Lead Singer from Canadian Rock band Helix, Brian Vollmer is joining the conversation on Cue To Cue today! Brian is opening up about his artist’s journey and relaying his experience of 40 plus years in the music business! So much to be gained from Brian’s, wisdom, knowledge!
Do not miss this one!
In this Episode:
- The importance of strong vocal technique and the key to maintaining vocal health
- Why he doesn’t recommend taking the route of vocal competition shows like American Idol or The Voice
- Why he believes the desire to be an artist wins over talent
- The outlook every artist needs to have in order to have longevity in their career
- The importance of playing live as a performer
Brian Vollmer: Set Your Own Course
A little about Brian:
Brian Vollmer began his singing career in the Listowel Choir, a consistent winner each year under at the annual Kiwanas Festival in Toronto under famous London, Ontario conductor Gerry Fagan. After graduating from Listowel High School, he auditioned for and was accepted by The Ontario Youth Choir. Those chosen (50 approx) were from the 500 of the best high school and university students across the province of Ontario. The choir performed classical music plus opening up the famous Hamilton Place, singing an original piece of music by Galt McDermott, the same person who had written HAIR. Also in the show were Salome Baie, Al Nickleson, and Nel Carter.
Although his career in music started in the choir, Vollmer’s passion became rock and roll. The next year Vollmer moved to Kitchener, Ontario to work at Schneider’s Meats. It was there where he and 4 other long-haired guys got together in a little practice hall on Margaret Avenue and formed the “Helix Field Band”, which was later shortened to “Helix”. The year was 1974.
Over his 40 years plus years as the singer of Helix, Vollmer has toured the world, played with over 200 of the world’s biggest recording acts (everyone from KISS to MOTORHEAD), earned himself 2 platinum & 4 gold albums, a #1 album in the country of Sweden, sold over a million albums, and the list goes on. On his own, Vollmer has released several solo albums, the last being “Get Yer Hands Dirty”, released in 2017. The album was produced by Juno/Grammy-winning Gavin Brown, who also played drums on the album.
Vollmer has also released his own videos and been involved in several other projects outside his normal “Helix duties.” For instance, this year he was the voice behind the new video game CONCERT KINGS. He also had a part in voicing the new Trailer Park Boy’s adult cartoon show (he’s a cartwheeling caricature on the show) and a couple of years ago was a judge on the CBC show “Cover Me Canada” where he was a mentor for runner-up Melanie Morgan. In between Helix gigs, Vollmer teaches the old Italian method of singing called, “Bel Canto.” In fact, he is one of the last people in the world to teach it, and his students include Canadian country superstar TIM HICKS (7 Top 10 country singles) Mercedes & Morgan Lander from the platinum-selling heavy metal girl band KITTIE, and local London sensation Sarah Smith, who has several albums to her credit, and who tours frequently in the U.S. & Europe.
Follow Brian and Helix!
Instagram: @officialhelixband
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