What is your name?
Mitch Bradford.
What is your genre of music?
California country. Or Americana.
Give us a little bio about you.
I’m Mitch Bradford, an Americana
What was the recording process like?
Pretty intense! It was my first time working with Matt Ross-Spang which added a layer of complexity. It was my first time in a big studio. (So I was nervous.) And Matt likes to record live to analog tape so
much of what you hear on the record was done live in the studio, capturing the intensity and
authenticity of the moment. I’d show the band the song. We’d rehearse a couple of times. And then we’d hit record! We recorded the whole album in 4 days.
I wrote all the songs by hand which I’ll do on all future albums. I think it added a texture to
everything that you can’t replicate.
You worked with Matt Ross-Spang, how did that come about?
I was impressed by the Margo Price record he produced at Sun Studio. “Midwest Farmer’s
Daughter”. I recorded my first two albums in an apartment. And I knew I wanted to make the leap finally into the studio. I thought he was the guy to do it. We started talking. I sent him some demos and lyrics. We decided to work together.
Will we see a new EP or Album this year?
I think we may record one at the end of this year.
If so what can we expect?
Even better songs. Better grooves. Better lyrics.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
No.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would
they have to contact?
Yes! Tell them to click the email on my Instagram page.
Do you have gigs coming up or a tour in planning?
Yes. Tour plans are coming!
If so where are you thinking of heading?
West Coast, East Coast, Midwest, and Texas.
Do you play any instruments?
I play the guitar. The piano, harmonica, and a little bass.
Who are your influences?
Van Morrison, Muddy Waters, Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, Beethoven.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Sometimes it starts with the lyrics. Sometimes it starts with a melody I hear. I like running.
And I hear a lot of songs when I run.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Hopefully working on something creative.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I write screenplays. And I’m a filmmaker too.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
When I was a teenager, I saw Jack White perform “Mr. Cellophane”. It was an encore at
one of his shows. This is when he was with The White Stripes. I realized then that you
could do anything with music. It had no boundaries. You could try anything.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
“If you’re not doing something different, you’re not doing anything.” Matt Ross-Spang told
me that. It’s an old Sam Phillips quote. And I think he’s right. If you’re not being different,
you’re like all the rest.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Write great songs. I think everything starts with the songs.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Do the work. I remind myself that all the time. I always think about Malcolm Gladwell’s
book “Outliers”. One of the basic ideas is that if you work on something you’ll get better.
If you want to write better songs you have to sit down and work on them. And you will
get better. I tell myself that all the time.
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
I would drive downtown on Elizabeth Street. I grew up in this border town, Brownsville, TX.
There’s a lot of great history downtown. New restaurants. Coffee shops. And French
Colonial architecture. It’s in the middle of a revival. I would check that out.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Your amp. Your guitar. A pick. Quarter inch cables. Your confidence.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Instagram
Facebook