Hard work is paying off for Airdrie country singer Brandon Lorenzo, who recently won the People’s Choice Award for his song Spread Some Good Time Around at the fifth annual YYC Music Awards Sept. 20.
“That was a big one for me, mainly because a lot of the other awards were based off a panel of judges,” Lorenzo said. “This one was strictly voted by the fans.”
Lorenzo’s song was also nominated for Country Recording of the Year. Lorenzo said the award shows fans appreciate the music he's making.
“It also shows me that I probably have more fans than I think that I do,” he said.
The YYC Music Awards take place annually, with categories recognizing Calgary-area musicians in every genre. This year, the awards were presented virtually via live stream.
According to Lorenzo, just being nominated for the People’s Choice Award signalled the potential something big could be happening.
“I remember sitting there watching the awards and the anticipation was building up,” he said. “There’s that pause before they announce who won. As soon as my name was announced, the room just erupted. I got a little bit emotional because I couldn’t believe I won it.”
Born in Calgary, Lorenzo has called Airdrie home since he was 10 years old. Having trained as a classical singer since the age of five, he is no stranger to music or the stage. The oldest of three siblings, he said he is the only one in the family who has a knack for music.
Lorenzo said his country sound began to take shape not long after making the move to Airdrie.
“A lot of my friends kind of pushed me more in the direction of country,” he said. “The first country song I ever sang was for an elementary school talent show, and it was Your Man by Josh Turner. I stuck with it and it has turned into something I never thought would happen.”
While the pursuit of becoming a musician is a difficult one, Lorenzo said the push from friends and family has made the journey a little bit easier.
“It’s a tough industry but I feel like if I can get shows and do what I love, I may as well try and do something more with it,” Lorenzo said. “There is that humble side of me that almost feels like I don’t deserve it.”
Country music is able to tell stories, which is another reason he was drawn to the genre. With an award under his belt, Lorenzo feels he’s hit his stride as a songwriter.
“Country music has been a way for me to lay down what I am feeling at the time,” he said.
COVID-19 has caused many performances to be cancelled this year, forcing musicians everywhere to adjust. Still, Lorenzo has found a way to keep playing and honing his craft. From live-streamed concerts on Facebook to in-person performances in Airdrie, Lorenzo is staying busy.
“I started doing street concerts around Airdrie,” Lorenzo said. “It started being something that people expected every Friday.”
Those performances have led to shows in Saskatchewan and a slot as the opening act for a Shania Twain and Keith Urban tribute show set to take place Oct. 17 at the Ramada Plaza in downtown Calgary.
“That will be huge for me,” he said.
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
