Halifax-based indie-folk artist Braden Lam is nominated for Song of the Year for his single, “Silence” featuring Wolf Castle, and for TD Fans’ Choice Video of the Year for “don’t let go (Chapter 1 of 2)” at the upcoming East Coast Music Awards.
Most recently, Braden unveiled his EP, Strange Paradise.
The EP explores a relationship in its entirety, an independent redemption story that takes his lived experience and expands it into a fictional narrative that traces the early blush of infatuation to the hard-won moment of acceptance that it’s over. After multiple singles with Colin Buchanan, on this project, Lam has added producers Daniel Ledwell and Joshua Van Tassel and co-writers Adelle Elwood (aka Keeper E.), Blanche Israël (Jeremy Dutcher), and Jordan Coaker (of Quote the Raven) to the team. While too many cooks can make a record sound disjointed and wandering, here Lam pulls his collaborators into a cohesive album that keeps his lyrical prowess, honey vocals, and catchy melodies as its center while nudging out toward the margins with lush arrangements and surprising darkness. Much like the record’s theme, this approach strikes a unique balance between experimental naivete and the ever-familiar comfort sounds of Canadian folk and rock.
Listen to Strange Paradise below and learn more about Braden Lam via our mini-interview.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers? Tell us a bit about your newest release.
Hey, it’s Braden Lam here, and I’m a 25-year-old songwriter based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I just released my third EP, Strange Paradise, on April 7th, a very collaborative project exploring the space between being madly in love and falling out of it. I make indie-folk sounds that have drawn a comparison to the likes of Vance Joy, Ben Howard, Phoebe Bridgers, and more.
You’re nominated for an East Coast Music Award this year. Is this your first time being nominated?
This is only my second time being nominated! I was up for Rising Star Recording of the Year in 2021 for my EP Inside Four Walls. I’m super honoured to be recognized in the categories of Song of the Year and Video of the Year at this year’s awards.
Are you performing anywhere during the festivities from May 3-7? If so, where?
Friday, May 5, 2023, 9:20 PMTD Connected Concerts: Songwriter Spotlight at Alderney Landing Theatre
Saturday, May 6, 2023, 3:30 PMExport Buyers Showcase B at Halifax Ballroom, Marriott Hotel
Are there any specific events through the weekend that you are excited to check out?
I always look forward to the mentorship components of this conference. That’s where I have learned the most about navigating this industry as an independent artist. And on the music side, I am most looking forward to catching performances by Aquakultre, HORSEBATH, Moira & Claire, and Sleepy Kicks.
If you could work with any fellow East Coast artist, who would you choose?
I feel like a Mo Kenney x Braden Lam collaboration could be pretty sweet!
Do you have any upcoming shows besides the ECMAs to tell us about?
The day after ECMAs wrap up, I am leaving touring in the UK for three weeks with Pillow Fite! This tour includes performances at The Great Escape Festival in Brighton and our first co-headline show in London. It’s been a long time in the works, and I’m very excited about it all. My show dates are as follows:
May 10 / London, UK / The Finsbury
May 11 to 13 / Brighton, UK / The Great Escape Festival
May 14 / Sheffield, UK / Dorothy Pax
May 16 / Manchester, UK / The Eagle Inn
May 17 / Glasgow, SCOT / Bloc+
May 18 / Edinburgh, SCOT / Leith Depot
May 19 / Dunfermline, SCOT / PJ Molloys
May 21 / London, UK / Servant Jazz Quarters
What’s next for you in 2023?
My goal is to release new music every seven weeks this year, so listeners can expect a lot more to come! A new remix and more collaborations are in the works. I’ve been starting to self-produce and experiment with recording from home a lot more, so it feels like I’m really honing in on an organic and authentic sound more and more every day.