Greg Sczebel
Encyclopedia
Greg Sczebel is a Canadian Juno Award
-winning independent singer/songwriter from Salmon Arm, BC. His career in music began at the age of 17. The oldest of two children, Greg grew up with two musical parents (Jerry Sczebel and Cheryl Sczebel), and started performing publicly at the age of four. Gaining much experience singing in church, at talent competitions, weddings and wherever else he could throughout his youth, Sczebel started playing the piano by ear at the age of 12. He continues to play by ear to this day, with minimal formal music training.
At the age of 12, Greg also started writing his own songs. Since he started penning his own material, he has continued to do so, winning the recognition of such esteemed songwriting competitions as The John Lennon Songwriting Contest
and the International Songwriting Competition. In 2008 his song, "Love Is the Anchor," was named "Song of the Year" at the Canadian Gospel Music Awards.
Homeschooled for most of his life, Sczebel attended Salmon Arm Secondary for grades 11 and 12. Heavily involved in the strong music courses available, it was during high school that Greg was exposed firsthand to the recording process. Shortly after graduating in 2002, Sczebel recorded his debut independent album, "Here to Stay." All songs were written by Greg, and he and his father, Jerry Sczebel produced it. "Here to Stay" released Canada-wide on June 1, 2004 and went on to win a 2005 Juno Award
, as well as a "Western Canadian Music Award," among others.
Greg has toured extensively, most notably with Canadian country star Paul Brandt
, and Folk/Pop songstress Carolyn Arends
.
In 2006 Sczebel was a special guest performer on CMT
's "Paul Brandt's Christmas in Banff." He shared the stage with Paul Brandt
, Liz Brandt and Aaron Lines
, singing "Joy to the World," "Santa Clause Is Comin' to Town," and his original song, "One Starry Night." In 2008 Sczebel joined Brandt's touring band and has performed nationwide with him as backup vocalist and keyboard player. Public performances included appearing at the 2008 Canada Day Celebrations on Parliament Hill
in Ottawa
.
Since 2005 Sczebel has been an active spokesperson on behalf of World Vision
, primarily their Hope Child Sponsorship initiative which provides for children around the world affected by HIV AIDS.
Greg Sczebel's second album, Love & The Lack Thereof released on October 13, 2009, won him four awards at the 2010 GMA Canada
Covenant Awards
and Juno Award for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year
at the 2011 Juno Awards.
GMA Canada
Covenant Awards
International Songwriting Competition (ISC)
John Lennon Songwriting Contest
Juno Awards
Shai Awards (formerly The Vibe Awards)
Western Canadian Music Awards
Juno Award
The Juno Awards are presented annually to Canadian musical artists and bands to acknowledge their artistic and technical achievements in all aspects of music...
-winning independent singer/songwriter from Salmon Arm, BC. His career in music began at the age of 17. The oldest of two children, Greg grew up with two musical parents (Jerry Sczebel and Cheryl Sczebel), and started performing publicly at the age of four. Gaining much experience singing in church, at talent competitions, weddings and wherever else he could throughout his youth, Sczebel started playing the piano by ear at the age of 12. He continues to play by ear to this day, with minimal formal music training.
At the age of 12, Greg also started writing his own songs. Since he started penning his own material, he has continued to do so, winning the recognition of such esteemed songwriting competitions as The John Lennon Songwriting Contest
John Lennon Songwriting Contest
The John Lennon Songwriting Contest, named for the former member of The Beatles, is a songwriting competition for songwriters, open to amateurs and professionals. The contest accepts instrumental pieces as well as songs with a vocal component. Though all entries must include a CD, cassette, or...
and the International Songwriting Competition. In 2008 his song, "Love Is the Anchor," was named "Song of the Year" at the Canadian Gospel Music Awards.
