Bruno Major

Last updated

Bruno Major
Born
Bruno Major

(1988-07-15) 15 July 1988 (age 37)
Northampton, England
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer-songwriter
  • guitarist
Instruments
  • Guitar
  • piano
  • vocals [1]
Years active2010s–present
Website brunomajor.com

Bruno Major (born 15 July 1988) [2] is a British singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer known for his blend of jazz-inflected pop, intimate lyricism and emotive vocal style. He has released three studio albums - "A Song For Every Moon" (2017), "To Let a Good Thing Die" (2020) and "Columbo" (2023) [3] and has amassed over 2 billion streams worldwide. [4] Major has sold out multiple headline tours across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. [5]

Contents

Career


Early Work and "A Song For Every Moon" (2014-2018)

In 2014, Major released his debut EP "Live" on Virgin Records. [6] After parting ways with the label, he launched a self-directed project in 2016 to write, record and release one song every month for a year. The project culminated in his critically acclaimed debut album "A Song For Every Moon" (2017), an R&B-tinged collection that established his reputation for intimate, narrative songwriting. [7] [2] [8]

Following the release, Major embarked on extensive touring, including a headline run across North America, multiple sold-out shows in Europe, and support slots on the Sam Smith UK arena tour. He made his US television debut performing Easily on The Late Late Show with James Corden in February 2018 [2] [8] , and appeared at Bonnaroo Music Festival the same year. [8] His first Asia tour followed in late 2018. [8] [9] [10]


"To Let a Good Thing Die" (2019-2022)

Major released his second album "To Let a Good Thing Die" in June 2020. The album included collaborations with producer Finneas and featured fan favourites such as "Nothing" and "The Most Beautiful Thing."

"Easily" from his debut album was certified Platinum in the United States and Gold in Canada and Australia [11] [12] while "Nothing" was certified gold in the United States and charted internationally, reaching No. 63 on the Irish Singles Chart [13] [14] [15]


"Columbo" and Continued Success (2023 - Present)

In 2023, Major returned with his third studio album "Columbo", released on 14th July. Written largely on acoustic guitar and produced alongside longtime collaborator Finlay Robson (Phairo), "Columbo" was praised for it's lyrical depth and musical range. Inspired by a period of personal transformation and self-reflection during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the record explored themes of identity, love, loss and self-discovery. [16] [17]

The album was preceded by the singles "We Were Never Really Friends" and "Columbo" and features highlights such as "Tears in Rain", "Tell Her" and "You Take the High Road". Reinforcing Major's reputation as a captivating live performer, the release was followed by another sold-out global tour spanning 54 cities across 22 countries and drawing over 70,000 fans throughout Southeast Asia, North America, Europe, Australia and East Asia. [18]

Musical Style and Influences

Major’s sound blends elements of jazz, soul, and folk-pop, often built around intricate guitar work and introspective lyricism. He cites Nick Drake, and Chet Baker among his key influences [19] . His songwriting approach emphasises lyrical substance and musical emotionality, often focusing on the interplay between words and melody.

Personal life

Major is originally from Northampton, England. [9] He moved to London in 2011. [1] Originally a jazz musician, he began his career as a session guitarist at age 16 for artists including Lalah Hathaway. Major also studied for a degree in jazz at Leeds Conservatoire (formally Leeds College of Music). [10] [20]

He is the older brother of Dominic 'Dot' Major of London Grammar.

Discography

Albums

TitleDetails
A Song for Every Moon
  • Released: 31 August 2017
  • Label: Harbour, July (July-001)
  • Format: digital download, CD, LP
To Let a Good Thing Die
  • Released: 5 June 2020
  • Label: Harbour, July (July-006)
  • Format: digital download, CD, LP
Columbo
  • Released: 14 July 2023
  • Label: Harbour, July
  • Format: digital download, CD, LP

EPs

TitleDetails
Live
  • Released: 21 January 2014
  • Label: Virgin Records
  • Format: digital download

Singles

TitleYearPeak chart positions Certifications Album
UK
Ind.

[21]
IRE
[22]
"Home" (Live)2013Live
"Wouldn't Mean a Thing"2016A Song for Every Moon
"There's Little Left"
"The First Thing You See"
"Easily"
"Home"
"Like Someone in Love"2017
"Just the Same"
"Second Time"
"Fair-Weather Friend"
"Places We Won't Walk"
"Cold Blood"
"On Our Own"
"I Think It Must Be Christmas"Non-album single
"Old Fashioned"2019To Let A Good Thing Die
"Nothing"3063
"Tapestry"
"Figment of My Mind"2020
"We Were Never Really Friends"2023Columbo
"The Show Must Go On"

