User talk:Stevepgroberts

Oliver Jack "Ollie" Brown (born June 27, 1990) is an Australian singer-songwriter from Newcastle, NSW, who was voted 'Australia's Best Busker' by mX newspaper, ARIA, Studio's 301 and VOX magazine in December 2011. Brown released his debut EP Moving On in August 2011.

Early Life
Ollie Brown was born on June 27, 1990, in Newcastle, NSW. Brown, the eldest of three was a very musically focused child who spent a decade playing the tuba and trombone and expanding on his classical training. He is quoted as saying, “music’s my refuge, it’s safe, it’s beautiful and it can’t be conquered.” Brown attended Hunter Valley Grammar School in 2003 on a musical scholarship where he began experimenting with other instruments such as guitar and drums. He moved to Newcastle Grammar School in 2006 on another musical scholarship and completed his HSC in 2008. Brown dropped out of University before the end of his first semester in 2009 and began travelling down the uncertain road of being a paid musician whilst working as a part time laborer to fund some studio time.

Music Career
Ollie Brown began his music career aged 19, when he started playing local shows in Cafe's, Clubs and Pubs whilst working part time as a labourer, installing insulation in roofs. His newly penned songs were heard by his boss, a 28 year old entrepreneur and in true “pay it forward” fashion Ollie was offered a ticket to New York City on the promise that he would do the same for someone else one day. In 2010, Brown spent 3 months in Manhattan with his cousin, a Columbia law student and former Manhattan school of Music attendee. The two busked in central park regularly while Ollie secured some playtime at establishments like the National Underground and the legendary Bitter End in Greenwich Village. Brown later travelled to California where he performed at venues such as the Milk Bar in San Francisco and the House Of Blues in L.A. He returned home in late 2010 before heading on tour with Michael Bublé as foyer support for his 2011 Crazy Love Tour. Brown also supported the likes of Rai Thystlethwayte, Hank Marvin (The Shadows) and The Black Sorrows before recording his self funded EP Moving On with friend and producer Sean Carey (Thirsty Merc). Moving On was released independently on iTunes on August 24, 2011. Less than one month later, Ollie entered a busking competition run by mX newspaper, ARIA, Studio's 301 and VOX magazine and was announced the winner in December 2011, earning him the title of 'Australia's Best Busker' and a $20,000 recording session at Australia’s most prestigious recording facility, Studios 301. In January 2012, Brown was announced in the fourth lineup for the 23rd Annual Byron Bay Bluesfest as well as a 29 show national tour with The Firetree that wraps up just in time for him to join Kina Grannis as the 'Special Guest' for her 'In Your Arms' Australian Tour 2012.