Universal Music Canada continues to add to its roster of homegrown talent.
Today (March 5), the major record label announced the signing of rising indie-folk singer-songwriter Braden Lam.
Blending diaristic indie songwriting with a modern folk sound, Lam has cemented himself as an emerging voice. Last April, the Halifax-based artist released his acclaimed debut album, The Cloudmaker’s Cry, following a run of successful singles.
Throughout Lam’s 10-track record, he emotionally reflects on lessons learned about time, love and the world around him. Recorded with producer Eli Browning in Toronto, the album leans into the layered sounds of the ‘60s and '70s, blending pedal steel swells, crisp acoustic textures and analogue warmth into a classic singer-songwriter album.
This month, he’ll perform his new record on a 14-date cross-country tour with rising country-folk band School House across Atlantic Canada, Ontario and Quebec. It kicks off tonight, with Lam’s homecoming show at Seahorse Tavern in Halifax.
Lam joins the genre-spanning list of recent Canadian UMC signees, following rising R&B singer Kuzi Cee, who scored his debut entry on the Billboard Canada Airplay charts in February. In recent months the label has also signed lo-fi singer Ebril, jazz singer and pianist Elysia Biro and built a unique partnership with songwriter and artist developer Lowell — all under the leadership of Julie Adam, president & CEO of Universal Music Canada and the A&R team.
Releasing music since the beginning of the decade, Lam has been able to garner an audience independently, scoring multiple nominations at Music Nova Scotia and East Coast Music Association without major label backing — now that’s about to change.
“I’m really keen on making records in more traditional ways, and I’ve built my career in a grassroots fashion with the people and music at its core. To have UMC recognize this hunger for authenticity from audiences today and my hard work at making those connections is the best feeling,” says Lam.
“I’m grateful to be surrounded by a team that truly cares for my vision and wants to see it amplified. I can’t wait to take Nova Scotia to the rest of the world.”
(L-R): Mark O'Keeffe, A&R Director, UMC; Julie Adam, President & CEO, UMC; Braden Lam; Meagan Davidson, artist management.Jesse Milns
Over the past couple of years, Lam has grown his audience across Atlantic Canada’s folk scene and beyond. Adam thanks “the steady stream of UMC colleagues banging down my door to tell me about this incredible artist.”
She continues: “The team championed him, and we got to know him by listening to his remarkable body of music. When we saw him perform live, we knew he was an artist we had to work with," she says.
"Braden's distinct vision for his songwriting and storytelling makes him truly unique, and we're so proud to join his team."
