Brian Houston

Brian Houston is a singer-songwriter from Northern Ireland.

His music entered the mainstream with the release of the album Sugar Queen in 2006.

If Ron Sexsmith and Elvis had a baby; gave it to Bob Dylan to raise but hired Van Morrison as a nanny they’d call it Brian Houston...Drew Marshall DJ

The irrepressible Brian Houston encapsulates the spirit that makes independent music so important. Never releasing the same style of album twice, his music is as surprising as it is honest and joyful.

Houston exhibits a prolific ability to turn out truly infectious songs that demand to be played over and over again.

Brian is a respected writer and performer. Being hailed as “one of Britain’s great songwriters!” by veteran DJ Bob Harris.

Concentrating on making the music and releasing it to the public has paid off. His success in achieving national radio airplay (BBC Radio 2 Bob Harris, Janice Long, Aled Jones) live sessions and interviews whilst remaining an independent artist is a testimony not only to the strength of his tunes but also to his likability and determination as a person.

Recording most of his material in his Belfast based studio and gigging to support it, shows a hard working individual indeed. One of his self penned tracks (recorded literally in his bedroom) was released by Warner brothers on an album featuring The Staples Singers, Elvis Presley and Whitney Houston!

Following the heavy rotation of his songs on radio, Houston has rented the prestigious Grand Opera House in Belfast and sold it out twice!!!

Renowned for playing up to as many as three and a half hours, Houston is a gifted and charismatic showman who leaves his audience baying for more.

The depth and quality of his work are added bonuses for those who stumble upon him in bar or club. Perhaps that’s why he was one of only four artists hand picked to perform at Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee Party in Stormont Parliament Buildings Belfast and as second on the bill to Mr Van Morrison at the prestigious East Belfast Arts Festival!

Whether opening for big names such as Chuck Berry, Elvis Costello, Van Morrison, Robert Plant or headlining his own show. Brian Houston is doing what musicians were born to do, making authentic music and giving everything on stage

What THEY say...

There is something wonderfully familiar and comfortable about this album. By familiar I don’t mean un-original. Not in the least! Each song is a well made beauty, a remarkable little number that stands on its own. It’s the feeling of the work that brings to me some warm wind of remembrance. Paste Magazine USA

It was thirty seconds in when I realized what a really special piece of music this was....one of Britain’s great song writers! Bob Harris BBC Radio 2


Bristling with hope joy love and fabulous songs **** Mojo



The audience went mad after he did a live session on my show
Janice Long BBC Radio 2



Houston ensures that there is heartfelt lyrical substance behind every song with a glimpse of his easy humorous rapport with an audience ensures that a spin of this well crafted album invariable ends in a smile. * * * * Maverick Magazine

Take almost any individual track and it could be released as a viable single in its own right - such is the strength in depth of Houston's 'masterpiece' Houston positively cruises through his wholesome set-list of thirteen little gems of modern musical genius! A Belfast brogue, silky voice and some bloody great songs, Houston plies all his charm and charisma into this excellent album. A distinctive and compelling, exceptional album. Toxic Pete


This naturally engaging performer is able to capture the natural warmth and charm he displays on stage and transfer it to CD. Effortlessly bridges the gap between the impish twinkle in the eye and fragile openness beautifully simple Net Rhythms