Issue Six- December 2019:

By Mercedes Barreto

Brad Wilson is a charismatic guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, who excites you at every performance.

Establishing his identity over the years, Brad has played tour dates, opening for legendary bands and venues, throughout his musical career, as a prime-time performer and rock and blues musician.

What would you say was the most pivotal point in your career, where or when it all began?

“I was in Los Angeles as a lead guitar player for some hot bands when I made a move to form a trio where I was both the lead singer and guitarist.

I put together a trio and we recorded a handful of my original songs. I took them into one of the biggest recording studios in LA and the owners, The Robb Brothers, loved my voice and songs and began to produce my albums and introduce me to important Hollywood people like filmmaker John Carpenter. It changed everything for me.”

What would be the best show you’ve ever performed or played at, personally? Why?

“I have been performing for a long time.

So many great nights where everything was pure magic! I recently performed with the legendary band Chicago at the historic San Jose Civic and it was a beautiful experience and everything was perfect!”

Did you always dream of being a musician? Of playing rock and blues?

“Well, I wanted to be a pro-baseball player. I was very good at sports. My family wanted that for me too. However, I was going to shows in San Francisco and loved what I saw and heard. Got a guitar job at 19 in a proband and just stuck with it.

Honestly, my marriage to a music industry pro plus my drive to keep at it is how I have lasted so long. My wife is a publicist in the music industry and she understands this business too.”

What would be the main goal for you to achieve in a given time span if you achieve the kind of mainstream attention or exposure that every artist and musician dreams of? Or for you personally?

“Well at this point knowing how rare big-time success is in show business, I am just proud to have accomplished what I have, which is quite a lot really.

My goals are more about good health and being able to play guitar and keep performing.”

Why do you believe your music is unique, in terms of making people dance and feel entertained?

“My music and show is an extension of who I am. It is a picture of me and my show is a visit with me, and for me, a visit with my audience. It is where I am at musically at any given time in my life. One of my skills is to share and listen. I can perform at the moment with excitement and a feeling of risk as compared to a paint-by-numbers performance that has a feel of a scripted presentation.”
Who or what is your biggest inspiration, ultimately?

“I am a guitar player at heart and I am inspired by searching for great tones from my equipment and I am inspired when I see an incredible performance by any artist or actor, and ultimately am inspired by amazing paintings from master artists in museums.”
Is there a specific message for individuals to come out and see a show? What is that message?

“Life goes by quickly. Each day is so important. Your future is evolving daily and looking for joy and love while you find a way to give back is a good path to be on. Good health is everything if you want to reach your goals.”