Chris LeDrew is a dynamic singer/songwriter from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, who plays more than 7 instruments. He names Bob Dylan as his idol, and has drawn inspiration from other such classic influences as Buffalo Springfield, Gram Parsons, The Byrds and the Beatles. If he could go back in time to meet someone, it would be the revered songwriter Townes Van Zant, Chris says “I stood next to him once in an art gallery in Ottawa, but never had the courage to say hi.”
A seasoned writer in his own right, he describes his preferred method: “Let the Muse take the lead – don’t force it. Song writing is not exercise – don’t get on a routine.” And thus he crafts a uniquely original sound, creating songs as sonic portraits of some of life's emotionally resonant moments.
Chris released Too Commercial, his independent debut, to critical acclaim in 1997. The recording included collaborations with Blue Rodeo's Greg Keelor. Chris has also worked with noted Canadian artists Lennie Gallant, Celtic/Rock group the Punters and Ron Hynes.
In the years that followed his solo album, Chris LeDrew teamed up with his brother Andrew to form a pop/rock/roots duo called Brothers In Stereo (B.I.S.). A self-titled full-length CD was released in June 2003 and a video for the single "The Worst Crowd" followed. Brothers In Stereo feature the songwriting talents of both Chris and Andrew. The band toured extensively, the influence of which can be heard in their lyrics. B.I.S. were nominated for two awards at the ECMAs and took the Rising Star award at Newfoundland's Music Industry Association award gala in 2003, and were pictured again at EMCA 2004.
In Sept 2005, B.I.S. got a surprise call one afternoon to open for Our Lady Peace that night in Mount Pearl (after K-OS were a no-show). This concert turned out to be the biggest and best yet for B.I.S., with over 10,000 people in attendance. Lighters were burning for "Your Voice", and the crowd were singing along with the band on familiar radio songs. Chris said “We had no time to worry about the size of the show, so we were really laid-back and able to enjoy it completely."
Brothers in Stereo's debut CD is available at http://www.notlame.com/, a great site featuring many power pop bands from all over the world, and through which B.I.S. are enjoying a raft of attention from new fans south of the border who describe the music as reminiscent of the Odds, classic Squeeze or Tom Petty. Brothers In Stereo make power pop that is rich and textured with jangly layers of ringing guitar, and warm vocals with wistful harmonies, and Chris LeDrew continues to thrive on writing/performing his own distinctive and magical brand of rock and roll, and triumphant, driven songs.
Relationship to Blue Rodeo
-- In March 1989, Newfoundland rock group The Brats opened for Blue Rodeo in St. John's. Chris LeDrew happened to be lead guitarist with that band. Years passed and the friendship remained, with Chris usually meeting up with Blue Rodeo whenever they played St. John's.
-- In 1997, Chris LeDrew was recording his debut independent CD, when he ran into Greg Keelor at a bar in Halifax. Greg was on his "birth journey" at the time. The two struck up a conversation, which eventually led to Greg agreeing to come to the studio and lend his voice to Chris' recordings. Greg showed up during a raging snowstorm to do just that.
-- March 2000, Chris warmed up the sold-out Blue Rodeo audience for two shows at the Delta Hotel in St. John's as an opening act.
"Whenever Blue Rodeo were in town, I would go see them…they'd let me hang out backstage. I'd always pester Greg to let me play his vintage guitars. They were really supportive!"
- Chris LeDrew
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