We recently connected with Brad Russell and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Brad thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?
I was 18 years old, standing in the foyer of my dad’s house where I was living at the time. The question he asked was, “what are you going to do with your life?” My answer came from the heart, “I just wanna play music!” His answer was what shaped the next 15 years of my life. “You can’t make money doing that,” he told me. Had I chosen to be a rebel at that point in my life things would have been different. I don’t want to say I wouldn’t have my wife and kids had I moved forward with my dream of playing music for a living, because my wife and I are soulmates, and would’ve ended up together anyway, but it would’ve been on a different timeline. I decided to turn away from music for the next 10-15 years and focus on building a career and family, my greatest accomplishment.
I have no doubt that I would be in a different place as far as my musical journey goes had I followed by heart and not my dad’s fear, but everyday with my family I’m grateful. It also has allowed me to enter into my musical journey when I’m in a better spot mentally and spiritually. I may not have made it this far alive being in the music business in my youth.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I started writing and performing my own music around 2014. I’ve been fortunate enough to play shows with some of my heroes like Gary P. Nunn, Max Stalling, & Matt Hillyer, among others. I’m most fortunate, however, to play music with my son and now even my dad, who didn’t want me chasing my dream in the first place! Kind of funny how things worked out.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Tell your friends!! In the world we live in most people feel the need to be in the popular opinion. Even with musicians and artists, they won’t go to a concert unless it will validate their opinion of music among others. It’s ok to support an artist that people don’t know, even if you’re alone in your live for their music. Be brave and support those that you like, no matter what the masses are doing.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
YouTube! Had YouTube been around when I was learning to play instruments I would have cut years off of my journey. It’s one of the greatest assets for learning.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bradrussellband.com
- Instagram: @bradrussellband
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/bradrussellband
- Twitter: @bradrussellband
Image Credits
Greg Roach Photography Brooks Burris Photography Lowtown Studios