Straight from the heart of the suburban wasteland of southern Ontario comes Brett Caswell, an emerging singer songwriter who has set his sights set on breaking your heart, then making you smile. Armed with his backing band, The Marquee Rose, (which contains members of Fox Jaws and other Barrie staples) Caswell will release his first full length album, A New Balance, on May 18th digitally and off-stage. This is the first time loyal followers will get a chance to hear new material since his debut EP, Still Waiting, was released in 2007.

A New Balance was recorded in a secret location on the outskirts of the Bruce Trail with Mitch C.W. Hall and Marty Kinack (Feist, Broken Social Scene, Jason Collett). The album is the result of many late whiskey-fuelled nights with friends and alone in the studio. Title track "A New Balance" features lap-steel from Cuff the Duke's Dale Murray. Caswell has shared stages with the likes of Jeff Healy, The Trews, Bahamas, Zeus, and has a live show worthy of much praise. He will play a two night stand in his hometown of Barrie at the Foxx Lounge on May 7th and 8th followed by his Toronto CD show at the Supermarket on May 12th.

Drawing comparisons to Ryan Adams, Ben Folds, Led Zeppelin, and Conor Oberst, Caswell's song-writing, coupled with the energy of his live performances have earned him a large and enthusiastic regional following and feature performances at the Barrie Blues and Jazz Festival, Kempenfest, Canadian Music Week, and more. You'll find show dates and links below.

A talented vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Caswell has drawn upon his innumerable influences and more than a few friends to craft the new album. Drawing inspiration from the tragic loss of his father and his own near-death experience, what he has given us is an album chock full of heartache and harmonies, compelling stories of loss, hurt, and self-discovery. Soaring piano ballads give way to twangy country rockers, but haunting violin, dulcet tones, and powerfully simple harmonies tie it all back together. A New Balance is the product of two years of writing, performing, and rehearsing a live band. But, Caswell's love affair with making music began in his early teens. Developing his musical persona, and himself, through a series of projects, from alternative rock to acoustic covers, he has honed his song craft and live performance skill.

His natural energy and his broad experiences make him a powerful presence on the stage. Almost upstanding and slightly weathered, Brett Caswell is out to make you cry, but in a good way.