Classic rock for the 21st century is what best describes Pennan Brae’s music. The Vancouver singer-songwriter enters 2023 with "Arcade," his 13th full-length album. Recorded at Blue Light Studio in East Vancouver, the 10-track release is influenced by the rock and roll of the 1970s and 80s. The release features the pop-rock lead single "Jettison," the rock ballad "Arrival Time," and the ‘70s-inspired, catchy "Bon Voyage." Accompanying the video game-themed title is beautiful 1980s arcade-inspired album artwork by illustrator John Keane. "Arcade" follows Pennan’s first double album, "The Garden Series." The 2021/22 release consists of Vol. 1’s "Planted" and Vol. 2’s "Picked."
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hello Pennan Brae. What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?
I don’t necessarily think I’m a great musician. I’m an OK musician who enjoys writing songs. I like words and writing lyrics. These are the two things I enjoy doing most.
Who inspired you to make music?
Nobody really; it was more of a mood or feeling. When I was a teenager, I moved to a new city, far from the one I grew up in. Initially I was lonely and one night my emotions spilled out into a song on the piano. It was the most amazing feeling I’d ever had. Up until that point, I only played other people’s songs on sheet music. But this was my form of personal expression and it felt wonderful.
Your latest release is 'Arcade'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
I love music of the 1980s; pop and rock music. It’s what I grew up on. So I sought to make an album that was reflective of that era. I love artists such as John Mellencamp and the wonderful albums he made during the ‘80s. Or Huey Lewis and the News. And so with ‘Arcade’, it was my tribute to that time and my attempt to approach it. There are 10 songs on ‘Arcade’; nothing unusual necessarily happened during their creation; we went into the studio with guitar, bass, drums and vocals and mixed what we came out with.
Can you shortly describe each of the tracks that are on the album?
Sure thing. ‘Hold The Line’ is first off the album; the song kicks off with a swelling guitar FX and then breaks into the verse. It felt like a good way to begin ‘Arcade’.
‘Stage Right’ is one of my favourite tracks off the album. It’s influenced by 1980s rock and I like how it opens up in the chorus with vocalist Alison Jenkins laying down some lovely harmonies. The single feels more like a pop-rock track of the Eighties.
‘Jettison’ has my favourite guitar riff on ‘Arcade’. I chose it as lead single off the album. It’s fun to play and like ‘Stage Right’, has a definite ‘80s-influence.
‘Swing on a Vine’ is Keith Richards-influenced in the guitar riff. Lyrically I like this song; it was fun to do with the word play. The track is happy in the verses while dark in the chorus; I like when things juxtapose this way in a song.
‘Rumble’ is fun in that it’s a more aggressive rock and roll single with a driving guitar riff. I liked its placement as Track 4 on ‘Arcade’ as mood-wise it counters the sweeter sounding ‘Stage Right’ and ‘Jettison’ which precede it.
‘Bon Voyage’, along with ‘Jettison’, are my favourite guitar riffs on ‘Arcade’. Very fun to play, it feels like the most balanced rock track on the album. Very ‘80s-influenced.
‘Sauntering’ is the longest track on ‘Arcade’. I like the song in that it starts off dark in the verses and then flips to happier and brighter in the pre-chorus and then back again to dark in the chorus. There’s a couple different outro’s lyrically and melodically in the piece; it feels like the right place as #7 on the album.
‘Shrug’ is fun in that it’s more of an oddball track on ‘Arcade’. The single combines 1950s doo-wops in the background vocals with 90s-style grunge guitar. It’s a short track at 2:59 and I like those songs that fall under 3 minutes.
‘Ricochet’ was very fun to record in that the guitar riff is off-beat and a bit inside out. I recall during the recording session with drummer Edward Whelan that it was fun to record, especially when the drums kick in at the beginning. I enjoy times like this in the music studio.
‘Arrival Time’ closes out ‘Arcade’. It felt like a nice track to end the album with. I like the harmonies in this piece; it’s more of an ‘80s rock ballad. It’s the second single off the album.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest musical trends?
To be honest, I don’t. I pretty much stay rooted in music from the 1950s to ‘90s. That is such a deep catalogue of music and genres to go through that it keeps me completely satisfied. From the early rock and roll of Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry to blues artists such as BB King and Muddy Waters, the ‘50s alone is pure magic. And then things explode in the ‘60s with The Rolling Stones and Beatles to name but a pair. And it continues to proceed to the ‘90s with Nirvana and Red Hot Chilli Peppers. This enormous body of work, let alone the rich 1970s & ‘80s, keeps me quite well fed.
What do you feel is the best song that you have ever released and why?
I’m not sure if there’s such a thing as a best song as they each have their own unique qualities and speak on different emotional levels. A couple of personal favourites though are ‘The Love That I Got’ off the ‘2 Below 0’ soundtrack and ‘El Camino’ off the ’Lit’ album. I like the rock and roll vibe of these two tracks.
Why do you want to record and release your own music?
It feels like the natural thing to do and I have a desire to pursue it. It’s satisfying to emotionally express your feelings on paper and in the studio.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans.
I’m very grateful to anyone who tunes in and shares their time with my music. I like interacting on social media with folks; it’s fun.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
The number one thing is don’t follow in my footsteps. Create your own path for we all have unique journeys. Just maintain a good work ethic and take the time to get to know themselves.
What are your plans for the future?
Initially I’d like to focus on getting the word out on this album. I’m also working on releasing a remastered version of the ‘2 Below 0’ soundtrack. We put all the songs off that album through a new soundboard at Blue Light Studio in Vancouver & the tracks sound a lot better. Hopefully this album will be released this summer. I’m also working on a future album of new material called ‘Portal’ which I aim to release next year; I hope folks might like it!