If you’ve been wondering when you’re going to hear a stormingly good rock track from a new musician, you’re ready for ‘Elemental Evolution’ from David Bradford.
This is a track that any rock fan will be delighted to add to their collection, Not only does it have the driving beat and insistent guitar riffs that demand you dance round your living room (or tap your feet if you are on a train or anywhere else where dancing isn’t quite the done thing) it also tells a story that’s worth a listen, if you like your rock music inspirational too.
Before you read on, David Bradford is giving a FREE download of “Elemental Evolution” to Angry Baby readers. If you’re not already subscribed to Angry Baby, just pop the email address that you’d like it delivered to here and it will be on its way to you straight away, together with a bumper collection of music that has been shared by Angry Baby. The music comes from outstanding artists that you may not have heard before. With a mix of rock, pop, folk…you name it…there’s bound to be something new that floats your musical boat, and all for free! What’s not to like about that?!
David Bradford explained:
‘The song came about as though it was from outside of myself and just needed someone with a hand to write it down. In the twilight hours of one particular night, I awoke suddenly. The first line of the song, “Insomniacs reaching for the stars” shoved its way to the forefront of my mind and the rest followed’
‘It was the fastest I had ever written a song. It was around the time that travel to Mars was a big story in the news and I guess, subconsciously, the thought of how we’ve treated this planet -and each other- and imagined what it would be like if we really did move humans to a new planet, and would we continue our trend or would we change for the better, treat each other better, not be violent – basically, a utopian existence.’
Elemental Evolution was released early in January 2016 and is the title track of David’s album. He sets out the concept for the album:
‘I started dreaming up this story of our civilization being able to achieve peace and start over again, and the concept of the album was born. Without giving too much away, it is a story, based on events in my life, that examines what really matters in life and asks “what can we do to truly achieve peace and evolve into a better civilization of human beings?” The lyrics go deep, but also appeals to the casual listener.’
As well as being a talented musician. David is a noteworthy artist who has also created artwork for his single and album. he describes it as ‘…an extension of the music, of myself, and the stories within the songs. The same goes for videos I create, which are abstract in nature, as I have an affinity for surrealism.’
David’s influence comes from many bands, but he defines Coheed and Cambia as his one true muse. No doubt he has a lot more to say, creatively, through his music and his art. The stories of struggle from his early years in the music business, the insight he has gained, for himself and those who take this journey with him, is powerful.
Unsurprisingly, David’s advice to anyone just starting out with their music provided some thoughtful reflections:
‘The one biggest piece of advice I could give, and seemingly obvious, is be yourself.
It may seem cliché to say this – and it probably is – but know who you are before the start. It’s okay to reinvent yourself and people DO change as they become inspired along the way, grow from experiences, and experiment with different sounds and styles of writing and performing music. That’s all part of life and art, and is a beautiful necessity of creation and evolution. What I’m talking about is who you are as a person.
Being an independent artist not only takes having great music, but a bit of business savvy. Choose wisely the people/organizations with whom you work. There are a lot of outside influences, negative things and people that can easily influence impressionable young artists who don’t have a lot of experience and are easily taken by people that prey and exploit weaknesses in the lack of knowledge. There are plenty of resources out there that aid in the ability to make smart decisions about your career. Please use them.
How do I know? I’ve made mistakes, as everyone does. We are human. Just be aware of the business side of music. As creative people, the last thing we want to do is email countless press outlets and venues. We want to use that time to write more music, right? Right! It’s necessary, though, and reaching out to people who can help is great practice in interpersonal skills (for all of the mysterious introverted artists out there) and you’ll find many people who are dedicated to helping to put you in front of an audience.
We all have dues to pay and have to start somewhere. It’s worth it, trust me. You will become familiar with the word “No” a lot. You will also feel like sometimes you just sent an email into a black hole, never to be responded to or seen again. Don’t be discouraged. Keep at it. Keep enjoying the gift of making music and art. It is a process and it is rare that success is obtained overnight, if at all. Any result of real worth takes time, patience, and hard, focused work.
You will take yourself as far as you want to go, and the good people you surround yourself with will help you along the way. Don’t be deluded by chasing fame and fortune. Don’t lose sight of what is important to you; family, personal relationships, your friends, the people who have been there for you. Do continue to create and expand the artistic canvas and add to your story. Share that.
As always, remember to have fun.
Want to find out more about David? Here are the all-important links
David Bradford Website | Facebook | Twitter
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