Take the heartbreaking country-folk ballads of
Blue Rodeo and mix in the rapid-fire lyrics, hilarious songs and
improvisation of the Barenaked Ladies. Add a dash of bizarre road
stories and stir in a country boy-next-door persona and you've got
David Hein.
An award-winning singer/songwriter originally from
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Hein has recently written and is starring in
the hit Mirvish musical, "My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding".
He has released 4 CDs, worked in a Muppet Music studio, been played on
CBC, and toured North America in solo house concerts, huge festivals,
and dusty bars with his four-piece band. He is known for his laugh out
loud songs, completely improvised songs-on-the-spot based on audience
suggestions, and for his brilliant, free comics books which are handed
out at each show.
He has released 4 CD's including "North of
Nowhere" (with Juno-award winning producer, Joe Dunphy, alongside Lyle
Molzan (Jann Arden), Tim Bovaconti (Ron Sexsmith), and Greg Johnston
(Canadian Idol)) followed by a North American "North of Nowhere" tour -
sponsored by Rent-a-Wreck. In 2007 he was sponsored by Puretracks and
Fastrax to release 10,000 promotional CDs of his music with 2 exclusive
tracks. He has played the Brandon Folk Festival twice (Manitoba),
Kingfest and Ottawa Folk Festival (Ontario) and the Susquehanna Music
Festival (Maryland). For more details visit www.davidhein.net or
www.myspace.com/davidhein.
In 2009, he wrote the songs and music
for "My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding" - a musical based on
his mom's true story. The show sold out, garnered rave reviews and was
picked up by Mirvish Productions, a major Toronto producer. The show
has now been extended twice and is generating critical praise for Hein
and his songs.
AWARDS:
WINNER, Susquehanna Festival Songwriting Contest
WINNER, International House Songwriting Contest
CANADIAN FINALIST, Mountain Stage New Song Contest
"BEST FOLK" Nomination, Toronto Independent Music Awards
FINALIST, Susquehanna Festival Songwriting Contest
FINALIST, Emergenza Battle of the Bands
FINALIST, Chart Magazine's Indie Startup Songwriting Contest
FINALIST, Paragon Songwriting Contest
FINALIST, Great Lakes Songwriting Contest
SEMI-FINALIST, UK Songwriting Contest
SEMI-FINALIST, Mike Pindars Songwars
SEMI-FINALIST, 100% Music Songwriting Contest
HONOURABLE MENTION, Billboard World Song Contest
TOP 5 SONGS, Songwriter Universe
FESTIVALS PLAYED:
Kingfest Music Festival, Brandon Folk
Festival, Indie Week, NXNE, Canadian Music Week,
"Unquestionably, David
Hein was the hit of the Brandon Folk Festival in 2007. His complementary
comic/activity book had people's attention before he even stepped on stage. His
wry sense of humour captured the attention of the entire audience, young and
old, and his well written/arranged songs garnered great appreciation from other
musicians. Undoubtedly, David would be an excellent addition to
any festival. We certainly plan to have him back." – Matt Duboff, Artistic
Director, Brandon Folk Fest
"One
of the highlights of the festival. He outsold many of my Main Stage
artist and I booked him for the next year before he even left the site. Not
only was he a great performer but he added to the festival experience
for the attendees. As the producer of Susquehanna Music and Arts
Festival I highly recommend David Hein for any event."
- Terry Irons, Producer, Susquehanna Music & Arts Festival
"An acoustic mix of sounds that cross over
rock, country and folk, showcasing his talents as a songwriter and vocalist.
Hein has a real down to earth stage presence and a kind of "country boy"
charisma " - Terese Mallam, Prince George Free Press
"This Saskatoon
singer-songwriter is known for his high-energy acoustic rock songs, which are
defined by catchy hooks and solid lyrics. He has earned comparison to the
Canadian group Blue Rodeo." - Mary Houlihan, The Chicago
Sun-Times
"Hein's music and friendly audience banter makes Hein one to
watch." - Andrew Kurjata, Over The Edge, UNBC