Today we’d like to introduce you to Brad Byrd.
Hi Brad, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Arkansas, around musical parents. My mom sang and my dad played the guitar in a local band, mostly covering Indigo Girls and whatever else was popular in the late 90’s. People would always ask me, “When are you going to get up and play on stage like your parents?” My response: “NEVER”. Turns out, I was dead wrong. In high school, I started singing in Chamber Choir and had a director that helped me realize how powerful music can be. I fell in love with it and started writing songs. At first, they were pretty bad. As time went on and I lived a bit more life, I began to find my voice. I went through a brutal breakup at one point and poured myself into my notebook and acoustic guitar. In 2017, with the help of some talented friends, I put out my first EP of original music, called Silhouettes. I played shows and got to live some of my dreams! I followed up that release with my second EP, Late Night Drive, in 2020. In the midst of a global pandemic, personal health struggles, and changing relationships, I had to take a step back from making music. Thankfully, through the process, I was able to grow, get healthier, and find my voice again. Last October, I spent a week in Nashville making music with some incredible friends. I’m happy to announce that I’ve got my first new music in six years coming out this Fall! I’m proud of what we’ve made and cannot wait for everyone to hear these songs. It’s easily my best work to date.
My first single from the new EP is called Anymore and is out everywhere August 14th!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
After I put out my second EP, I got diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. I have ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, similar to Crohn’s disease. With that diagnosis, I was worried I would never be able to play shows or tour without extreme physical struggles to overcome. Thankfully, I have amazing doctors that have been able to give me treatment that has literally given me back my life. Also, to be fully transparent, I went through a divorce around the same time. Going through a health crisis, on top of my marriage ending, nearly broke me. Thankfully, there is life that I’ve discovered on the other side and I like myself much better now. I’m very happy and healthy now! Having the ability to put those feelings into songs? Cheaper than therapy! Actual therapy helped a lot too.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
When I’m not writing and performing my own music, I’m a full-time music educator! I teach private voice, guitar, piano, bass, harmonica, and songwriting lessons! I’ve worked with students of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. I love working with others to help them reach their musical goals! I got my bachelor’s degree in vocal music education. I was classically trained in voice and sang opera for four years. I’ve also got a background in classical piano and guitar. While I wouldn’t call classical music my first love, that foundation of classical music has informed how I approach my musicianship and has made me a better musician overall. I’m proud of the hard work I’ve put into my own craft and I’m grateful to work with other musicians in lessons or collaborations. Any music I’ve ever released or will release is the direct result of that collaborative spirit and practice.
If you’re interested in music lessons, contact me at bradbyrdmusic@gmail.com or you can DM me at @bradbyrdmusic on Instagram!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
The key to success in the music industry: “Are you making music that you like with your friends? If you’re doing that, you’re already successful.” My producer and friend, Paul Moak, said those words to me back in 2019 and they completely changed the game for me. That advice alone has fundamentally changed my approach to how I make music now. If I’m not enjoying it and I’m not making music with the people I love, I’m going back to the drawing board. Life is way too short not to love what you’re doing! Other than that, I’d encourage anyone reading this to just be themselves! I know that can sound a bit cheesy, but it’s so true. People don’t need a cheap imitation. You bring something unique to the world, just by being your most authentic self. Don’t give that up for anyone. Your art will be better for it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradbyrdmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bradbyrdmusiconline/
