'Gleason’s first solo effort, ‘The Dissonance’ is a unique fusion of alternative rock and electronica, combining the dark electronic presence of Trent Reznor with the earnest, piano-based pop of Ben Folds. From Brooklyn by way of Long Island, Brett discovered a love for music at young age after an accident left him with a severe speech impediment, causing him to spend his free time alone with music and books. Later, he would attend the New School University in New York where he studied writing and music. In 2010, Gleason made his debut with the EP ''The Dissonance', which he performed and recorded himself.'
'Brett Gleason is the kind of revolutionary that is so far ahead of his time, and so different to anything around, that he may perhaps only be fully appreciated in the future, when he is recognized for pushing the boundaries of music further than anyone before him.'
-Lukas Clark Memler, Get Frank-
It was last April that I was first introduced to the music of Brett Gleason. I was doing a post on a photo shoot he did with the wonderful Nicholas Smith (Brett Gleason by Nicholas Smith). As I usually do when I am working on a post about a musician I had Brett's music playing in the background. Although I connected instantly to Brett's lyrics. The sound the style were new to be and the connection a bit more of a struggle to find. I think part of this is Brett's aim. He seems to challenge his listeners to listen to something new, something you cannot easily hum to, something that does not allow your mind to drift. Brett is not creating something for the background of your life it has to be front and center, Brett makes music you're actually forced to listen and pay attention to. The more I wrote about Brett the more his experiences, his pain, the life of solitary contemplation filled with music lessons and literature he discusses, the tighter the connection became. Some connections are made easily but when they do occur they often become the strongest.
http://brettgleason.com
http://itunes.com/brettgleason
http://facebook.com/brettgleasonfan
http://twitter.com/brettgleason
http://youtube.com/brettgleasonmusic
All images of Brett in this post from photographer Walt Cessna.
'He's really a pleasure to shoot with, very prolific, CONSTANTLY shooting, he's definitely a big presence in the underground NYC art scene (I call him the 'Nan Goldin of the 21st Century!)'
Brett Gleason
I am a big fan of Cessa's work, it is perfectly matched with Gleason's music. Both express that mix of pleasure and pain associated with being raw and exposed. Check out more of Walt Cessna on his tumblr page.