Appears on

YearArtistAlbumSongCredit
2014 The Giver (film): Music Collection"Children"Performer
2016Ward ThomasCartwheels"Good On You"Guitar
"Dirt and Gold"
"Proof"
2017 MJ Cole "Shelter"Feature
2018SG LewisDark EP"Dreaming"Feature
2019Scary PocketsBest of 2018Guitar
2020 Lianne La Havas Lianne La Havas "Read My Mind"Guitar, Piano
2021EloiseSomewhere in-BetweenPerformer, Arranger
2023Acantha LangBeautiful Dreams"Eventually"Performer
2025Adam MelchorThe Diary of LivingThe Diary of LivingPerformer

Writing, producing

YearArtistAlbumSongCredit
2016 Liv Dawson "Tapestry"Writer, producer
Open Your Eyes"Still"Writer, producer
"Open Your Eyes"Writer
SG Lewis Yours EP"Yours"Writer
"Holding Back"Writer
"Gone"Writer
2017Jack VallierRebekah"Good for You"Writer, producer
"The Boy You Knew"Writer, producer
SG Lewis "Times We Had"Writer
Sarah Close Caught Up "Perfect After All"Writer, producer, Mixed by
XamVoloAll The Sweetness On The Surface"Old Soul"Writer, producer
Liv Dawson"Somewhere Good"Writer, producer
Eliza A Real Romantic"Alone & Unafraid"Writer, producer
Tom Chaplin Twelve Tales of Christmas "Say Goodbye"Writer
2018 Aquilo ii "The Road Less Wandered"Writer
Eloise"You, Dear"Producer
Linden Jay, Roméo Testa, Serious Klein You Should've Known"God is Love"Producer
SG Lewis Dark EP"Dreaming"Writer
Eloise"TTCL"Producer
2019 MJ Cole Waking Up EP"Mercy"Writer
"Serotonin"Writer
Eloise"Left Side"Producer
SG Lewis Dawn EP"Rest"Writer
Tori Kelly Inspired by True Events "Sorry Would Go a Long Way"Writer
"Before the Dawn"Writer
2020 Lianne La Havas Lianne La Havas "Read My Mind"Writer
2021EloiseSomewhere In-Between EPProducer
2025Adam MelchorThe Diary of Living"The Diary of Living"Writer
EloiseChet Baker Reimagined"That Old Feeling"Producer

Tour

Headlining

North American Tour (2018)

List of concerts, showing date, city, country, venue, opening acts
DateCityCountryVenue
North America
16 February 2018 Seattle United States Barboza
17 February 2018 Vancouver Canada Fox Cabaret
18 February 2018 Portland United StatesDoug Fir
20 February 2018 San Francisco The Chapel
21 February 2018 Los Angeles Masonic Lodge
23 February 2018 Santa Ana Constellation Room
24 February 2018 San Diego The Casbah
27 February 2018 Chicago Schubas Tavern
28 February 2018 Toronto CanadaThe Drake
1 March 2018 Montreal Mini Campus
2 March 2018 Boston United StatesGreat Scott
3 March 2018 Philadelphia Johnny Brenda's
4 March 2018 Washington, D.C. Song Byrd
6 March 2018 New York City Bowery Ballroom
25 May 2018 San Jose The Ritz
26 May 2018 Sacramento Holy Diver
28 May 2018 Salt Lake City Kilby Court
29 May 2018 Denver Larimer Lounge
31 May 2018 Minneapolis 7th Street Entry
1 June 2018 Madison High Noon Saloon
2 June 2018 Detroit Marble Bar
3 June 2018TorontoCanadaThe Great Hall
4 June 2018 Pittsburgh United StatesClub Cafe
5 June 2018Washington D.C.U Street Music Hall
7 June 2018 Charlotte Neighborhood Theatre
8 June 2018 Atlanta Aisle 5
10 June 2018 Manchester The Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
11 June 2018 Houston White Oak Music Hall
12 June 2018 Austin Stubb's Indoors
13 June 2018DallasThree Links
15 June 2018 Phoenix Valley Bar
16 June 2018 Las Vegas Bunk House

Asia Tour (2018)

List of concerts, showing date, city, country, venue, opening acts
DateCityCountryVenue
Asia
7 October 2018 Tokyo Japan Shindaita Fever
8 October 2018 Yamagata Hello Indie Festival
11 October 2018 Seoul South Korea Rolling Hall
12 October 2018 Beijing China Yugong Yishan
13 October 2018 Shanghai Yuyintang
14 October 2018 Hong Kong Mom Livehouse
17 October 2018 Singapore Decline
18 October 2018
20 October 2018 Bangkok Thailand Noma
21 October 2018 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia The Bee
23 October 2018 Manila Philippines Karpos Live
24 October 2018 Jakarta Indonesia Queen's Head

Tour of Planet Earth (2023)

