{{Short description|American singer-songwriter}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Bret Mosley | image = BMosley-CarinePerth-IMG_2125CROPT.jpg | alt = Bret Mosley performing live in Perth, Western Australia in 2016 | caption = Bret Mosley performing live in Perth, Western Australia in 2016. | birth_name = Bret Mosley | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1961|07|28}} | birth_place = Alpine, Texas US | origin = Brooklyn, New York US | genre = Americana<br/>Folk rock<br/>Alternative country<br/>Blues | occupation = Singer-songwriter | instrument = vocals<br/>lap dobro<br/>stomp box | years_active = 1995–present | label = Woodstock MusicWorks<br/>Cosmo Sex School<br/>Out Of The Park Records | website = {{URL|bretmosley.com/|bretmosley.com}} }}
'''Bret Mosley''' is an American singer-songwriter from Brooklyn, New York.
== Early life == Mosley was born in Alpine, Texas, the son of Elbert (Burt) Mosley, a Viet Nam veteran, ranch hand, and computer programmer; and Nancy Lee Mosley (née Gothard), a project manager.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bret Mosley - Texas Birth Index |url=https://www.familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V67W-C76 |website=FamilySearch}}</ref> The family moved frequently throughout his early childhood and teen years—living in various towns in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nebraska, Ohio, and Virginia. He attended numerous schools before completing high school in Texas via GED. Mosley then attended West Texas A&M University studying music theory, voice, piano, theatre, and ballet.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Carrick |first=Crag |date=December 6, 2022 |title=Someplace, Somewhere |url=https://www.mixcloud.com/MainFm/someplace-somewhere-with-bret-mosley-full/ }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Mann |first=Francesca |date=August 4, 2016 |title=Muso to bring a slice of Americana |url=https://www.geraldtonguardian.com.au/news/mid-west/muso-to-bring-a-slice-of-americana-ng-ya-114296 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230408101126/https://www.geraldtonguardian.com.au/news/mid-west/muso-to-bring-a-slice-of-americana-ng-ya-114296 |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |website=The Geraldton Guardian}}</ref>
==Career== Mosley began playing guitar early in his childhood and grew up among an extended family of musicians. Following university and a brief ballet career, Mosley worked at Fidelity Investments for several years as a mid-level manager.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Chandler |first=Chip |date=January 18, 2012 |title=Mosley explores careers before settling on music |url=https://www.amarillo.com/story/entertainment/local/2012/01/18/mosely-explores-careers-settling-music/13136716007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231210111939/https://www.amarillo.com/story/entertainment/local/2012/01/18/mosely-explores-careers-settling-music/13136716007/ |archive-date=December 10, 2023 |access-date= |website=Amarillo Globe-News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bret Mosley - Public Records ᐈ Radaris |url=https://radaris.com/p/Bret/Mosley/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231210111631/https://radaris.com/p/Bret/Mosley/ |archive-date=December 10, 2023 |access-date= |website=radaris.com}}</ref> Subsequently, he attended University of North Carolina School of the Arts, majoring in drama.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Good - Bret Mosley as John Halder |url=https://digitalcollections.uncsa.edu/islandora/object/uncsa:221 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231209043815/https://digitalcollections.uncsa.edu/islandora/object/uncsa:221 |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |access-date= |website=UNCSA Archives}}</ref> Mosley then moved to New York City and pursued an acting career while developing as a musician and songwriter, first busking on the subway, then becoming active in the downtown Manhattan indie music scene playing frequently at Rockwood Music Hall, The Living Room, and Banjo Jim's.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bret Mosley / Jerry Joseph - Banjo Jim's |url=https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/bret-mosley-jerry-joseph-f002fde8-5806-407b-8ac3-d49bd7a3071d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231209074906/https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/bret-mosley-jerry-joseph-f002fde8-5806-407b-8ac3-d49bd7a3071d |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |website=Concert Archives}}</ref>
