Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Braddock Lee
Music is one of the best ways to speak to people and to change people for the better. I want to reach others and move them. Love is a powerful thing, and the more of it that exists in the world, the more joy we see on the faces around us.
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
When I was a kid, my mom ran a karaoke company with a friend, and I would be able to sing songs with her whenever she brought the equipment home. I still remember her singing Anne Murray and the Judds like it was yesterday.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I started off writing poetry at a young age and began playing instruments when I was in middle school. Not long after that I started creating melodies for my poems and eventually began rapping, and shortly after that I started a rock band that didn’t go far but brought me joy.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
A few years ago I wrote a song called “Where’d You Go?” that’s from the perspective of abandoned and neglected kids. My wife convinced me to get it recorded, and when I did, I wanted to do something big with it. I decided to donate proceeds from the streams to the Save the Children foundation. When I was in the booth recording it, I remembered what it felt like to create something special, so I decided to start creating monthly releases. I took a year off to focus on my wife’s health as she battled cancer, and now I’m hoping to start releasing monthly tracks again in January.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I have a very diverse sound because I didn’t want to limit myself to one or two styles. I’ve had releases that include rap, reggae, pop, rock, indie, folk, Afro beats, R&B and more. I’ve found myself most comfortable singing acoustic tracks. I like to tell people if they don’t like the first song they hear of mine, they’ll probably like the next one since I have something for just about every listener.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
You won’t make everyone happy with your art. If you create the music you love to make, you’ll form an authentic and pure connection with your following (no matter the size).
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I almost always start with instrumentals. I’ll sometimes make my own music and love to begin with my guitar or piano, but also love to collaborate with different producers and artists. Almost any music can evoke emotions from me. The right notes can paint a perfect picture that I simply need to accentuate with words. Once I start writing, I move to a melody, followed by harmonies. I’ve used primarily Logic and Pro Tools for recording and have worked with the same sound engineer for 3 years.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
There’s a band hardly anyone has heard of yet called Mary and the Sharks and I’ve been playing their song “Hollywood” on repeat for a while.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
I’ve had an eclectic mix of influences and musical idols throughout my years. I grew up bewildered by – and infatuated with – Timbaland’s ability to create some of the most intricate and mesmerizing music. I also had a ton of respect and admiration for 70’s and 80’s artists like Billy Joel, Cat Stevens, and Phil Collins. A lot of more recent talent has also been inspiring, especially coming from Europe (Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, Sam Smith, etc.)
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
On my first album, I have twelve songs, each with it’s own unique emotional theme. I wanted to create something for people to relate to no matter what they were going through in life. Whether they were dealing with heartbreak, celebrating something special, or just wanted to get anger out, my goal was to give them a place they could visit, where they could melt into the perfect combination of sounds and meaning for the moment.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
We can all have unity in song. Even when you don’t understand a language being sung, the feeling is real and raw and powerful, and music can tear down walls in beautiful ways.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Red Rocks in Colorado would be an amazing place to perform. I’ve seen a number of artists there and it’s such an incredible venue. If I could sing there, it would tell me I’ve done something special.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I’ve loved the musical style of Lauv for years, and it would be phenomenal to be able to create something with him. He has the ability to make songs that seem simple but have so many layers to them and the hooks are so catchy and pure.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
I’m “Braddock Lee” on Facebook and all streaming platforms (Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, Amazon Music, etc.). My IG is @braddockleemusic. Forgive my lack of recent posts due to my wife’s health. I’ll be releasing new music again VERY SOON.
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
My next single will be coming out in January, and I’ll be back to releasing tracks monthly through 2026. I don’t know what the future has in store for me, but I’ll keep making music until my heart is no longer in it. I hope that’s many, many years down the line.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
Everything I create is a glimpse into my life. So much of my joy and pain is put to paper and those stories are delivered to my listeners in many forms. I will always be genuine and share a piece of myself through my art. I hope that it speaks to them and can be a part of their life.
