Paul Brandt (born Paul Rennee Belobersycky on July 21, 1972) was one of the Canadian country singers able to take advantage of the massive success of Shania Twain and parlay a successful career for himself in America. Brandt was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, where he sang gospel music and learned to play guitar as a child. During high school, he began playing local talent contests, singing his own songs. Most of his original material was directly inspired by neo-traditionalists like Dwight Yoakam and George Strait. Instead of pursuing country music as a full-time career, he decided to attend college and study nursing. For two years, Brandt went to college and practiced as a pediatric nurse at Alberta's Children's Hospital. However, he continued to enter local talent contests and to place well in each event.