-
10 Questions with ... Dakota Bradley
June 30, 2013
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Country newcomer Dakota Bradley has released his debut single, "Somethin' Like Somethin'," to Country radio. The release is Dakota's first single from his forthcoming 2013 full-length album, which is co-produced by Grammy award-winning producer Byron Gallimore and Country music superstar Tim McGraw. "Somethin' Like Somethin'" is available on iTunes and other major digital music retailers. The 18-year-old St. Louis native, currently lives in Nashville and has been visiting radio stations on a national radio tour. He has been making impromptu appearances across the United States, including stops at San Antonio Mall, Dylan's Candy Shop in New York City, and Orlando for "Playlist Live." Large groups of young fans attended these appearances as a result of announcements made through Bradley's Twitter. In addition, #DakotaBradleyAtACMs trended worldwide on Twitter during the 2013 ACM Awards. Follow Dakota on Twitter here.
1) Your debut single is "Somethin' Like Somethin.'" What gravitated you to pick that song?
Tim McGraw and Byron Gallimore presented the song to me when we started reviewing material for my record. From the very moment I heard it, I knew it would make a great first release. The song is such a happy song and I am a happy guy. Every time I play it, it puts a smile on my face
2) What kind of response have you gotten from the single?
I've had the most amazing year of my life traveling the country and getting to perform my single for so many people. I've gotten a great response so far. People that know it dance and sing along with me. People who don't know the song still smile and get into it, which is all I could have ever asked for.
3) How would you describe your music to anyone who has never heard or seen you play?
I would describe my music as feel-good, honest country/rock/pop music.
4) You are a young artist, appealing more to a younger generation. How do you feel your music can also relate to older, more traditional listeners?
I think my music relates to all ages because my writing isn't just about things that young people go through. I may be young, but I have a lot to talk about. I write about love and heartache. I write about overcoming obstacles, too. Even some of the outside songs that I cut are very edgy and I've had a great response from older crowds, as well as younger crowds too.
5) What inspires you the most when you sit down to write a song?
When I sit down to write, it can't be something fake. It has to be something that I'm going through that I can turn into a story or something that expands beyond just feelings. I only write about things that I believe in.
6) You are originally from St. Louis and moved to Nashville a few years ago. How has your life changed since you made the move to Music City?
My life has changed so much since I moved to Nashville. I feel like a completely different person. From appearing on National Television to performing on a nationwide tour, my life has been a crazy roller coaster but I've loved every second if it. The people I've had the chance to meet and even work with are incredible. I love meeting new people, and getting a change to meet people that inspire me every day is just awesome.
7) Who are some of your favorite artists?
Some of my favorite artists are Stevie Ray Vaughan, Keith Urban, John Mayer, Tim McGraw, and Steven Tyler. That's just a few out of hundreds of artists I love.
8) You have already had quite the radio tour! What is a memory that stands out as being one of the best and/or most funny moments of the journey?
I have to say that some of my best memories were from our road trips in the car where we were just laughing because we were so delusional and exhausted. I've loved becoming close to the regionals taking me around, as well as the guys in my band. It's been such a great experience for me.
9) You started playing guitar at age 12. How has your talent improved since that first day?
I play guitar anywhere from an hour to 5 hours a day. I seriously cannot get enough of it. I love learning more about it as I travel and play shows. I'm just getting into amps and different pedals and everything. It's so much fun.
10) I have to ask. A lot of artists wear cowboy hats, baseball caps or no cap at all in Country music. Why did you choose the backward cap as your signature look?
I just wear a baseball hat because I'm from St. Louis and you can't go anywhere without seeing someone in a backwards hat. I don't wear it all the time though. I'll take it off for shows sometimes.
Bonus Questions
1) What can we find on your "recently played" list on your iPod?
You could find a lot of Texas blues or Aerosmith on my "recently played".
2) What hobbies do you have outside of the music world?
I love watching movies and hanging out with my friends. But outside of music, I really just like resting and catching up on sleep!
3) If you could go on tour with any artist, who would it be and why?
If I could tour with anyone, it would be John Mayer. I would love to sit down and just watch him play his live set. He's such a great performer
-
-