While playing a house concert in Woodstock, New York in 2005, Mosley attracted the attention of Lisa Hantes, manager of the nearby Bearsville Theater at that time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barry |first=John |date=December 5, 2007 |title=Mosley Musician has played Bearsville before |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/114679452/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207231500/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/114679452/ |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |website=Poughkeepsie Journal}}</ref> With the support of Hantes, he opened at Bearsville for established acts such as The Blind Boys of Alabama,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Tomcho |first=Sandy |date=January 25, 2008 |title=Bret Mosley opens for the Blind Boys of Alabama in Woodstock |url=https://www.recordonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2008/01/25/bret-mosley-opens-for-blind/52647519007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230329005317/https://www.recordonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2008/01/25/bret-mosley-opens-for-blind/52647519007/ |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |website=Times Herald-Record}}</ref> Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Darlington |first=Abigail |date=October 3, 2011 |title=Freeloaders: Free Fallin' |url=https://charlestoncitypaper.com/2011/10/03/freeloaders-free-fallin/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231207101630/https://charlestoncitypaper.com/2011/10/03/freeloaders-free-fallin/ |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |website=Charleston City Paper}}</ref> Big Brother and the Holding Company.<ref name=":2" /> This led to an opportunity to record at Woodstock producer/engineer Pete Caigan's [https://flymaxsound.com/?page_id=1941 Flymax Recording Studio] where Mosley's debut album ''Light & Blood'' was recorded in 2007.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Tomcho |first=Sandy |date=December 7, 2007 |title=REVIEW: Bret Mosley at Bearsville Theater |url=https://www.recordonline.com/story/news/2007/12/07/review-bret-mosley-at-bearsville/52709736007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230731105500/https://www.recordonline.com/story/news/2007/12/07/review-bret-mosley-at-bearsville/52709736007/ |archive-date=July 31, 2023 |website=Times Herald-Record}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mason |first=Stewart |title=Bret Mosley Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/bret-mosley-mn0001984715 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231208054902/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/bret-mosley-mn0001984715 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |access-date= |website=AllMusic |language=en}}</ref> The album was released on [https://www.discogs.com/label/979815-Woodstock-Musicworks Woodstock MusicWorks].<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 23, 2017 |title=Release Details |url=https://www.popmatters.com/release-details-2500490046.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231208001816/https://www.popmatters.com/release-details-2500490046.html |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |website=PopMatters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Woodstock MusicWorks |url=https://www.discogs.com/label/979815-Woodstock-Musicworks |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231208003821/https://www.discogs.com/label/979815-Woodstock-Musicworks |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |website=Discogs}}</ref> Well received critically,<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Danielsen |first=Aarik |date=March 6, 2008 |title=BRET MOSLEY: LIGHT & BLOOD |url=https://www.popmatters.com/bret-mosley-light-blood-2496170935.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230329011130/https://www.popmatters.com/bret-mosley-light-blood-2496170935.html |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |website=PopMatters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Kenya |date=January 30, 2008 |title=Bret Mosley's Light & Blood Gives Beautiful Testimony |url=https://acedmagazine.com/content/view/888/31/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108105750/http://www.acedmagazine.com/content/view/888/31/ |archive-date=January 8, 2009 |website=ACED Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McQuiston |first=James |date=February 17, 2008 |title=Bret Mosley Releases "Light & Blood" To Adoring Public |url=https://neufutur.com/2008/02/bret-mosley-releases-light-blood-to-adoring-public/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230329025221/https://neufutur.com/2008/02/bret-mosley-releases-light-blood-to-adoring-public/ |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |website=NeuFutur Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bret Mosley - Light & Blood Album Reviews, Songs & More |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/light-blood-mw0001187825 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231208004537/https://www.allmusic.com/album/light-blood-mw0001187825 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |website=AllMusic}}</ref> the album led to an increasingly busy touring schedule and Mosley's collaborations with singer-songwriter Jerry Joseph.<ref name=":3" />