Homeschooled for most of his life, Sczebel attended Salmon Arm Secondary for grades 11 and 12. Heavily involved in the strong music courses available, it was during high school that Greg was exposed firsthand to the recording process. Shortly after graduating in 2002, Sczebel recorded his debut independent album, "Here to Stay." All songs were written by Greg, and he and his father, Jerry Sczebel produced it. "Here to Stay" released Canada-wide on June 1, 2004 and went on to win a 2005 Juno Award
Juno Award
The Juno Awards are presented annually to Canadian musical artists and bands to acknowledge their artistic and technical achievements in all aspects of music...
, as well as a "Western Canadian Music Award," among others.
Greg has toured extensively, most notably with Canadian country star Paul Brandt
Paul Brandt
Paul Rennée Belobersycky is a Canadian country music artist, known professionally as Paul Brandt. Growing up in Calgary, he was a pediatric RN at the time of his big break...
, and Folk/Pop songstress Carolyn Arends
Carolyn Arends
Carolyn Arends is a Contemporary Christian musician, songwriter, and author based in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.-Musical career:Arends began her career as a songwriter at Benson Music Publishing. In 1995, Carolyn began touring and releasing albums as a singer and guitarist. Her debut release...
.
In 2006 Sczebel was a special guest performer on CMT
CMT
- Medicine :* California mastitis test* Certified Massage Therapist* Cervical motion tenderness, a sign of pelvic inflammatory disease* Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease* Chemically modified tetracyclines* Circus Movement Tachycardia...
's "Paul Brandt's Christmas in Banff." He shared the stage with Paul Brandt
Paul Brandt
Paul Rennée Belobersycky is a Canadian country music artist, known professionally as Paul Brandt. Growing up in Calgary, he was a pediatric RN at the time of his big break...
, Liz Brandt and Aaron Lines
Aaron Lines
Anthony Aaron Lines is a Canadian country musician. Active since 2001, he has recorded for RCA, BNA and On Ramp Records, and has charted three singles on the Hot Country Songs charts in the United States.-Love Changes Everything:...
, singing "Joy to the World," "Santa Clause Is Comin' to Town," and his original song, "One Starry Night." In 2008 Sczebel joined Brandt's touring band and has performed nationwide with him as backup vocalist and keyboard player. Public performances included appearing at the 2008 Canada Day Celebrations on Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill , colloquially known as The Hill, is an area of Crown land on the southern banks of the Ottawa River in downtown Ottawa, Ontario. Its Gothic revival suite of buildingsthe parliament buildings serves as the home of the Parliament of Canada and contains a number of architectural...
in Ottawa
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital of Canada, the second largest city in the Province of Ontario, and the fourth largest city in the country. The city is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River in the eastern portion of Southern Ontario...
.
Since 2005 Sczebel has been an active spokesperson on behalf of World Vision
World Vision
World Vision, founded in the USA in 1950, is an evangelical relief and development organization whose stated goal is "to follow our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in working with the poor and oppressed to promote human transformation, seek justice and bear witness to the good news of the Kingdom of...
, primarily their Hope Child Sponsorship initiative which provides for children around the world affected by HIV AIDS.
Greg Sczebel's second album, Love & The Lack Thereof released on October 13, 2009, won him four awards at the 2010 GMA Canada
GMA Canada
GMA Canada is the Gospel Music Association of Canada . Created in 1974, the organization is a not for profit association whose mission is to promote the growth and ministry of Christian music arts in Canada...
Covenant Awards
Covenant Awards
The Covenant Awards are handed out annually by GMA Canada, the Gospel Music Association of Canada . Created in 1974, the association is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the growth and ministry of Christian music arts in Canada...
and Juno Award for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year
Juno Award for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year
The Juno Award for "Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year" has been awarded since 1994, as recognition each year for the best Christian/gospel music album in Canada...
at the 2011 Juno Awards.
