Meet Backwood Brad

We were lucky to catch up with Backwood Brad recently and have shared our conversation below.

Backwood, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I would say martial arts helped install a lot of self discipline and self confidence into me at a young age especially with being bullied until 6th grade. These are 2 great pieces of my foundation I’m grateful for and for sure is part of the work ethic I have today.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Yerrrrrrr!!! I go by the name of Backwood Brad, I am a Hip Hop recording artist, songwriter and motivational speaker. I make music for people who may be in seek of direction, have trouble forgiving themselves or maybe you’re on your redemption journey trying to right your wrongs. I believe my music speaks to people who are broken, have been bullied, are outcast or feel alone when they’re with others. This music is the light at the end of the tunnel! I believe in second chances and becoming more self aware to not make the same choices that led to those feelings and also the courage to stand up to those who may have caused it! I’m a vessel on a journey myself and love to share smiles, light and happiness with others! I call myself the “Sage” for that very reason.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Martial Arts and organized sports are 2 that I credit often for helping me establish self discipline, self confidence on a list of other things. It helped me meet new people and make friends. Gave me the courage to stand up to bullies, and face daily challenges with the problem solving that these sort of systems help me develop at a young age where I believe it is the most important. Another one that stands out is the public speaking classes I took in college. I thought I was good at talking to people but that showed me how to articulate and breathe during not only discussions but debates. This is a skill that over time has made recording music, live performances, interviews and talking with others easier while also giving me the confidence to execute. I would most encourage everyone on their journey to spend time alone, a lot of time if you can. Learn yourself. Learn your desires, your strengths, your weaknesses, and your ambitions. Weaken your desires. Strengthen your resolve. Self awareness and self love are essential on the journey.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
For me consistency is something I’ve always struggled with post high school graduation. I lost my cousin at the end of 2007. We were raised like brothers and had been recently reunited after a few years of not seeing each other when I started college in 2006. During my sophomore year of college he died in a car accident. That day changed my life forever. I was lost for years battling addiction, poor choices, homelessness on a list of other things. Writing music and writing in general was always something that I’d go back to. Whether happy or sad I would write. Whether I had a beat, wanted to write poetry/spoken word or even some short fiction story with some cool characters I would WRITE. My problem was staying consistent with it. 2020 was a rebrand for me and I’ve been more consistent THAN EVER!!! Almost 4 straight years of grinding and building my brand! It’s not all sushi and sakè that’s for sure lol I manage my bad days and don’t fall back into the same routines from before! This I am most proud of!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Backwood Brad Logo x Pacheco Marrero Photo Credits : Alex Beasley, @ivakal (IG) Others in photos : Banks Town Bullies Trop Top Teddy Xx Litto Xx

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