London based artist Mo Brandis was born in Hamburg, Germany in 1985 and spent his childhood in Swaziland, southern Africa.
At a young age, Mo displayed not only extraordinary singing and musical abilities, but also a strong talent for melodies and expressing emotions through song. So, it was no surprise that he was signed by Sony Music at 17. As fate would have it, this was not to be his big break, but a divinely orchestrated musical education. Mo had the chance to work with some of the best songwriters and producers in Europe whose credits include: Amy Winehouse, Lemar, Sugababes, All Saints, Blue, Kelly Rowland, Celine Dion, LeAnn Rimes, Britney Spears and *N Sync. They treated Mo as an equal and this allowed him not only the chance to hone his skills, but also an inside look at the music business. Mo was also able to pen Top10 Hits for other European artists.
After Sony and BMG merged and the deal was lost, Mo could have taken the easy path and waited around for someone to point him in the next direction. But, as is the case with most extraordinary artists, Mo had a vision.
“In order to get the sound and album that I wanted,” Mo explains, “I knew I had to do it the old school way, with live musicians. It’s that character and groove that I was after, you just can’t get the same vibe when everything’s programmed.”
At this point, he was fortunate to have his own studio, many contacts and the know-how to record, arrange and produce the album himself. Mo chose to hide away in his studio in London for two years and spent long days working on his craft as a writer, musician and producer. All in keeping with his artistic vision of a pop album seasoned with old school flavour.
To embark on a “do it yourself” path is a difficult road for a young artist and definitely the road less travelled. Mo says, “I remember pushing my bike up the hill on my way home from the studio literally every night at around two or three o’clock. I sometimes didn’t know where the motivation came from, but I was obsessed. And when self-doubt and the huge to-do-list got in the way, I luckily had people around me who said, ‘That’s normal, just take one step towards your goal each day and you’ll get there eventually.’ That really helped me to stay focused.”
Mo played several instruments on the album, including alto sax and piano. Many top notch musicians, who have also played for artists such as Amy Winehouse, Incognito, Rod Stewart, Jamiroquai, Kirk Franklin, Sugababes and Westlife, were there to support Mo in creating Mo’ Atmosphere.
The result of this dedication is an extraordinary debut album from an out of the ordinary artist. Mo’ Atmosphere is an old school treat for the heart and ears, with intricate vocal arrangements, beautiful strings and phat horns, luxurious piano sounds and live drums mixed with electronic drums and sound effects.
But the album does not stop there, the impeccable production is just the icing on the cake. The cake being the 12 stellar songs that make the album a musical journey. Mo’ Atmosphere is hand crafted song writing at it’s best. No cookie cutter pop here. The songs are clever, emotional and personal. Even though the album is fully produced, each song gives the listener the feeling of eavesdropping on an intimate conversation.
“It really comes down to the songs,” Mo says, “I wanted to become a better musician, singer and producer in order to present the songs in the best possible light. The music is the picture and the production is the frame. Each song needs the perfect frame to enhance it’s beauty, but it starts with the song. I have the feeling that while listening to this record, people will really get to know me. That’s scary and exciting at the same time.”
Mo is also a firm believer in giving back. His parents run a non-profit organisation in Ethiopia, including an orphanage and a primary school. Mo has worked hands on for the organisation, along with many charity concerts to support it. He also lent his song ‘Live, Love & Learn’ to SOS Children’s Villages and produced official promotional videos for World Orphan Week 2009 and 2010.
“There’s a huge responsibility that comes with being an artist and public figure,” Mo adds, “Music is so powerful, it can change people’s moods and even lives. It’s a privilege to be able to talk to so many people through songs and I want to use my voice for good as much as I can.”
Mo Brandis is a star on the rise and his debut album Mo’ Atmosphere is just the beginning.
Your Sound is amazing! I wish i heard more music like this around - it is definately on another level. Good Luck with everything now and for the future!! xXx
sarahjaminn hat es bis ins online
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Finale kommt und später mit Xavier Naidoo, Milow, Silbermond und
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...what a beautiful, phunkee and soulful sound you have Mo! Cheers for the add ~ i'll be keeping my eye on you and your music thats for sure! Keep smiling :) Kel x
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