Meet John Owen Bradley of Music Row

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Owen Bradley.

Hi John, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am born and raised in Nashville, TN. I grew up in the music industry having 3 family members in the country music hall of fame I began to play guitar and drums as a kid. After high school, I lived in Los Angeles where I helped start a hip-hop group and record label with some friends. After living out there working on records and throwing events for 2 years I came back to Nashville. My Great Grand Father Owen Bradley had his studio Bradley’s barn in Mount Juliet, which I revitalized with new gear and full-time producer Killa Musiq.

I attended segue 61 an intensive music program where I learned all aspects of the industry from professionals such as Randall Wixen, Thomas O’Keefe, and David Kalmusky. From 2018-2021 I managed artists such as Young Buck and SB Cain. I cut albums at Bradley’s Barn and put together the entire release plan such as music videos, press, marketing, merch, and touring. During this time, I also found young up-and-coming producer Will Scannell aka Loud Tempo. He became one of the quickest learning, top-notch engineers/producers under Killa Musiq for hip-hop in Nashville. I am currently the Head of A&R and creative director at Eclipse Music Group.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No path is certain, there were many trials and tribulations along the way. Navigating the music world is one thing but connecting and developing relationships is another. I went through a rough patch putting everything on myself. I tried to do every aspect of helping an artist develop themselves into successful careers. I had to realize not one person can do everything.

It took me putting together a team of producers and engineers that can cover different genres of music. I had to connect with executives on music row and understand there are many pieces to a puzzle when it comes to success and it takes a team effort to put it together. Everybody is out here hustling for that spot, to me it became how can we out hustle everybody else, and still bring quality.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As Head of A&R and Creative Director, I specialize in signing new talent, pairing songwriters, pitching songs to mainstream artists and sync, throwing events, branding, sponsorships, and working directly with publishers, distribution, and major labels. I would say I am known for discovering new talents. I developed many local Nashville artists putting together their first rollout projects with the full package. For me it is about the music at the end of the day, yes you need to have all other aspects of navigating the music industry but quality music will take you where you are trying to go.

I am most proud of going on my own path and trying new things that gained me real-life experience that ultimately helped me end up where I am. What sets me apart from others is I only work with what I truly believe in. I am genuine, I will tell you if something needs work, I will create a bond and make anyone feel like I am in their corner. I do want to make money at the end of the day, but sometimes the dream is bigger than the money and I am able to see the long-term success with a plan to make it happen.

What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Believe in yourself! I have wanted to give up many times due to things not working out how I envisioned or people not sticking to their word. You are your strongest advocate and the actions you take will not go unnoticed. Kick doors down, meet those people and don’t take no for an answer.

Educate yourself, I was never good in school but I always enjoyed learning. It took me wanting to know the things I was interested in and seeking out the information to be knowledgeable about those things. Continued education is key for the music business and how it is always changing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnobradley/

Image Credits
Jelly Roll, Shannon Sanders, and Micah Phillips