voice, and catchy melodies, Sam was able to draw in one of our biggest crowds of the year. Song after song, he kept the audience captivated. His infectious riffs may have sparked their interest, but his personality helped to keep the students in their seats and fixed on him. He had an undeniable stage presence, and made sure to interact with the crowd. Throughout the duration of his hour performance, the seats were constantly filled. Keeping people interested for such a long set really speaks to Sam’s versatility as an artist. - Rachael Krasnoff, Student Programming Association (SPA) Director of Events

On behalf of Student Activities Board of Wayne State College, I would like to thank you for coming to perform and speak to our students on April 16th 2012. Your enthusiasm, charisma, talent and attention to the crowd made for a very welcoming and exiting coffee house performance.

Your attention to interact with your audience is phenomenal. Both students and faculty gave your show excellent reviews. We would most definitely recommend your performance to other campuses looking for a fun, interactive performance. We had a blast. You are a very talented individual! Continue to show your passion and thank you for being such a great person to work with.
- Sergio Orozco, Wayne State SAB Programmer

Sam Brenner, an up-and-coming guitar-driven, pop rocker from Buffalo, NY, agreed to sit down with us and chat. See what he had to say and sample his “jam-alicious” music.

Tell us about yourself — what first inspired you to become a musician?

I’m 24-years young. I was born and raised in the suburbs of Buffalo, NY. I think I fell in love with music upon first introduction back when I was very young. Growing up listening to great singer/songwriters like Paul Simon, James Taylor, and Bruce Springsteen, I always wanted to emulate their styles and create the kind of music that really connected with people.

Describe your music in three words.

Feel. Good. Jam-alicious-pop-rock.

Your favorite music artists/influences?

So so many: Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, James Taylor, John Mayer, Neil Young, Dave Matthews Band, Bon Iver, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Mumford & Sons, Matt Nathanson, Trevor Hall, Jason Mraz, The Band, Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers, The Black Keys, NEEDTOBREATHE, Barnaby Bright, Hall & Oates….just to name a few.

Out of the shows you have played recently, which has been your favorite and why?

I’ve been blessed to be part of some good shows recently, but last night I played near Philly in Ardmore and it was such a fun gig – mostly because the other artists on the bill were 100% sweet. If you haven’t already, make sure to check out Alicia Lemke, Martin Rivas, and Barnaby Bright. They are all talented, kind, gracious people who are really good at what they do. Plus, the audience last night was super attentive & gracious with their applause….can’t beat that, right?

What do you do while not playing music?

When I’m not playing music I’m usually listening to music. I am almost always writing when I’m not playing music – stories, blogs, songs, etc. I love to write. I like to bike, run, and stay active as best I can. I also love movies; not many things in life better than a buttery bag of popcorn, a comfy couch, red wine, and a good movie.

If you want to learn more about or listen to Sam Brenner, visit his website at http://www.sambrenner.com/. - Sound Check Music Blog

"This is an incredible work of art! The music and lyrics really speak to the heart and show every single reason why Sam needs to create another one!" by Ladyluck16 - 3/24/2012

"Sam is a mix of Mraz, Mayer, and also has an individual sound that's all his own. If you haven't heard of him, you will. With the amount of talent, passion, and hard work, he is sure to stick around for the long haul. Buy this album and enjoy the tunes!!" by Hannah Bushman - 3/23/2012

"I love listening to Sam's music! It makes me happy every time one of his songs comes up while I'm listening to my iPod :) can't wait to hear more!" by Anon8935274743298 - 3/23/2012

"This album is incredible. Great background music, very chill, and overall a great guy. I guarantee you'll love it." by McNootles - 3/31/2011 - iTunes

"This is an incredible work of art! The music and lyrics really speak to the heart and show every single reason why Sam needs to create another one!" by Ladyluck16 - 3/24/2012

"Sam is a mix of Mraz, Mayer, and also has an individual sound that's all his own. If you haven't heard of him, you will. With the amount of talent, passion, and hard work, he is sure to stick around for the long haul. Buy this album and enjoy the tunes!!" by Hannah Bushman - 3/23/2012

"I love listening to Sam's music! It makes me happy every time one of his songs comes up while I'm listening to my iPod :) can't wait to hear more!" by Anon8935274743298 - 3/23/2012

"This album is incredible. Great background music, very chill, and overall a great guy. I guarantee you'll love it." by McNootles - 3/31/2011 - iTunes

Adam Gibson, owner of the Acoustic Moose Cafe, 516 Lincoln Ave. in Bellevue, said Brenner recently played at the venue, and his personality is one of his best attributes.

"He's an incredibly talented musician." Gibson said. "But what makes him great is that he engages with the crowd. He has a natural stage presence."

The first time Brenner played at the Acoustic Moose was on a Wednesday to a small crowd, but when he returned for the second time, he returned on a weekend to a crowd double the original crowd's size.

Gibson said the audience, who was engaged in the musician's show, was "hanging on his every word. After the show, Brenner even took the time to get to know his fans by talking and joking with them," Gibson added.

Rachael Krasnoff, SPA's Noontime chairwoman, said she believes students will enjoy Brenner's voice and upbeat songs. - The Daily Collegian

Adam Gibson, owner of the Acoustic Moose Cafe, 516 Lincoln Ave. in Bellevue, said Brenner recently played at the venue, and his personality is one of his best attributes.

"He's an incredibly talented musician." Gibson said. "But what makes him great is that he engages with the crowd. He has a natural stage presence."

The first time Brenner played at the Acoustic Moose was on a Wednesday to a small crowd, but when he returned for the second time, he returned on a weekend to a crowd double the original crowd's size.

Gibson said the audience, who was engaged in the musician's show, was "hanging on his every word. After the show, Brenner even took the time to get to know his fans by talking and joking with them," Gibson added.

Rachael Krasnoff, SPA's Noontime chairwoman, said she believes students will enjoy Brenner's voice and upbeat songs. - The Daily Collegian

Sam Brenner is a guitar-driven singer/songwriter with a sound blending pop, rock, and folk with a hint of blues.

"Cleveland has a great sense of community," says Buffalo, NY native Brenner, who moved here to attend John Carroll University and recently quit a sales job to pursue music full time. "Music was a hobby for me, but I decided to make it my life's focus. People told me I should go for it. It makes me feel alive. I love what I do." - The Plain Dealer

"Our students loved Sam Brenner! His music is fresh, powerful, and full of soul. Watch this one – he’s up and coming. Sam’s stage presence is dynamic and commanding; our– people stuck around for 45 minutes after the show for autographs, photos, and a chance to chat with him. We will definitely rebook Sam Brenner!"

- Angelia Zielke, Director of Student Activities, Marian University

Singer-songwriter Sam Brenner was born in Buffalo, but he's been making a name for himself in Cleveland for a half-dozen years. His placid voice recalls adult-rock favorites like Jason Mraz and James Blunt, and he puts it to good use on his sharp-sounding debut, starting with the opening notes of the semi-acoustic "Through the Fire." Brenner is at his best when he supplies a soulful twist, as in "Bigger Than Me" and the prickly "Ask July." The happy-go-lucky "Honey Eyes" and "Simplicity" come off as a little naive, but the road-ready "So Long, So Soon" suggests Brenner has plenty of worldly wisdom.

— Jeff Niesel - Cleveland Scene Magazine

"Brenner wowed the crowd with his singing and guitar playing capabilities. A native of Buffalo, New York, Brenner played three songs, one titled 'Simplicity'. Everyone's eyes were on Brenner, who made sure the crowd experienced a light and fun atmosphere."

- Kate McCall, Campus Editor - The Carroll News