We recently had the chance to connect with Nick Bradley and have shared our conversation below.
Nick, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
In my free time, I really enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling with my girlfriend, seeing the beach; anything that can help give me a mental reset/charge. It’s easy to burn yourself out working long hours. Making time for the things that are important in my life is always my top priority in my down time.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a self-taught piano player, and I do all things music. Everything across the spectrum including covers, all kinds of gigs, arrangements, songwriting, producing, scoring films, and lessons. This year I got the opportunity to be Music Director for the Spelman College production “An American Anthem.”
The beauty about my brand is, in a world where AI is becoming more popular, I still welcome human creativity and self expression with my collaborations and work.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Both my mom and dad saw the abundance of potential in me from an early age. I’ve been fortunate to have been exposed to everything from fine arts to sports. It took a while for me to open my eyes to the world around me. However, that consistent presence, thanks to my parents, allowed me to not overlook all the endless possibilities and directions a simple hobby could provide for me. And once I started embarking on all of those things, I realized how enjoyable it was to watch myself grow in these areas, and see for myself what my parents saw in me.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
If you can accept the wins, you have to be willing to accept the losses, especially in the space of arts. You’ll get lots of No’s, a lot of rejection, and a lot of ghosting. Losses have a way of keeping you humble, reminding you that there’s always room to improve, but most importantly: you’re not the only one in the world who is great at what they do.
When you have a winning attitude, losses make you work harder; but for me, it challenges how I respond to not being the center of attention. Can I be happy for someone else? Can I be proud of someone else’s wins in the midst of my losses? Is my advice and words of wisdom just as genuine and meaningful when I’m winning vs when I’m losing? Character really comes out when things aren’t going your way. Suffering has taught me that and in turn, has allowed me to appreciate the wins much more.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Physical appearance is more important than the talent you possess. I think in today’s day and age, especially with social media, a lot of people care more about the image a person has instead of the talent they have. If you’re a great singer, you shouldn’t be overlooked because corporate doesn’t think you’re “marketable.” I think that does a disservice to those who love music; and contradicts the whole point of artistic expression.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me for how my music made them feel. I think everyone has a soundtrack to their life where certain songs bring us back to certain moments in time where memories were first born. Being able to play a piece from their life that was meaningful to them, and bring happiness, peace, nostalgia is what I want to be known for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Nickbradley2
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nickbradley2?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@_nickbradley2?_t=ZT-8zD6ZffkLfr&_r=1
Image Credits
Self
