Jay Brannan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jay Brannan
Brannan performs in Edinburgh, Scotland, in August 2008
Background information
Born	(1982-03-29) March 29, 1982 (age 44)
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter actor
Instruments	Vocals guitar
Years active	2006–present
Labels	Great Depression Nettwerk

Jay Brannan (born March 29, 1982) is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He was born in Texas and studied briefly in Ohio. Later, he moved to California to become an actor. Jay Brannan appeared in the 2006 movie Shortbus. One of his songs was even part of the movie's soundtrack. He started gaining fans by sharing his music on YouTube. In 2007, he released an EP (a short music album) and acted in the movie Holding Trevor. Since then, he has gone on tours and released several albums.

Jay Brannan's Early Life and Career

Jay Brannan was born in Texas in 1982. He grew up in a middle-class family. His father was an engineer and his mother was a teacher. Jay went to college for one semester in Cincinnati, Ohio. After that, he moved to California, first to Palm Springs and then to Los Angeles. He hoped to become an actor there.

In 2002, he saw a notice for a movie casting. After a relationship ended, he moved to New York City. He sent in an audition tape for the movie. He also worked as a proofreader for a company that translated legal documents.

Becoming an Actor and Musician

Jay Brannan was chosen for the movie Shortbus in 2003. He continued to work other jobs to support himself. He wrote the song "Soda Shop" for the film's soundtrack. He said this was his "first professionally recorded track." The song was also released by Team Love Records.

Jay started making simple music videos for YouTube. He played his guitar and sang in these videos. He built a fan base around the world without needing big company help. He used websites like MySpace and Blogspot to connect with his fans.

In 2007, he appeared in the movie Holding Trevor. He played the main character's best friend. That same year, he released a special limited-edition EP with four songs. It was called Unmastered. In 2008, he re-released it with two more songs.

Releasing Albums and Touring

In July 2008, Jay Brannan released his first album through his own record label, Great Depression Records. He also went on a tour with ten concerts. This was a change from his usual short tours of about four shows. That same year, Jay left his proofreading job. He started earning enough money from his concerts and selling merchandise.

His second album, In Living Cover, came out in 2009. It reached number ten on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart. This chart lists albums by new or developing artists. Jay talked about his album in an interview on ABC News's Now in July 2009. His fourth studio album, Always, Then, & Now, was released on July 15, 2014. It was also released on his independent label, Great Depression Records.

Jay Brannan's Music Style

Jay Brannan performing in Hamburg, Germany, in 2009

Jay Brannan has a singing voice known as a tenor. Music critics have described his style as a modern singer-songwriter. They have compared him to female artists like Ani DiFranco and Joni Mitchell. His early album was described as lo-fi, meaning it had a simple, homemade sound. Jay has said his concerts feel like small, personal performances in his own home.

He has performed with Terra Naomi. Both artists are known for their similar style, often described as indie folk. The New York Times mentioned in 2006 that Jay Brannan was sometimes compared to singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright. Jay himself felt his music echoed the emotional sound of singers like Tracy Chapman.

Awards and Nominations

• In 2006, Jay Brannan was nominated for an award at the Gotham Awards. This was for "Best Ensemble Cast" for his role in the 2006 film Shortbus. He shared this nomination with other actors from the movie.
• In 2012, he was nominated for a Genie Award. This was in the category "Best Achievement in Music – Original Song." The nomination was for his song "My Love, My Love" from the soundtrack of the 2011 film Cloudburst.

Jay Brannan's Music Releases

Studio Albums

• 2009: In Living Cover
• 2012: Rob Me Blind
• 2014: Always, Then, & Now

Extended Plays (EPs)

• 2007: Unmastered (re-released in 2008 with more songs)
• 2013: Around the World in 80 Jays
• 2016: New York, New York

Songs on Soundtracks

• "Soda Shop" (from the 2006 Shortbus soundtrack)
• "Lower My Gun" (from the 2008 Holding Trevor soundtrack)
• "My Love, My Love" and "Takeoff" (from the 2011 Cloudburst soundtrack)

Music Videos

• "Body's a Temple"
• "Housewife"
• "Can't Have It All"
• "Greatest Hits"
• "Beautifully"
• "Rob Me Blind"
• "Blue-Haired Lady"
• "Square One"

Jay Brannan's Film Roles

Movies

See also

In Spanish: Jay Brannan para niños