Mosley subsequently joined Joseph frequently on tour 2008–2014.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Santala |first=Phil |date=August 26, 2008 |title=Jerry Joseph {{!}} 08.15 – 08.17 {{!}} MT |url=https://www.jambase.com/article/jerry-joseph-08-15-08-17-mt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230329030016/https://www.jambase.com/article/jerry-joseph-08-15-08-17-mt |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |website=JamBase}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bret Mosley Concert History |url=https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/bret-mosley |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231209075322/https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/bret-mosley |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |website=Concert Archives}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ray |first=Linda |date=January 22, 2009 |title=The Denmark Veseys & Bret Mosley |url=https://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/live/Content?oid=1148941 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230329065036/https://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/live/Content?oid=1148941 |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |website=Tucson Weekly}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 14, 2014 |title=The Stockholm Syndrome Duo |url=https://jambands.com/news/2009/10/14/the-stockholm-syndrome-duo-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230331000906/https://jambands.com/news/2009/10/14/the-stockholm-syndrome-duo-2/ |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |website=jambands.com}}</ref> In 2008, the two songwriters collaborated on the EP ''Charge''—recorded live-to-tape at [https://www.oldsoulstudios.com/ Old Soul Studios]—joined by drummer Steve Drizos. The record was produced and mixed by Garrett Uhlenbrock, and released in 2009 on Cosmo Sex School.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cosmo Sex School Records: Charge |url=https://cosmosexschool.com/p-10-charge-ep-jerry-joseph-bret-mosley-steve-drizos-cd-2009.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225055608/http://cosmosexschool.com/p-10-charge-ep-jerry-joseph-bret-mosley-steve-drizos-cd-2009.aspx |archive-date=2013-12-25}}</ref>
Following the release of ''Charge'',<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 13, 2009 |title=Jerry Joseph EP, Stockholm Syndrome LP |url=https://jambands.com/news/2009/02/13/jerry-joseph-ep-stockholm-syndrome-lp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230817103837/https://jambands.com/news/2009/02/13/jerry-joseph-ep-stockholm-syndrome-lp/ |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |access-date= |website=Jambands |language=en-US}}</ref> Mosley began touring extensively throughout the southeastern United States.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lesemann |first=T. Ballard |date=June 22, 2011 |title=Songwriter Bret Mosley goes South |url=http://charlestoncitypaper.com/2011/06/22/songwriter-bret-mosley-goes-south/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230330012645/https://charlestoncitypaper.com/2011/06/22/songwriter-bret-mosley-goes-south/ |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |access-date= |website=Charleston City Paper |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2013, Mosley recorded the EP ''X-ING'' ("crossing") in Awendaw, South Carolina—where he began collaborating and touring with Awendaw Green artist-in-residence Danielle Howle.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parker |first=Chris |date=December 19, 2012 |title=Decades into her career, Danielle Howle moves on to new projects |url=http://charlestoncitypaper.com/2012/12/19/decades-into-her-career-danielle-howle-moves-on-to-new-projects/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230330013242/https://charlestoncitypaper.com/2012/12/19/decades-into-her-career-danielle-howle-moves-on-to-new-projects/ |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |access-date= |website=Charleston City Paper |language=en-US}}</ref> Howle appears on "Gun War" from Mosley's 2023 commemorative album release ''Light & Blood: 15th Anniversary Edition''. The song was recorded at the solar-powered Swamp House studio managed by Howle.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Darlington |first=Abigail |date=January 1, 2016 |title=Off the beaten path Eddie White, Danielle Howle of Awendaw Green take music to the swamp |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/charleston_scene/latest_headlines/off-the-beaten-path-eddie-white-danielle-howle-of-awendaw-green-take-music-to-the/article_2f204278-3669-56be-9b83-678fb0453f94.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231208074454/https://www.postandcourier.com/charleston_scene/latest_headlines/off-the-beaten-path-eddie-white-danielle-howle-of-awendaw/article_2f204278-3669-56be-9b83-678fb0453f94.html |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |access-date= |website=Post and Courier |language=en}}</ref> The song was co-written with 2022 Mississippi Songwriter of the Year, [https://www.zechariahlloyd.com/ Zechariah Lloyd],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zechariah Lloyd - 2022 Mississippi Songwriter of the Year |url=https://www.mssongwriteroftheyear.com/previous-winners |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231209070041/https://www.mssongwriteroftheyear.com/previous-winners |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |access-date= |website=Mississippi Songwriter of the Year |language=en}}</ref> who has toured extensively as a drummer with Mosley.
