Pursuing music is a full-time commitment – something that singer-songwriter, Mitch Bradford learned early on. After being drawn to music in his hometown of Brownsville, TX at a young age, Bradford finally found his calling in California, and shortly after made the decision to charge head-on into his own music. Flash forward to 2018, and Bradford is hot on the heels of the release of his new single, “Love is Kind” with plans to release more new music and his debut album very soon.
With sessions in Memphis, TN but drawing inspiration from his new west coast home, Bradford has managed to blend something that hearkens back to the height of 1970s folk-rock ‘Laurel Canyon Sound’ of the Eagles, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and others with a modern twist. With “Love is Kind” clearing the path, Bradford’s future is looking bright, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself for those who might be hearing you for the first time?
I’m Mitch Bradford, an Americana country musician from Los Angeles, CA.
What first inspired you to get involved in music? Do you feel that the music scene when you were growing up in Texas influenced you at all?
I grew up in a border town so the idea of having different influences – Americana, country, rock, folk, Latin rhythms – is normal to me. I think that’s reflected on the album. We have soul songs. Ballads. Rock songs. A kind of calypso song. There are a lot of different styles on the record. Something for everyone.
In California, you were inspired to finally begin pursuing music head-on. Do you remember the exact moment that you made that decision? What was the driving force behind it?
I don’t know if there was an exact moment. It was a growing feeling. I knew I’d have to commit at some point. It felt like dating two people at the same time. Eventually you have to choose! That’s what was going through my head.
You recently released your new single, “Love Is Kind.” Can you tell us a little bit about the song? What inspired this one?
It’s a song about the sweetness of romance and the lessons we learn on the way. I think it’s informed by getting older and learning more about love. Reminding myself why I’m going after love or participating in the concept. The melody we found in the studio brings out it’s soulful nature.
The song wasn’t inspired by specific events. I try not to write about specific events anymore. This song is about abstract emotions. I think the song is more in this abstract world. Trying to get at a concept of what love is and why we do it.
Did you have any major goals in mind when working on “Love Is Kind”?
I wanted to work on execution. Great artists are great executers. They take the idea in their head and they’re able to execute it on the page, film, piece of music, etc. I think we did a great job of capturing on tape what I could hear in my head.
“Love Is Kind” comes from your upcoming debut album of the same name. What are you the most excited for listeners to hear on the album?
The different styles. The lyrics. How much fun we had making the record!
It being your debut release and some of the first music that many people will hear from you, what would you like listeners to take away from Love Is Kind?
The joy of falling in love. And that they like the songs!
With the album coming this year, do you have any other big plans for the coming months? What can listeners expect next?
We’re shooting a music video and should have some tour dates for you soon!
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you, Prelude Press! Had a blast.
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