BRIAN SWENK
ARTIST Biography
Born and raised in Sparta, NC, Brian graduated from Appalachian State with a B.A. in Music Industries. In the first years of learning the banjo, Brian was fortunate enough to study with Steve Lewis in Todd N.C. A competition-winning multi-instrumentalist, Steve taught Brian the basics of not only playing bluegrass music, but how to hear it and fully engage with it. There was no one more influential in Brian’s playing than Steve Lewis.
Throughout college, Brian played with two Boone-based bands. WiseApple pushed the boundaries of progressive bluegrass with songs like Chic Corea’s “Spain.” Boss Hawg combined bluegrass, old-time, and groovy rhythms into what they described as “Country Funk.”
In 2009, Brian joined the band Big Daddy Love, based in N.C. Fusing bluegrass banjo with southern rock styles, they dubbed their style “Appalachian Rock.” Big Daddy Love toured nationally for 8 years playing clubs and festivals in the majority of the country. Big Daddy Love has released three studio albums and one live album/DVD:
To The Mountain – recorded at Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville, NC, and produced by Aaron Price.
Let it Grow – recorded at Collapsible Studios in Asheville, NC, also produced by Aaron Price.
This Time Around – recorded at Applehead Recording in Woodstock, NY.
As Big Daddy Love started touring less, Brian joined Charlotte-based Midwood Entertainment, a boutique multi-faceted booking agency that offers dedicated guidance to bands, festivals, and events.
Brian currently runs Rockwood Booking out of Winston-Salem, NC.
Brian’s roster is a very carefully hand-picked lineup of established and growing artists in the bluegrass, Americana, and folk worlds.
Last updated June 03, 2023