In 2014, Mosley emigrated from the U.S. to Australia, where he has since toured extensively.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 17, 2015 |title=Blues brings artists to delight music lovers |url=https://www.bunburymail.com.au/story/3218573/blues-brings-artists-to-delight-music-lovers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231208080231/https://www.bunburymail.com.au/story/3218573/blues-brings-artists-to-delight-music-lovers/ |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |access-date= |website=Bunbury Mail |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Release |first=Press |date=December 17, 2015 |title=Nukara Music Festival |url=https://www.everythinggeraldton.com.au/geraldton-news/2015/12/17/nukara-music-festival |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231208075939/https://www.everythinggeraldton.com.au/geraldton-news/2015/12/17/nukara-music-festival |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |access-date= |website=Everything Geraldton |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Release |first=Press |date=July 20, 2016 |title=Bret Mosley Dinner/Show at the Bootenal Family Tavern |url=https://www.everythinggeraldton.com.au/geraldton-news/2016/7/20/bret-mosley-dinnershow-at-the-bootenal-family-tavern |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231208085441/https://www.everythinggeraldton.com.au/geraldton-news/2016/7/20/bret-mosley-dinnershow-at-the-bootenal-family-tavern |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |access-date= |website=Everything Geraldton |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bret Mosley {{!}} The Blues Train |url=https://www.thebluestrain.com.au/artist/bret-mosley/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231208080248/https://www.thebluestrain.com.au/artist/bret-mosley/ |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |access-date= |website=www.thebluestrain.com.au |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2022, Mosley released ''Lighter & Bloodier: Early Rarities'', a compilation of early demos, live performances, and previously unreleased songs. Mixed and mastered by Mosley, the retrospective album's 13 songs span from mid-2001 through 2010.
In 2023, Mosley released ''Through the Fire''—recorded in Fremantle, Western Australia. Mosley self-produced the album and performed all the instrumentation.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Mosley |first=Bret |date=October 12, 2023 |title=Seven Years 'Through the Fire' |url=https://bretmosley.substack.com/p/seven-year-through-the-fire |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231208072254/https://bretmosley.substack.com/p/seven-year-through-the-fire |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |access-date= |website=Bret Mosley}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bregman |first=Jeremy |date=September 21, 2023 |title=Bret Mosley Drops Heartfelt New Album 'Through the Fire' |url=https://www.mesmerized.io/bret-mosley-drops-heartfelt-new-album-through-the-fire/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230922000428/https://www.mesmerized.io/bret-mosley-drops-heartfelt-new-album-through-the-fire/ |archive-date=September 22, 2023 |access-date= |website=Mesmerized |language=en-US}}</ref>
In December 2024, Mosley released a live album, ''Live at Sam's Caravan''—recorded at Majors Creek Festival in New South Wales, Australia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-16 |title=LIVE AT SAM’S CARAVAN - Out Of The Park Records |url=https://outoftheparkrecords.com/liveatsamscaravan/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241227103354/https://outoftheparkrecords.com/liveatsamscaravan/ |archive-date=2024-12-27 |access-date=2024-12-27 |website=outoftheparkrecords.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
Mosley has cited James Taylor, Chris Whitley, Son Volt, Ani Difranco, and the music of West Africa as significant influences.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" />
