A local country artist isn’t letting the COVID-19 pandemic stop him from sharing his music with fans.
Brandon Lorenzo is bringing his smooth style to residents’ computer through live social media concerts so people who are staying home during the pandemic can still get their fix.
“The pandemic affects the arts and me considering this is my career. It’s how I make money and I love putting a smile on people’s faces when I step on that stage,” said Lorenzo.
“It’s hard for me, as a date approaches and I realize that I would’ve had a gig that day and I won’t be playing. I miss it for sure. This was going to be a very busy year for me. Packed with rodeos and outside concerts, but now that’s all been taken away.”
He added that the Facebook and Instagram live concerts are a way for him to play to his fans and show them that we are all in this together.
The concerts have been well received with more than 50,000 people tuning in to his last Facebook live concert a few weeks ago.
“I know a lot of people in the industry and it’s pretty amazing when some of my country pals such as Bobby Wills, Luke Hunter (of Hunter Brothers) or Aaron Goodvin hop in and asks me to play their hit songs live on the stream,” he said.
“The response from fans has been great! They have been asking for me to come and do social distancing concerts in their neighbourhoods. They message my page and tell me they can’t wait for Friday nights because they know the livestream is coming!”
Lorenzo’s live streams run every Friday night on his Facebook and Instagram pages.
Lorenzo has been singing professionally for four years. In March of last year, he was signed to the management company Katavallo Entertainment.
Country music hasn’t always been Lorenzo’s genre choice. Growing up, he sang R&B music and pop. He also sang a lot of classical music with training from the Royal Conservatory of Music. He now describes his style as “90’s and early 2000’s country music.”
“My vocal styling is inspired by that old-school sound such as George Straight or Garth Brooks, with a modern twist,” he added.
This summer will look very different for Lorenzo, who has played in a number of venues in Airdrie and Calgary. In 2019, he played shows at the Calgary Stampede, Country Thunder Alberta and the Canadian Country Music Awards.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted my career with majority of my summer shows cancelled or postponed due to social distancing regulations,” he said.
“I’m thankful for the opportunities though with the amount of writing I’ve been able to do with artists all over the country.”
