Braden Gates is at once the quintessential folk singer and a highly exceptional one. His songs are both workmanlike and full of emotional nuance, and they are delivered by a performer who is both a masterfully unassuming storyteller and a blazing-hot instrumentalist – one UK publication called him a “born raconteur.” Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Braden sets his songs wherever he is – this is music rooted unquestionably in the real world, as interpreted by a deeply compassionate writer who nonetheless sees the humour and absurdity of it all.
Braden is a three-time Canadian Folk Music Award nominee, with his most recent Borealis Records release Kitchen Days winning the award for Traditional Album of the Year in 2022. Since his debut album Break it to Me Gently came out in 2013, he has recorded and released eight full-length albums, exhibiting a drive to create and a dedication to craft that is remarkable by any standard. As a performer, Braden is as captivating as he is prolific at writing, and has played many of Canada’s major folk festivals, as well as representing Alberta as far afield as Iceland. Currently in pre-production for yet another studio album, Braden continues his life’s work to lovingly coax the fleeting beauty out of life’s mundanities.
“Braden Gates walked out on stage and immediately grabbed the audience’s attention. Not an easy thing when you are opening for Blue Rodeo in a sold out Banff Amphitheatre show (1700 capacity) – solo, just him and his guitar. His wit, charm and ultimately – incredible songs won the hearts of everyone in attendance. I would have him back in a second! And he even won great praise from Greg Keelor who has seen his fair share of opening acts!”
— Allison Brock, Director of Presenting, Banff Centre
“Braden Gates continues his run of outstanding albums with this themed record. Few songwriters would have the ability to tackle what many may consider a mundane subject, yet Braden brings to life a diverse group of characters in a set of songs that are pensive, powerful, passionate, catchy and considerably enjoyable. It may be cliched to use a food metaphor when discussing an album called Kitchen Days, but this truly is a tasty, satisfying record well worth savoring”
— Michael Park, The International Americana Music Show
“...a mesmerizing and confident skill that quiets a room. Braden’s wit, charm, and ultimately incredible songs win the hearts of his audience.”
— Northern Lights Folk Club
“Braden Gates is cut from the same cloth as John Hartford - a supremely talented multi-instrumentalist and songwriter with a charmingly quirky take on life, love and professional dishwashing. I love his new record Kitchen Days. It makes me happy”
— Kim Richey, American Songwriter
“I was already impressed with the singer’s mature bent on Much Rather Be Sleeping (2017), but that extra boost of energy really makes Pictures of Us come alive with a spell that’s cinematic, even on the gentler, quieter songs. Start with the title track, a haunting, nostalgic memory of an old love affair that references wandering West Edmonton Mall to look for a photo booth.”
“Braden is what you hope to discover in the moments that make up a festival. His music is inviting, his authenticity wins you over. Braden takes care of his audience.”
— Anna Somerville, Blueberry Bluegrass Festival
“Braden Gates writes songs that sound just like real life: weary and hopeful at the same time. His playing features a wistfulness that makes you wonder about the roads he's travelled mixed with a joy that is a pleasure to hear. Add in some fine guitar work and the occasional fiddle tune, and you’ve got yourself a show to remember.”
— Michelle Demers, Mission Folk Festival
“Braden Gates is one of those singer/songwriters that stops your drunken conversation and makes you say, “Who the fuck is that singing?” Subtle folk sensibilities mixed with an enigmatic storytelling charm, Gates’ authenticity stumbles through his music like your favourite drunk uncle.”