Artist Feature: Brad Urba

Photo found on @bradurba on Instagram

Written by Cheyenne Davey

Brad Urba is an incredible artist that blends varying genres into some pretty incredible songs. Brad had contacted me on Instagram asking me to just check out his music. I did and I immediately knew I had to feature this guy. The way he blends country with rock or electro with pop is incredible to me. There’s not too many bands/artist I know that can blend these genres and make it still sound good. No matter what you’re in to, Brad will likely have something for you. I mean country and rock? In one song? What?! I’m not a country fan, so when I saw that “Riding the Rails” and “Red Light” had a country sound to it, I was iffy on whether or not I would like these particular songs or even any of the music. But, before I get too into gushing over his music, let’s talk about Brad for a hot minute. Brad says his life is split in three. There’s the third where he lived in Gaithersburg, Maryland. There’s the third in Portland, Oregon, where his music career began. Then there’s the third in North Hollywood, California where he is continuing his music journey. He started his career as a hip-hop lyricist in Portland. He performed at plenty of shows around the area with artist like KRS-One, Chingy, E-40, and Ying Yang Twins. He got burnt out performing with artist he didn’t think shared the same message as him, so the audience he wanted and needed wasn’t there. So, he took a break from performing and just wrote. In that time, he wrote over 500 songs. Over time, he landed some great opportunities to work with Grammy award winning producer Dennis White. Together, they had some of their songs in movies and shows, such as Californiacation, Gang Related, and Limitless. About two years ago, he started working with Chris Hayman and has since then been a “dynamic duo”. It wasn’t until he went to Stagecoach Music festival, a country festival, that he started opening up his music. It was then that he let himself out of his hip-hop box and just started writing in all sorts of genres, blending what usually is thought to be strictly separate. Since he expanded his box, he started writing about five or six songs a week, and is continuing to do so.

Alright, now it’s time for me to gush. Brad had sent me four songs he thought myself and you readers would enjoy. Looking at him and seeing the descriptions he gave of the music he makes, I did not think I would like it at all. I was thinking the music would be some of that weird soundcloud music that not many people listen to. Boy, was I thrown back. Holy heck. I was thrown back by his deep vocals. For some reason, I was not expecting a beautiful and deep voice to serenade me. Oh boy, did I fall in love almost immediately. His vocals are incredibly soothing and something I could honestly listen to for days. The country twang in “Riding the Rails” was extremely entertaining and a true bop. This song hasn’t been released on Spotify or other platforms yet, so I’m beyond grateful that I got the honor of hearing this before release. Let me tell you, it’s wonderful. It’s kind of what made me fall in love. It’s the one that mixes country with rock and just astounded me. It’s something that I could hear at a country show, yet also during the music they play between sets at rock shows. Which, I hope to God that one day that happens, I’d love to be at a show and hear this over the speakers.

“Let Me In” is also a bop. Pretty much all his music is, but this one is like an indie/electro mix. I love it. It’s repetitive, which isn’t necessarily bad. It allows me to remember the song and have it stuck in my head for hours. I love the feel of being relaxed yet energetic at the same time. It’s definitely something I can catch myself humming along to at work. “Red Light” is another country/rock song. It has more of a country feel to it to me. Again, not a bad thing! This song utilizes more instruments, such as what I believe is a violin. A violin? What? I hardly ever hear violins in music. It seems to be that one instrument that isn’t as easily accessible as a guitar or bass. I love songs that try and utilize different instruments than the norm. I’m sure if i listened to different genres, especially country, I would hear it more, but I don’t, so it’s refreshing. Lastly, “The Way Down” is so soothing and beautiful. It’s a slower song, with a simple, yet soothing piano. Damn, do I love me a good piano in a song. The song has a darker, slower feel. Something my emo self adores. When I’m feeling moody, I’ll just turn this song on and enjoy a good bop. It’s something I can see myself studying to without getting distracted by loud or flashy music. It reminds me of a song you would hear in a movie when the character is being moody and it’s pouring outside. Next time it rains here, you can likely catch me playing this song while watching the rain. The aesthetic of the song is beautiful and just my type. Songs that paint pictures like this are incredible. It lets ,my imagination run while also having cool background music.

Honestly, I just love Brad’s music. I’m truly blessed to have had him contact me. I’m happy with myself for actually giving his music a chance. If you ever want a slight country sound added to your music, or are looking for different genres while also keeping close to an alt sound, Brad is your guy. I cannot wait for more music! You can find him on the usual streaming sites, buy his music on Google and Apple, or get some free tunes from his site linked below. If you listen to me just once in your life, check this guy out. Send him all the love and share the word. Brad, is you’re reading this, thank you so very much for sending me the music! I love it and I’m forever grateful to have gotten some unreleased songs. Keep up the wonderful work! Can’t wait to hear more.