CHRISTOPHER BRAIDE

MAGICAL THINKER

Producers: Notable contributors to the project include an esteemed lineup of producers and musicians, featuring:

- Trevor Horn (bass, vocals, production)

- Steve Lipson (guitar, programming, production)

- Chris Braide (keyboards, guitar, vocals, production)

- Lol Creme (guitar, vocals)

- Ash Soan (drums)

This collective brings their unique expertise and artistry to the table, resulting in a truly unforgettable musical experience.

Chris Braide & Marc Almond: Live at Royal Festival Hall

A celebration of songwriting, friendship, and shared musical passion, this unforgettable evening showcases the creative chemistry between Chris Braide and Marc Almond. Following the critically acclaimed album ‘The Velvet Trail’, which Chris produced, the iconic Soft Cell founder and esteemed songwriter join forces for a unique performance, blending their distinctive styles and voices.

As a testament to their enduring friendship and mutual admiration, Chris and Marc deliver a setlist that highlights their collaborative work, as well as solo material and tributes to their shared influences - including a nod to the legendary T. Rex, with a few of their songs featured in the show.

Andy Partridge & Chris Braide: Queen Of The Planet Wow! EP

A creative union between, Chris Braide and XTC legend Andy Partridge. This EP is the result of a nearly decade-long journey, with songwriting sessions starting in 2014 and culminating in 2023.

Through regular Zoom calls, Chris and Andy meticulously crafted each arrangement, pouring their hearts and brains into this project. The crowning glory is the title track, 'Queen of the Planet Wow,' a sumptuous, Sinatra-inspired tune.

This EP is a testament to the power of creative collaboration and perseverance. Chris Braide's production expertise and Andy Partridge's iconic lyric writing come together, making 'Queen Of The Planet Wow!' an unmissable listen for fans of XTC.

“There Was A Time - The Songs of Marc Bolan”, is a heartfelt tribute to the legendary T. Rex frontman. Braide's passion for Bolan's music began in the late 1980s, when he and a school friend discovered "Electric Warrior" and became obsessed with the singer's unique voice, style, and songs.

As they delved deeper into Bolan's discography, they uncovered hidden gems from the latter part of his career, including lesser-known tracks from 1976 and 1977. These songs, often overlooked in favor of his more popular hits, resonated deeply with Braide and inspired him to record his own versions.

With Braide playing most instruments, and joined by Ash Soan on drums and Andy Hodge on bass, "There Was A Time" is a labor of love that showcases Braide's talent as a singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist. The album is a testament to the enduring power of Bolan's music and the impact it had on Braide's life.

Through this album, Braide shares his personal connection to Bolan's artistry, from the magical discovery of his music as a teenager to the haunting beauty of his later work. "There Was A Time" is not just a tribute but a celebration of Marc Bolan's legacy, and a reminder of the timeless appeal of his songs.

Hello Leo, featuring Theophilus London: Human Feel

Hello Leo is a synth pop collaboration inspired by Tony Mansfield and New Musik. Recorded using vintage drum machines and synths, the album captures the essence of 1980s innovation. Written by Chris Braide and Tony Braide.

Chris Braide & Dave Stewart: Life in a Minor Key

“I met Chris Braide in London when he was only 22 years old, yet he was so mature as a songwriter and a consummate musician. Chris could sing and play any of his songs effortlessly on piano or guitar. He and I spent many days and weeks in my Church studios experimenting amongst the vortex of creative chaos that tends to surround me and I could see Chris was soaking up everything and enjoying being amongst lot’s of other crazy artists. Chris could sing like a bird and he also could attract a lot of birds too. He had the whole package… amazing musician, great songwriter, fantastic voice and if that wasn’t enough he looked like a young Marc Bolan. So after a while I marched him off to Greenwich village in NYC where I bought him a sliver glitter guitar and we spent time in the Jimmy Hendrix studio Electric Ladyland, where in the early hours of the morning we staggered out with a great album. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed making it” - Dave Stewart

Chris Braide & Mick Hucknall

‘‘A music project, which began in 1992 with electronic music legend Thomas Dolby producing a single, took an exciting turn when Mick Hucknall (Simply Red) heard my Polydor records demos. Mick was taking a year off from Simply Red and invited me to record an album with him.

We spent six weeks at Condulmer Studios in Italy, where Simply Red had recorded their iconic album 'Stars'. Mick played bass, Gota Yashiki played drums, and I played piano and sang, creating a unique sound that blended our styles. Mick and I would go bike riding together through the beautiful Italian countryside, while he gave me tips on how to navigate the music industry. We would play pool at night, upstairs in the studio lounge, and listen to DAT tape compilations of songs we loved - T Rex, Bob Marley, Beatles, Bobby Womack, Frank Sinatra etc. 

The album marked the beginning of a long musical journey. Mick's proposed title for the album was, 'Christopher'.

This collaboration was a fascinating start to my music career, working with a hugely popular UK star who became a mentor. At 19 years old, It set the stage for future collaborations and shaped my approach to songwriting and production”.