Brandon Wayne DeMaris, a creative-focused Austin entrepreneur, is already a well-known force in the local music community. DeMaris got his start as a band manager and booking agent when he moved to the Live Music Capital of the World and then founded his event production company, DeMaris Entertainment, in 2006. DeMaris Entertainment produces events with live music and has been the exclusive talent buyer for Austin-based nonprofit Black Fret for the last five years. DeMaris has also produced the MusiCares Sober Jam for 12 years and counting, providing a safe place for musicians recovering from addiction to perform and share their craft.
Many Austinites might not know that DeMaris’ interest in the music industry stemmed from his own experience as a professionally trained musician. DeMaris attended Berklee College of Music, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Professional Music with a dual focus in Music Business/Management and Drum Set Performance, and set out to pursue his career as a musician in Austin. He quickly found out that was easier said than done and chose to take a role behind the scenes to help other musicians excel in their careers.
More than 20 years later, DeMaris has finally stepped out in the spotlight with the release of his debut album, “Brave Bones,” out Friday, April 5. Today, foundingAUSTIN gives an exclusive premiere of the second single from that album, “Don’t Be Afraid.”
“Don’t Be Afraid” is also available for purchase on iTunes and streaming on Apple Music.
“When I first started performing, I would often start my set with ‘Don’t Be Afraid,’ because it’s very tender and acknowledges fear and self-doubt,” says DeMaris. “But by the end of the song, I’m singing at the top of my lungs, ‘Fear is just a lie!’ It’s so fitting that this would be the first track on my debut record, and I believe we did it justice.”
“Brave Bones” was recorded at Same Sky Productions in East Austin and features David Messier on drums and background vocals, Andre Cantave on electric guitar, and Brandon Wayne DeMaris on lead vocals and acoustic guitar. The album also features guest appearances from Austin-based artists: Akina Adderley, contributing background vocals on “We All Need Hope;” Grace Pettis, singing background vocals throughout the record; and Adam Countryman, playing mandolin and electric guitar.
“Brave Bones” will be released Friday, April 5. The album release show is set to take place at Antone’s Nightclub (305 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78701) on Wednesday, April 10.
For more info on Brandon Wayne DeMaris, please see brandonwaynedemaris.com.