List of concerts, showing date, city, country, venue, opening acts
DateCityCountryVenue
Asia
7 August 2023 Tokyo Japan WWWX
8 August 2023
10 August 2023 Seoul South Korea Yes24 Live Hall
11 August 2023
13 August 2023 Bangkok Thailand Voice Space
15 August 2023 Manila Philippines New renter Theater
17 August 2023 Singapore Capitol Theatre
19 August 2023 Jakarta Indonesia GBK Basketball Hall
20 August 2023 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Zepp Kuala Lumpur
22 August 2023 Shanghai China Bandi Namco Dream Hall
24 August 2023 Guangzhou Mao Livehouse
24 August 2024 Jakarta Indonesia LaLaLa Festival
27 August 2024 Chengdu China Full House
29 August 2024 Beijing China Full Of
31 August 2024 Shanghai China CP Hall
2 September 2024 Tokyo Japan Zepp Shinjuku
3 September 2024 Osaka Japan Umeda Club Quattro
5 September 2024 Taipei Taiwan Zepp New Taipei
7 September 2024 Manila Philippines PICC Plenary Hall
8 September 2024 Hong Kong Tungo Po
11 September 2024 Manila Philippines PICC Plenary Hall
North America
4 September 2023 Denver United States Ogden Theatre
5 September 2023 Salt Lake City The Depot
7 September 2023 Vancouver Canada Commodore Ballroom
8 September 2023 Seattle United StatesThe Showbox
9 September 2023 Portland McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
11 September 2023 San Francisco The Warfield
13 September 2023 Los Angeles The Wiltern
14 September 2023
15 September 2023 San Diego The Observatory North Park
16 September 2023 Phoenix, Arizona The Van Buren
18 September 2023 Dallas Granada Theater
19 September 2023 Austin Mohawk
22 September 2023 Atlanta The Masquerade
23 September 2023 Nashville Brooklyn Bowl Nashville
25 September 2023 Chicago The Vic Theatre
26 September 2023 Toronto CanadaHistory
29 September 2023 New York City United StatesTerminal 5
30 September 2023 Boston Roadrunner
1 October 2023 Washington, D.C. Howard Theatre
Europe
8 November 2023 Cologne Germany Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld
9 November 2023 Berlin Kesselhaus
11 November 2023 Antwerp Belgium Trix
12 November 2023 Amsterdam Netherlands Melkweg
14 November 2023 Paris France Le Trabendo
17 November 2023 Glasgow United Kingdom Saint Luke's
18 November 2023 Manchester Academy 2
21 November 2023 Dublin Ireland Vicar Street
23 November 2023 London United KingdomO2 Forum Kentish Town
Oceania
13 January 2024 Auckland New Zealand Powerstation
15 January 2024 Sydney Australia Enmore Theatre
17 January 2024 Melbourne Forum Theatre
19 January 2024 Brisbane The Tivoli
20 January 2024 Adelaide Hindley Street Music Hall
22 January 2024 Perth The Rechabite

References

  1. 1 2 Taylor, Trey (19 March 2018). "BRUNO MAJOR'S MUSIC IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU CRY". Interview Magazine. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
  2. 1 2 3 Feldberg, Isaac (1 March 2018). "Bruno Major aims for the stars". Boston Globe. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  3. https://www.last.fm/music/Bruno+Major/+albums
  4. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/the-other-songs-partners-with-universal-music-publishing-group-signs-global-deal-with-british-singer-songwriter-bruno-major12/
  5. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/bruno-major
  6. Oswald, Angelica (21 February 2014). "Bruno Major: The next big thing". Cliche Magazine. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  7. "Bruno Major on How He Found Success as an Independent Artist". awal.com. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Machin, Jennifer (20 March 2018). "Meet Bruno Major, British R&B Singer-Songwriter & Sam Smith Tourmate". Billboard. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  9. 1 2 O'Connor, Roisin (21 March 2018). "Bruno Major shares stunning video for 'Places We Won't Walk' with footage from Jan Van Ijken short film". The Independent. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
  10. 1 2 Wood, James (18 April 2018). "Guitarist Bruno Major Talks Songwriting, Touring with Sam Smith". Guitar World. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
  11. 1 2 "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2021" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  12. https://shorefire.com/releases/entry/bruno-major-new-album-to-let-a-good-thing-die-june-5th-awal
  13. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=bruno+major#search_section
  14. "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association . Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  15. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=bruno+major#search_section
  16. https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/bruno-major-columbo/
  17. https://www.soundoflife.com/blogs/mixtape/bruno-major-interview
  18. https://www.soundoflife.com/blogs/mixtape/bruno-major-interview
  19. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/bruno-major-tbt-mixtape-playlist-interview-8550907/
  20. "BRUNO MAJOR & THE PERFECT IMPERFECTIONS (INTERVIEW)". Urban Soul. 14 November 2016. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
  21. Official Independent Singles Chart positions:
  22. Irish Singles Chart positions:
  23. 1 2 "Gold & Platinum". RIAA. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  24. "Gold/Platinum". Music Canada. 11 August 2020. Retrieved 26 May 2024.