INTRO BY MELISSA TUCKER
INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY
PHOTO COURTESY OF MITCH BRADFORD
Growing up in Brownsville, TX gave Mitch Bradford the opportunity to immerse himself into multiple genres of music. After moving to California, Mitch began embarking on his journey towards writing and performing his own music. His latest track “Love Is Kind” has given his fans the California country vibes they have been longing to hear. In his own unique genre, Mitch has been able to capture the beauty of love through his whimsical melody and heartfelt lyrics. Find out more below about the singer’s upcoming album, tour dates, and how he plans on evolving as an artist.
When was the moment that you realized you wanted to be a musician?
MITCH: "I think it’s been more of a growing trend than an exact moment. I played “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poison at a sixth grade talent show. I think I knew then I liked guitars and songs. It took me longer to realize I wanted to write my own songs and sing them too."
Do you think the way you grew up influenced your decision?
MITCH: "I think the way I grew up influenced my tastes. I grew up in a border town so the idea of having many different influences – Americana, country, rock, folk, Latin rhythms – is normal to me. I think that’s reflected on the album. There are a lot of different styles on the record. Something for everyone."
How would you describe your music in your own words?
MITCH: "Americana. California country. Lyrics."
You recently released your latest song, “Love Is Kind” – can you tell us a little about the song and the process creating it?
MITCH: "The song structure came to me one night. I think it was on a Saturday. I knew it could be something. I wrote out the lyrics by hand in my apartment. And recorded a demo that night on my phone. The demo sounds similar to what we captured in the studio.
I think where the studio version elevated the track was the 'groove.' We found an amazing, warm sound for the song in the studio. And the song has a great beat. We recorded it on the first day. And what you hear is pretty much the track we recorded live."
Where do you find most inspiration when creating music?
MITCH: "I take a lot of inspiration from literature. And you also get a lot of good ideas when you run. Haha! I think some of my best musical ideas have come from a long run.
I try to get outside of my comfort zone. Listen to things that are normally outside my scope. Somebody recommended Vincente Fernandez to me and I’ve been checking him out. Pavarotti too. I think it’s good to get far outside your comfort zone."
What do you hope people take from your music?
MITCH: "The joy of falling in love."
How do you hope to continue to evolve as an artist?
MITCH: "I hope to write better songs. Grow as an artist both musically and lyrically. Stretch my voice and become a stronger, more confident singer. And give back to others through music."
Is there anything we can expect from you in the near future?
MITCH: "Yes! We’re hard at work. I’m in the process of writing more songs for another album and we’re prepping a tour. More to come!"