BIO
Brian Allen: A Brief Biography
A veteran of the music business, Brian’s first successful venture was as a member and principal songwriter for the band Toronto in the ‘80s, logging 4 platinum albums. Following the band’s breakup, Brian saw success as a co-writer of “What About Love” which propelled Heart to a 10 million seller. Attic Records then recruited Brian as head of A&R, a post he held for 15 years. During his A&R tenure, Brian doubled as producer for a select number of artists on the Attic roster, which yielded 2 double platinum sellers each for Lee Aaron and Haywire. Brian worked with a wide array of artists while at Attic, including Jennifer Warnes, Paul Janz, Rita Coolidge, The Nylons, Michael Burgess, Grapes of Wrath, Raggadeath and Creed. Brian was promoted to Vice President, A&R and Music Publishing and attended 15 MIDEM trade events in France where he conducted business with labels and publishers from around the world.
Following Attic’s acquisition by the Song Corporation, Brian was Manager of the International Department at SOCAN where he oversaw the processing of SOCAN members’ royalties from 52 foreign countries. In 2002, Brian founded AMPLUS Productions, a recording production company, working with independent artists to offer them his production and music industry expertise at indie-friendly rates. In addition to his many production and songwriting ventures, Brian taught music business courses at Metalworks Institute, and frequently appears as a lecturer, panelist and moderator. He occasionally finds himself hired as a music career consultant.
Brian’s 21st century productions include Larry Berrio’s “The Journey” EP, Marshall Dane’s “Running Stop Signs” (Country Music News #11 album of 2011), Mike Lynch’s “Road Map” (Country Music News #5 album of 2011), Darrelle London (via EMI) and Roveena’s EP “Perfect World”. Brian contributed extra arrangements, editing and mixing for Juno Award Winner Robert Michaels on both his self titled album and the Via Italia album, and continues working with Robert on his forthcoming releases. On the writing side, “What About Love” has been used in multiple TV ads, “Looking For Trouble” was featured in the film “Shania”, and two of Brian’s songs were included on the August 2012-released All About Maggie album “Now Hear Me Out” on Linus / True North Records via Universal. Brian’s co-writing partners include Marshall Dane, Jason Barry, Maggie Szabo, Larry Berrio, David Leask, Sarah Melody and many more.
Brian has earned 25 gold, platinum and special achievement awards as an artist, producer, songwriter, and for his A&R accomplishments. He serves on the Board of Directors for CMAOntario and is a member of CCMA, SOCAN, CMRRA, SAC, Toronto Blues Society and the CFM. He has served on committees for CIRPA (now CIMA), CCMA, CMAO, CARAS and chaired the Music Advisory Committee at Humber College. FACTOR has recruited Brian multiple times as a juror.