== Performance style == Mosley most often performs solo, accompanying himself on a lap dobro resonator guitar and a modified Porchboard Bass stomp box. Mosley's sound—often described as a blending of distinct genres and styles<ref name=":7" />—is noted for its raw soulfulness and authenticity.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 4, 2009 |title=What to do this weekend for Sept. 4 to Sept. 7 |url=https://www.steamboatpilot.com/explore-steamboat/what-to-do-this-weekend-for-sept-4-to-sept-7/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230329073138/https://www.steamboatpilot.com/explore-steamboat/what-to-do-this-weekend-for-sept-4-to-sept-7/ |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |access-date= |website=Steamboat Pilot & Today |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 8, 2016 |title=December 2016 – South West Blues Club |url=https://www.southwestbluesclub.org/2016/12/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230409024858/https://www.southwestbluesclub.org/?m=201612 |archive-date=April 9, 2023 |access-date= |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Booth |first=Jared |date=February 7, 2012 |title=Follywood Productions gets down at the two-year mark |url=http://charlestoncitypaper.com/2012/02/07/follywood-productions-gets-down-at-the-two-year-mark/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230817040722/https://charlestoncitypaper.com/2012/02/07/follywood-productions-gets-down-at-the-two-year-mark/ |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |access-date= |website=Charleston City Paper |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Personal life == Mosley has stated that his ''Through the Fire'' album was born out of trauma from an abusive relationship experience upon his arrival in Australia.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kerr |first=Paul |date=September 29, 2023 |title=AUK Shortcuts September 2023: Jeff Plankenhorn, The 19th Street Band, The Waymores, Andrew Rumsey, The Street Arts Project, The Two Tracks, Ludwig Wright and Bret Mosley |url=https://americana-uk.com/auk-shortcuts-september-2023-jeff-plankenhorn-the-19th-street-band-the-waymores-andrew-rumsey-the-street-arts-project-the-two-tracks-ludwig-wright-and-brett-mosley |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230930003200/https://americana-uk.com/auk-shortcuts-september-2023-jeff-plankenhorn-the-19th-street-band-the-waymores-andrew-rumsey-the-street-arts-project-the-two-tracks-ludwig-wright-and-brett-mosley |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |access-date= |website=Americana UK |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Doyle |first=Jon |date=September 18, 2023 |title=Weekly Listening: September 2023 #3 |url=https://varioussmallflames.co.uk/2023/09/18/weekly-listening-september-2023-3/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230918233031/https://varioussmallflames.co.uk/2023/09/18/weekly-listening-september-2023-3/ |archive-date=September 18, 2023 |access-date= |website=Various Small Flames |language=en-GB}}</ref>
In March 2021, Mosley married Lee Robins, a shamanic and sound healing practitioner. They currently reside in Melbourne.
== Discography == '''Studio albums'''
* ''Light & Blood'' (Woodstock MusicWorks, 2007) * ''Lighter & Bloodier: Early Rarities'' (compilation) (Out Of The Park Records, 2022) * ''Light & Blood: 15th Anniversary Edition'' (Out Of The Park Records, 2023) * ''Through the Fire'' (Out Of The Park Records, 2023) * ''Live at Sam's Caravan'' (Out Of The Park Records, 2024)
'''EPs'''
* ''Charge—''w/Jerry Joseph & Steve Drizos (EP) (Cosmo Sex School, 2009) * ''X-ING'' (EP) (Out Of The Park Records, 2013)
Mosley also appears on the following:
* ''Open'' – Allison Dennis (2004)
== References == '''General'''
* Mason, Stewart. [https://www.allmusic.com/artist/bret-mosley-mn0001984715/biography Bret Mosley] at AllMusic
'''Specific'''{{Reflist|30em}}
== External links == * [https://bretmosley.com/ Bret Mosley] official website * Bret Mosley: Live Music Archive
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mosley, Bret}} Category:1961 births Category:American expatriates in Australia Category:American male singer-songwriters Category:Living people Category:People from Alpine, Texas Category:Singer-songwriters from Texas Category:21st-century American singer-songwriters Category:Musicians from Brooklyn Category:American alternative country musicians Category:American alternative country singers Category:American slide guitarists Category:Resonator guitarists Category:Musicians from Texas Category:People from Wheeler, Texas Category:American folk rock musicians Category:Americana musicians Category:Singers from Brooklyn Category:One-man bands Category:University of North Carolina School of the Arts alumni Category:West Texas A&M University alumni Category:Musicians from New York City