Albums and singles
- Here To Stay (Soultone, 2004, reviews)
- "One Starry Night" (single, 2006)
- "Love is the Anchor" (single, 2007)
- Love & The Lack Thereof (Soultone, 2009, review)
Songs in other projects
- Sea to Sea: Filled With Your GlorySea to Sea: Filled With Your GlorySea to Sea: Filled With Your Glory is the first release in the annual Sea to Sea praise and worship music series. The album comprises thirty Christian worship songs on two CDs performed by Canadian artists...
, "Thank You" (CMC, 2004) - GMA Canada presents 30th Anniversary CollectionGMA Canada presents 30th Anniversary CollectionGMA Canada presents 30th Anniversary Collection is a three-CD collection commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Gospel Music Association of Canada. It showcases the history of Christian music in Canada...
, "Here To Stay" (CMC, 2008) - Sea to Sea: Christmas, "One Starry Night" (LMG, 2009)
Awards
Canadian Urban Music Awards (CUMA)- 2004 nominee, Gospel Recording of the Year: Here to Stay
GMA Canada
GMA Canada
GMA Canada is the Gospel Music Association of Canada . Created in 1974, the organization is a not for profit association whose mission is to promote the growth and ministry of Christian music arts in Canada...
Covenant Awards
Covenant Awards
The Covenant Awards are handed out annually by GMA Canada, the Gospel Music Association of Canada . Created in 1974, the association is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the growth and ministry of Christian music arts in Canada...
- 2004 Male Vocalist of the Year
- 2004 Rap/Hip Hop/Dance Song of the Year: "Lights Are Comin' On"
- 2005 Compilation Album of the Year: Filled With Your Glory, "Thank You" (Various Artists)
- 2005 Urban Song of the Year: "Everybody"
- 2006 nominee, Male Vocalist of the Year
- 2007 nominee, Male Vocalist of the Year
- 2007 nominee, Seasonal Song of the Year: "One Starry Night"
- 2008 Song of the Year: "Love Is The Anchor"
- 2010 Blessings Fan Choice Award
- 2010 Male Vocalist of the Year
- 2010 Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year: Love & The Lack Thereof
- 2010 Video of the Year: "I Will Come"
International Songwriting Competition (ISC)
- 2005 Finalist, Gospel/Christian Music: "In The Pocket"
- 2007 Third Place, Gospel/Christian Music: "Homeland"
- 2007 Semi-Finalist, Pop/Top 40: "Love Is The Anchor"
John Lennon Songwriting Contest
- 2004 Grand Prize Winner, Gospel Category: "Here to Stay"
- 2005 Finalist, Session I, R&B Category: "You've Got It"
- 2007 Grand Prize Winner, Session II, Gospel Category: "Homeland"
Juno Awards
- 2005 Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the YearJuno Awards of 2005The Juno Awards of 2005 were held April 3 at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba and were hosted by comedian Brent Butt. Avril Lavigne and k-os won three awards each, while Billy Talent and Feist won 2 apiece.Nominations were announced 7 February 2005....
: Here To Stay - 2011Juno Awards of 2011The Juno Awards of 2011, honours Canadian music industry achievements in the latter part of 2009 and in most of 2010. The awards presented in Toronto, Ontario, Canada during the weekend of 26 and 27 March 2011. A week of related events on 21 March 2011...
, Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year: Love & the Lack Thereof
Shai Awards (formerly The Vibe Awards)
- 2003 Best Emerging Artist
- 2005 Contemporary/Pop Album of the Year: Here to Stay
- 2005 Urban/Soul Album of the Year: Here to Stay
- 2005 Song of the Year: "In the Pocket"
Western Canadian Music Awards
Western Canadian Music Awards
The Western Canadian Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony for music in the western portion of Canada, that originated in its current form in 2003...
- 2005 Outstanding Christian Recording: Here to Stay
External links
- Greg Sczebel bio at Hearitfirst.com. Retrieved 2009-01-25.
- Greg Sczebel's MySpace. Retrieved 2009-01-25.
- Greg Sczebel at PureVolume. Retrieved 2009-01-25.