Brady Toops has recently released his stellar new record, Tried & True, which captures current day Folk music at it's best. The standout album has been capturing the attention of fans and critics alike, as it brings an honest and captivating feel to the scene. We had the chance to speak with Brady Toops regarding his newest endeavor, and the influences that surround him.
What is the inspiration behind your new album? The catalyst for the whole record originated in the first song "Carolina" (Official Performance Video: https://youtu.be/gRT-HRWVquI). It was inspired by a friend who’s love for life helped me believe again. People ask, "Believe in what?" and I say, "Everything." I think I had slowly lost heart and didn’t realize it. From that first song opened a vein of creativity that I rode throughout the whole writing process. So from relationships to family to navigating the uncertain life of an indie musician, I bled out into these songs both the love and beauty I experienced as well as the pain and struggle of the journey. What made you discover your passion for creating an eclectic sound of Folk Rock?
Some laugh at this, but honestly, my favorite artists growing up were Boyz II Men and anything 90s R&B. Then as I grew older, some of the early Ben Harper and Damien Rice records inspired me into the folk world. It was this convergence of soul and folk that I wanted to explore in the creation of my own music.
What places in your mind do you channel to craft your songs?
Usually a song for me begins in some place beyond the mind, through inspiration from a melody or an experience or a chord. Then during the crafting process I access what exactly I want to say or how to exactly to articulate the original inspiration that passed through me. If I feel inspired once in the writing process, I can usually go back into that feeling and access it anytime. Then if I pull on that inspiration long enough, the song will eventually come forth. If originally a song doesn't begin inspired, then I usually end up ditching it before it's even finished.
What are your favorite venues to perform at? and if you had to choose, do you feel more comfortable in the studio or onstage, and why?
The studio can be fun, but live is really where my heart is. There's something special that happens onstage for me. Sometimes you have these experiences where the whole room is holding on to every word, where it feels like there is no separation between the audience and me. I've felt that at times in small house shows, in clubs, and even at larger festivals. In my experience, I've found the people who come to a show have as much or more to do with the experience that happens that night as even the artists themselves. That's why every night is different. There's something about that mystery that draws me back again and again.
How do you write your songs? What is the process like? Does it take you days, weeks, even longer? How does the perfect Brady Toops piece come together?
Every song is a different journey! Sometimes I'm driving in my car and an idea comes through my head. Or other times I've just found myself humming a melody, and I capture it on my phone. Other times someone will bring something my way, and it'll inspire me to take it further, and we'll launch from there. I've written a song in an hour and other times, I've taken almost a year to fully finish a tune. But at the end, the perfect piece is one that feels true.
How did you create a sound throughout time that is so uniquely your own? What defines your sound to you?
I suppose all artists take their combined influences and experiences and then blend them together to create something hopefully original or unique. It's the blending of genres that I get excited about. Like I mentioned earlier those influences included folk, a bit of americana, and soul music. Artists like Johnny Cash, Marvin Gaye, and Sam Cooke all spoke to me in different ways. I loved their passion and authenticity. The gospel sound in my music probably came forth from growing up in the church, but the americana vibe probably rubbed off on me later in life from living here in Nashville for the last 7 or 8 years. When you put all those things into the same pot and stir it around, you get my latest record. But I think the thing that defines my sound the most is probably my voice. I think that's where someone begins to hear the heart and grit behind it all.
This year is already shaping up to be a huge year for you. What do you hope to accomplish in the remainder of the year?
I could name of lot of things that every musician hopes for. From various accolades to touring opportunities to playing certain venues, I could go on and on, but really my heart is set on trying to accomplish some things internally. There's a proverb in the Tao Te Ching that has spoken to me recently. It says: "Do your work. Then step back. The only path to serenity." For someone like me who's always trying to push things forward, some serenity sounds pretty rad. And in that serenity or spaciousness, I'd love to spend more time actually creating, maybe even experimenting with a new sound. Stay tuned...
