Nashville-based indie folk-rock artist Brad Lee Curtis believes that music has the power to take you anywhere you want to go.
Many studies have shown the incredible effects music can have on the human brain, such as memory recall, stress relief, and pain reduction, but he believes it goes much deeper than science can explain. Stating that, ‘One of my favorite things about music is how it can have the ability to transport the listener far away from the reality of the moment.’
Touching down with the release of his sophomore single, “Waiting for the Tide,” Brad Lee Curtis introduces his audience to a meditative state of tranquility that flourishes in the rustic essence of the musical components thriving in this composition. Inspired by Brad Lee Curtis’ wife, this song is built on the foundation of love.
Taking inspiration from lived experiences, the narrative is one to come naturally to Brad Lee Curtis, as you hear the fervent yearning of his lyrical motifs gracefully flood what we hear before us. Using his methods of sonic transportation to transplant our minds in the heart of the warm sun rays beaming down on us, the additional placement of crashing waves in the musical arrangement has us longing for the site of the shore where we can be one with nature and the music.
The way that Brad Lee Curtis’ heartfelt croons scoop you into a welcoming embrace is truly quite remarkable. It’s the direct application of timing and space that are used in the mix and performance that allows us to fixate on the greater importance of what he shares with his audience.
“Waiting for the Tide,” is more than another song to Brad Lee Curtis. This is an expression of adoration, and a way to unite with his listeners in a manner that impacts their lives.
The entire thesis of “Waiting for the Tide,” allows us to tap into a medley of thoughts. You structure this song in such a brilliant way. You mention that you finished writing it on the beach of Thailand. How long did it take for you to complete the writing and recording process?
I started writing this song about 2 years ago. The chords and melody came first and I finished writing the lyrics during a trip to Thailand. I started recording the song in February 2020 and then the pandemic hit... the studio shut down and I wasn't able to finish recording it until February of this year... It's crazy how much has changed in the world since I first wrote this song but to me, it's still as relevant today as it was then.
With the subject matter being so personal to you, did you find this song fairly easy to create? How does it compare to your previous single release?
Of all my songs, this was probably the easiest to write. The music and melody came very effortlessly and the lyrics seemed to write themselves after having a deep conversation with my wife on a beach in Thailand. We talked about life, love, and the reality of growing old together and this romantic notion of never having to live without one another... Unfortunately, most of my songs don't come this easily. It usually takes lots of tweaking and reworking and the subject of the song usually lives in my subconscious for a while before I finish the lyrics. My previous single "Surrender" did not come so easily, it was probably one of the hardest songs of mine to create. The lyrics reflect the struggle I was going through as an artist at the time and the uncertainty I'm sure a lot of musicians face early in their careers.
What are the main emotions and thoughts that you hope to stir up in your fan base with “Waiting for the Tide?"
At the heart of it, this is a song about falling in love and longing for the person you love and not wanting to comprehend the idea that someday, as with all love stories, one person will have to live without the other. I hope that when people hear this song it takes them in their mind to a beautiful beach with the love of their life.
What musical and non-musical influences do you allow to speak into your music?
My music taste tends to gravitate towards more organic and acoustic sounds, it doesn't have to be perfect. I like hearing honesty and humanness in music. For this song, I was inspired by the ocean, the waves, the tide, what it brings in and what it carries out, and how love can do the same in our lives.
What's next for you?
I have plans to release a few more singles before the end of the year and play some shows!