We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alexander Bravo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alexander, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I am a musician who is involved with many facets of performing, teaching, recording, writing, and producing music, both as a solo artist and with other artists and groups.

I think in an age where things are increasingly becoming more commodified, quantified, and driven by AI analytics and results, the importance of creative fields grows ever pressing as one of the last pillars of pure humanity. I don’t mean to sound so hyperbolic, but a field such as music holds value in teaching us about the ways of understanding the world and ourselves, whilst remaining an unending well of mystery and enjoyment.

Alexander, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Alexander Bravo. I’ve been playing music for 18 years. I produce and perform in my solo project called SHRUBRAVO*, along with producing and performing for a variety of artists around Southern California. My interests lie in anything musically related, and ultimately my goal is to write, produce, and perform music that moves and inspires people.

Out of the countless musical heroes I’ve looked up to throughout the years, I can say the most definitive influences on my own personal style would be Brian Wilson, Burt Bacharach, and Makoto Matushita. These artists have had the most pivotal impact on the qualities of music I love the most: beautiful melodies, sophisticated harmony, and a light-hearted playfulness at the core of it all.

With SHRUBRAVO*, I have recorded 3 studio albums and an EP. I am currently working on another EP (set to be released later this year) and 2 singles. Most of the production and recording are done entirely in my home studio and my co-producer Billy Petty’s home studio, with additional recording and production by James Page at his studio, Emerald Age Recording, in Vista, CA. We have a unique process that usually starts with me crafting the skeleton and structure of a song at my home, bringing it to Billy for further development, and then to James for final touches and flourishes.

Outside of my solo project, I am quite active in my local scene, where I perform, produce, and record with a variety of bands. What’s unique is that as a multi-instrumentalist, I often play different instruments for each band. It helps keep me on my toes and allows more opportunities for performing in a variety of genres!

I grew up in a quite normal suburban upbringing, but was never directly exposed to music or art that often, outside of the regular art and music programs and activities at school. One day at my cousin’s house, I noticed they had a guitar in their living room. I had never seen a musical instrument up close before, so I began to examine it and fiddle with it. Very quickly, a feeling rushed over me; I was able to control the sound that came out of it! This began my curiosity towards learning as much as I could about how to play. What struck me the most was the excitement of being able to express yourself via sound and a feeling of freedom that I had never quite felt so strongly before.

After a year or two of taking lessons, getting my own guitar, meeting new friends who also shared an interest in music, and beginning to learn about famous bands and artists, the obsession was growing rapidly. One afternoon, while at a friend’s house for a jam session, we were all taking a break watching television, and an advertisement with a catchy jingle started playing. I ran over to the piano to start playing a bit of what I heard, and to my surprise, my friends surrounded me, bewildered. “How did you just play that?” They asked. I responded “I don’t know, I thought that everyone had to know how the notes sounded, and play them automatically.” We quickly realized that I “accidentally” discovered I had the ability of “perfect pitch”, an aural skill that allows me to know exactly what musical notes are being played without any external reference. At that moment, it was clear that the path to becoming a professional and serious musician was set.

My musical interests have led me to learning several instruments, including bass guitar, piano, synthesizer, ukulele, and drums, as well as singing. Along with mastering those instruments, the next step was learning how to write, record, and compose different types of songs across a multitude of genres like jazz, classical, funk, hip-hop, prog-rock, country, and many others. The common thread I try to instill in whatever instrument or genre I perform is an enlightened understanding of the message a particular piece of music is attempting to convey. If all else fails, hopefully it’s apparent to audiences that I have much enjoyment anytime I can be involved in anything musical!

I’ve been lucky to perform in many different types of bands, performed in many cities in the United States, been involved with many independent recording projects, have taught many different types of students, and have been lucky to meet a myriad of talented and inspiring creatives. There is ALWAYS a new song to sing, a new thing to learn, and a new friend to meet along the way, so I try to stay on top of my practice, knowledge, and willingness to listen and learn new things every day.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding thing as an artist is seeing someone genuinely love the music I make or perform. It’s affirming that what I’m doing isn’t just bringing joy to me, but to other people as well. The most special part about music is being able to share the joy of your favorite song or melody or chord with another person.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

There are plenty of stories where I’ve failed as an artist; playing to empty rooms, releasing songs and albums to cricket noises, stumbling through changes, even being booed offstage. But the way I’ve stayed resilient through it all is just a simple phrase: “Keep going.” It’s led me to play in multiple projects, feeling more confident in my abilities, and meeting some of my greatest friends and connections. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I chose to quit. If you love what you’re doing, you will always be resilient.

Contact Info:

• Website: Shrubravo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shrubravo?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Ricky Bantog David Gutel