Garrett Bradford Interview by Nigel Sharpe for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show
From Yellowstone to Nashville: Garrett Bradford’s Authentic Texas Sound Captivates By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Garrett Bradford’s journey into the heart of the Texas music scene is a story as authentic and rugged as the landscape that shaped him. His breakout single, “This Way of Life,” featured on the hit TV show Yellowstone (Season 3, Episode 9), wasn’t just a fleeting moment of fame; it was a catalyst that propelled him into the national spotlight. The day after its television debut, “This Way of Life” became the most Shazammed country song in the U.S., climbing the iTunes charts and peaking at #32 on the iTunes Country Top 40 Chart.
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Bradford’s story is deeply intertwined with the rich traditions of Western culture. Born into a family steeped in the rodeo and ranching world, he grew up immersed in the rugged spirit of Texas. His father, a fourth-generation Texan, organized some of the largest horse sales in the country, while his mother, a Montana native, moved to Texas to train horses, finding her match in his father. Garrett’s formative years were spent on the ranch, developing a profound appreciation for livestock, hunting, and fishing. His childhood was a blend of rodeo travel and hands-on experiences with bucking bulls and broncos.
His musical journey began in the Children’s choir at First Baptist Church, where a lead role ignited his passion for singing and performing. Surrounded by classic country music at home, his love for the genre deepened. An introduction to the guitar by his uncle, who taught him a few Hank Williams songs, sparked a lifelong passion. When his uncle ran out of songs, his father, recognizing his dedication, bought him his first guitar at age 11. Garrett wrote two songs on his very first day.
A pivotal moment arrived when he met his best friend JD, whose family had recently relocated from Nashville. JD’s father, Dan Roberts, a seasoned songwriter, opened Garrett’s eyes to the possibility of a professional music career. With Dan’s mentorship, Garrett honed his songwriting skills, and during his senior year of high school, recorded his first batch of original songs in Nashville. After a year at Tarleton State University, he left college to start a tree business with his best friend, Colt Bruce. During this time, Garrett played any gig he could find, from flea markets and rodeos to county fairs, bars, and boat marinas.
The road was not without its challenges. A life-altering car accident in 2014 resulted in the tragic loss of his best friend, Colt Bruce, and subsequent personal trials led him to focus more intensely on songwriting. During this challenging time, his perseverance, combined with the unwavering support of influential friends like Taylor Sheridan—the renowned writer, producer, and director known for co-creating Yellowstone and its prequels 1883 and 1923, as well as Landmen and Lioness—proved instrumental in reigniting his music career.
In 2023, Garrett’s songwriting prowess was formally recognized when he won the Texas Songwriter U contest, a prestigious discovery and development program hosted by Jack Ingram, Liz Rose, BMI, and the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association. With a following of over 60k monthly streams and a track record of more than 600 acoustic and full band performances, Garrett is celebrated for his ability to keep the dance floor packed and the audience engaged.
Garrett is now making waves in Nashville, refining his songwriting skills and collaborating with some of the industry’s most respected writers, including Leslie Satcher, Tom Douglas, and Phil O’Donnell. His music, deeply influenced by his Texas heritage, brings an authentic and edgy sound to the country music scene.
Balancing his time between Nashville and Texas, Garrett remains dedicated to crafting songs and performing. He is gearing up to release his two-part album, “Honkiest of Tonkers,” this upcoming year. The first installment is set to debut on February 21, 2025, followed by the second on April 11, 2025. With his authentic sound, compelling story, and unwavering dedication, Garrett Bradford is poised to carve out a lasting place in the music industry.