AMPLUS Productions

Contact Info

» Biography

Brian Allen: Producer, Songwriter, Music Business Instructor

After completing high school, Brian left home to pursue music full time with his first band, Rose, which grew a sizeable cult following in central Canada. However, it was the next project that would take his aspirations over the top. The band "Toronto", fronted by the dramatic Holly Woods and fuelled by Brian's songwriting, delivered multiple top 20 hits, four platinum albums in Canada and toured North America throughout the 80's. Brian co-produced the third and fourth albums, "Get It On Credit" and "Girls' Night Out".

Brian Allen in his Home Studio

After Toronto broke up, "What About Love", co-written with Jim Vallance and Sheron Alton, was recorded by Heart and became a Top 10 hit worldwide in 1985. As the lead single from their self-titled album, it helped propel Heart's sales to over 8 million. Brian turned to artist production and development. After producing their demo, he steered Vancouver band Agent into a deal with Virgin Canada and became intrigued enough with the admin side of the record industry to accept Al Mair's offer to join Attic Records as head of A&R. His first domestic signing was Haywire. After a frustrating search for the right producer, the band agreed to Brian taking the reins. His production of the "Bad Boys" album went on to sell double platinum, and led to production of their second, "Don't Just Stand There" (featuring the hit single Dance Desire) - another double platinum album. His next double platinum production was Lee Aaron's "Bodyrock" album, which included the classic role reversal track "Whatcha Do To My Body", a top 10 single. Brian also produced the subsequent "Some Girls Do" album for Lee, which achieved platinum status. In addition to her North American base, strong European sales and airplay resulted in multi-country tours on the continent for Lee. At Attic, Brian was promoted to Vice President, A&R and Music Publishing.

Brian's diverse A&R duties included (as well as Haywire and Lee Aaron) the Nylons (including the gold "Happy Together" album including "A Touch of Your Hand", written by Brian), Jennifer Warnes, Rita Coolidge, the eclectic Sara Craig, the manic metal hop of Raggadeath (including the rule-breaking single "Dance With the Devil"), Canadian tenor star Michael Burgess, Paul Janz's "Amazon Rain", Maestro's (Fresh Wes) triumphant "Built To Last" (featuring the national hit "Stick To Your Vision") and "Ever Since", Grapes of Wrath, Pocket Dwellers and many more. As well, Brian produced the "Moonlight Dancers" album for Juno-winning roots duo Bourne & MacLeod, and dance pop diva M-Appeal's self-titled album. Both delivered Top 20 singles.

Also responsible for seeking foreign artist masters to license in Canada, Brian has navigated international trading at 15 MIDEM events in Cannes. Some highlights of Brian's acquisitions were UK audio scientists The Orb (including the world club smash "Little Fluffy Clouds"), Australia's Frente! (gold) and Hunters & Collectors, Tom Jones' ground breaking "Reload" album, and U.S. superband Creed's debut "My Own Prison" album (triple platinum).

Following Attic's sale, Brian spent 19 months at the Canadian performing right society SOCAN, where he managed the International and Concert department, learning the intricacies of royalty processing and distribution and the diverse procedures of performing right societies around the world.

Brian’s co-writing partners include Robert Michaels, Colin Amey, Andrea England, JK Gulley, Marshall Dane, Paul Sheremeta, Maggie Szabo, Sarah Melody, Zac Rickson, David Leask, George Leach and Pavlo. Recent productions include Marshall Dane (country), Darrelle London (alternative), Dana Johnson (country), Zac Rickson (country), Rick Temporao (artsy alternative) and The Red Light Riot (3 alarm rock). Brian also co-mixed Robert Michaels’ 2005 Warner album, and contributed extra production. The radio version of “Sometimes” by Toronto Independent Awards winner Andrea England is Brian’s extra production and mix. One of Brian’s songs, “Looking For Trouble”, was featured in the film “Shania” aired on CBC in November of 2005, and Heart's “What About Love” was recently licensed by Sears Canada for a national TV ad campaign, and has been performed and recorded by American and Canadian Idols. As he continues with production and writing projects, Brian has also been teaching music business courses part time at Metalworks Institute since February 2006.

Member: SOCAN, CCMA, CMAO, SAC, AF of M. // Publisher Member: CMRRA
Screening Panel member: Jack Richardson Producer of the Year Award (Junos)
Member: multiple FACTOR and CCMA juries
Member: CIRPA Membership Committee
Past Chair: Music Advisory Committee, Humber College
Past member: CARAS TV and Talent Committee, the Juno Awards