Meet Brad Balsama

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brad Balsama a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Brad , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

I think vision has a lot to do with it. Being the only one in the room can play out in a few different ways. Sometimes you’re the one with the idea, the game plan, or the strategy, and it’s easy for others to say, “I don’t know, that sounds like a tall order.”

But after hearing that enough times and still seeing those “crazy ideas” come to life through your own effort, you start to build a different perspective. You begin to believe more in what’s possible when you follow through on what you truly believe in.

Along the way, you also start to realize that not everyone around you is going to take those same steps. Some people just don’t have the same drive, or they’re not willing to lean into discomfort or uncertainty the way you do. And honestly, I can even relate to that — there are environments where I’m not that person either. But when I’m in my zone, when I’m tapped into what I know I’m meant to do, that’s when I become that person.

That process of bringing a vision to life never really gets old. As you grow in your industry, you start to notice that the people who are truly making things happen often carry that same mentality. I’ve been lucky. This company and this business have connected me with a lot of likeminded people, and that alone makes the work more meaningful.

After a while, it becomes second nature. It’s just who you are. You surround yourself with others who keep pushing forward, and that energy keeps you grounded, focused, and inspired — even when you’re the only one in the room who looks like you.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m the founder of Tribute Brands LLC, an entertainment agency focused on booking and developing some of the most talented tribute and cover bands out there. It started from my own experience as a performer and grew into something way bigger. A space where artists can thrive and venues and buyers can really connect with high-quality live music.

There’s just a different kind of energy in this work, and that’s what keeps me all in. It’s not just about the tribute scene — it’s music as a whole. It’s the passion I’ve had for this since day one, the love for live performance, and the grind that comes with trying to build something real in this industry. Tribute music plays a big role in that, but what drives me is the bigger picture. Music has a unique power. It brings people back to a time, a feeling, a memory. And when it’s done right, it’s not just about sounding like the original. It’s about capturing a whole vibe and making people feel something real. That’s what we’re about. That’s what I’m about.

What makes Tribute Brands different is how we do things. We’re all about real relationships. We care about the people just as much as the product. We don’t just add bands to a list and call it a day. We build with them, we position them, and we make sure they’re ready to deliver every time they hit the stage.

Right now we’re expanding our roster and locking in more partnerships with venues around Florida and beyond. We’ve got some new acts coming on board and a few showcase events in the works that I’m really looking forward to. Things are moving fast and the momentum feels good.

At the end of the day we’re not trying to be just another booking agency. We’re building something that feels different, something that’s rooted in passion, experience, and a genuine love for the live music scene.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Consistency is everything. It’s about staying on track and making sure you keep moving forward no matter what. You don’t have to crush a ton every day, but you can’t shut down completely either. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and keeping that rhythm going. When you stay consistent like that, momentum builds and things start falling into place. You could even be missing some skills and still make it happen just by keeping at it.

Second, you have to stop fearing the fallout. Stuff is gonna hit the fan — mistakes, setbacks, problems — that’s just how it goes. What separates the winners is how you handle it when the tough stuff shows up. That’s the moment you make moves that either mess you up or put you way ahead. You can’t back down. You have to face it head on and own it.

Last, you’ve got to find balance so you don’t burn out and crash. Without balance, consistency falls apart because you’re running on empty. Taking care of yourself and your energy isn’t optional. It’s part of the game, and it loops right back to keeping that consistency strong over the long haul.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

Family and friends have been the biggest help in overcoming challenges and building the skills I needed to succeed. I’m lucky to have a strong circle of solid, amazing people in my life. Their support and encouragement mean everything. It’s what keeps you going when things get tough.

The grind can be lonely. Late nights, off schedules, always caught up on the phone, knee deep in the inbox 24/7 — it’s easy to feel isolated. So when you finally look up and see that support, it’s something special.

I also have an incredible network that helps me every day with different things, but honestly, I wouldn’t be as locked in and ready to take it all on without the peace of mind that comes from knowing my friends and family have my back. When you have your people cheering you on, it changes the whole experience and makes the journey that much more enjoyable.

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Image Credits

STEVEN FLOOD PHOTOGRAPHY & JAKE COUGHLIN

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