Making his way from the small town of Gander, Newfoundland to Canada’s country capital of Calgary, Alberta, Brad Saunders is what country music has been waiting for. With unparalleled grit and an unrivalled mastery of musical entertainment, Saunders has relentlessly persevered in his pursuit of continual success in the music industry – dazzling audiences with his own unique blend of bravado and his natural ability to command a stage with his high energy live show.
He may have only released a handful of singles since his 2014 debut, but Saunders has already begun to make his name a staple in the industry, having shared the stage with the likes of Aaron Pritchett and Thomas Rhett. With his debut performance at the Calgary Stampede, Saunders has gone on to perform on some of the top stages in western Canada including the 2018 ACMA Awards, Country Thunder, Big Valley Jamboree and Sunfest Country Music Festival. His schedule for 2019 is jam packed all the way to New Years Eve but before the ball drops at midnight on December 31 Brad will pay a visit to Ontario to compete for the title of Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist.
Brad Saunders provided photo
We sent Brad 10 questions to answer before he steps to the microphone this Thursday afternoon, here are his answers:
#1: Hundreds, if not thousands, of musicians submit for their chance to make the top 8 in this annual showcase. You are facing off against 7 of your peers for a chance at the title of 2019 Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist of the Year a title shared with artists like Tebey, The Reklaws, James Barker Band and Jade Eagleson to name a few. What made you apply for this opportunity?
I’ve heard about the Chevy music emerging artist showcase for years now and have seen how it has elevated the careers of so many
#2: Every artist I’ve spoken to has a story about how / when they decided to pursue music as a career. Describe the moment that you knew that music was the path for you.
I grew up in a musical family but never believed that I had the ability to play music. It wasn’t until much later in life when I finally had the courage to pick up a guitar and from that moment my passion for music had started. A couple years after that I started to realize that I could make a living playing music and that there was nothing else i could see myself doing.
#3: What’s your all-time favourite movie?
“Home alone” Me and my family have watched it every year around Christmas for as long as I can remember!
#4: Your ideal brain food?
I like a good spinach shake!
#5: If you could see any artist in concert, who would you see (living or dead)?
The one artist I really regret not going to see is Michael Jackson.
Brad Saunders provided photo
#6: Name a fictional character most like you?
Tintin, because he is adventurous, brave and a borderline ginger just like me.
#7: If you were a superhero what would be your superhero name?
Getawaystix. I have an unusual gift of speed walking
#8: Who are your musical influences that inspired you to follow in their path? What artists today, if any, inspire you to continue down that path?
My father was a huge musical influence for me. Growing up he would sit on chair in the hallway and play guitar and sing for me and my brothers before we went to sleep at night.
#9: You’re going on a world tour as a headliner, who would you pick to open your tour for you each night?
That’s a tough one. At this point I have only ever thought about who I would open for, but Keith urban would be great to be on tour with. Aside from being an incredible artist I’m sure he would be great to hang out with on tour!
#10: Tell us why you should be crowned the 2019 Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase winner?
I probably speak for every other artist in the showcase here. I know that like them I pour my heart and soul into my music. I work incredibly hard at my craft and do everything I can to become better every single day. I really feel like I am ready for the next step in my career!
Want to know more about Brad Saunders? Be sure to visit him online!
Website: https://iambradsaunders.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iambradsaunders
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iambradsaunders
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambradsaunders/
(basically pick a social network, type in iambradsaunders and you’ve got a decent chance that you’ll find Brad)
Special thanks to Brad for answering our questions. We look forward to catching him on stage in just a few days at Boots and Hearts, and you should be there too! The Emerging Artist Competition gets under way at 4:30pm Thursday afternoon.
