By: Mercy Xiong, Social Chair
Designed by: Eury Kim
At 22, Bravo is slowly and surely making waves in the music industry. Dropping out of UW-Madison to pursue music was not easy for the singer, but it definitely paid off. Using his newly found free time, the Milwaukee native learned basic music theory, piano and guitar. From there, the artist was able to record songs by himself using voice memos on his phone, picking chord progressions and freestyling or writing a song to them. Able to start songs from the basics, Bravo was inspired to start his latest EP, Golden.
The short yet sweet EP is inspired by events Bravo has dealt with in life, whether that be relationships or interactions with those he loves.
“I had the idea – before I had any of the songs – last spring, because I dropped an EP called “BRAVO BLVD” last February.” The idea for the EP stuck with him and helped him in times when he’s struggling or having troubles with direction. To capture these feelings, Bravo pushed himself to make music even in his worst mental states which gives his work a certain rawness.
“The idea is we’re all in our golden years, we get so caught up with day to day things, stress and all that stuff but everything is golden.”
After making songs nonstop over summer, he picked five of his favorites that ran along with the message he wanted to send.
“The idea is we’re all in our golden years. We get so caught up with day to day things, stress and all that stuff, but everything is golden. It goes as far as mental health to relationships. The slogan or saying that goes with [the EP] is ‘Breathe Deep, Love More, Everything is Golden,’” Bravo explained.
It’s very love driven in a lot of ways.
With only an album and a EP under his belt, Bravo is touring internationally alongside two other Madison artists, Lucien Parker and DJay Mando. The three compliment each other well, regardless of musical differences. “It’s not about making money for us, it’s not about getting girls, or it’s not about any of that kind of stuff. It’s about bringing joy to people and having fun with it,” Bravo said. The friends effortlessly bring good energy into new places and create a fun environment for concert-goers while spreading messages of love and happiness. With good intentions behind his show and set, Bravo can finally bring to life what he made in the studio.
All the good energy does not stop at the stage. One of Bravo’s overarching goals is to positively impact as many lives as he can. With the release of his newest EP, Golden, Bravo definitely sends this message to listeners and fans. Although the EP is just five songs long, it is honest, uplifting and golden.