MTS Management Group has done it again. A few weeks ago Michael asked me, “Have you ever heard of Brady Novotny?” I hadn’t, but after listening, I yearned to learn more. Brady is a U.S. melodic rock guitar artist/instrumentalist with a “flamenco” and twist. I can’t stop listening to his latest release Passions Collide and know this guy has a bright future. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Brady Novotny.
You’ve been playing the guitar for a long time. What are some of your earliest memories of learning how to play?
I guess in any endeavor there are good moments and not so good moments. I remember when I first started playing guitar, the guitar teacher told my dad at the end of the first lesson that I didn’t have the talent. Obviously, that didn’t deter me for pursuing my desire to play the guitar. I wanted to play guitar more than anything. I remember just being in love with the instrument. I would always get excited when it was lesson day. I loved learning music, and in the purest sense it was all about my love for the instrument.
How many different guitars do you own?
I have a variety of guitars: 1 classical nylon string, 2 Flamenco nylon strings, 1 acoustic steel string, 1 American Fender Strat, 1 Tom Anderson Guitarworks, and 1 Ibanez guitar.
Let’s say I want to learn how to play the guitar. Where should I start and what should I expect to spend on a good guitar?
I always recommend starting with a local guitar teacher. I believe if you learn correct technique from the beginning, you will save yourself much frustration. One could probably find a good starter guitar for about $200-$250.
Tell me about your new album Passions Collide.
It’s my debut album that I have been working on for about eighteen months. I’ve always wanted to do a predominately instrumental album. It has been in my heart to make this album for a very long time. I am very proud of it! The title more or less explains what fans can expect. “Passions Collide” means a colliding of all my favorite styles of music, the main two musical passions being rock and flamenco. My goal was to take the listener on a musical journey in this album, allowing him/her to experience singable (haunting) melodic lines while captivating the ear with flamenco sounds and strategically placed virtuosity.
Who are some of your biggest influences?
Randy Rhoads was probably the guy that influenced me the most to want to play guitar. I loved that he played both classical and rock guitar. I started out playing classical guitar, and he kind of made it cool to play different styles. Rik Emmett was another early influence. He also played classical and rock guitar. Of course, a lot of 80s guitar heroes were also a big influence, guys such as Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Eddie Van Halen, and Yngwie Malmsteen. Strunz & Farah and Paco De Lucia were an influence on my love for flamenco.
Do you ever make a mistake while playing guitar?
Yes. You try your best to play perfectly, but it usually never happens. There are so many factors to playing live verses playing in your bedroom. But honestly, most mistakes will never be heard by the audience; often times the mistakes are so small that only the musician takes notice.
Tell me about your relationship with Michael and MTS Management Group.
Actually, Mike and I played in bands together, went to the same high school, and have been friends for decades. I just knew in my heart he was the right guy for the job. Though our business relationship has only been recent, I am impressed with what he has done so far. He is highly respected and liked in this business. He is a man of integrity, which is hard to find. I value his friendship, and he has exceeded my expectations. I am excited about the future with MTS.
I’m digging the Passions Collide trailer. Where did you shoot that video and who did the production of the trailer?
The trailer was filmed in an auditorium of a church I regularly play at. The name of the church is called Orchard Hill Church, and the video was produced by Joshua Thomas.
Tell me more about your time at Berklee College of Music.
Berklee was an amazing experience. One of the best aspects was the opportunity to play with musicians from all over the world. It was a time when all you did was focus on playing music all day and night. There were so many great players that it inspired me to become the best I could be. I will never forget it.
Wait… You have a masters in psychology. What am I missing here? You’re a rock star, after all!
Yes, there was a time when I got burned out in music. I decided to go back and get my masters in Psychology/Counseling. It was good to focus on something completely different. Plus, it really made me grow as a person. This break birthed the new album. Now more than ever, I have regained the passion to play music again.
There are a lot of good live music venues in Pittsburgh. What are some of your favorite places to see a show?
All the outdoor music festival locations are great places to see bands. I also like Jergel’s Rhythm Grille in Cranberry Twp., The Stage AE in Pittsburgh, Mr. Smalls Theatre, and the Pittsburgh Winery.
Do you perform any cover songs, or do you focus on originals?
I typically focus on original material. I feel that it’s important not to get locked in to being a cover artist. People will associate you with what you play. Besides, all cover songs are someone else’s original material.
What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
I had opportunity to spend a week with some of my guitar heroes. About a hundred and fifty people (including me) got to experience some very intimate concerts by Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Eric Johnson. As a guitar fan, I felt like a teenager again. It was awesome to see these monster players so close and literally two feet from where I was standing. I will never forget that experience.
What’s next for Brady Novotny?
My goal is to continue to promote the album Passions Collide. I plan on releasing some more videos in the near future. I really enjoy doing music videos. I will be doing a local album release party where I will be playing the entire album. This summer, I will be playing some music festivals and will hopefully start working on new material for the follow up record.
Thank you for doing this. In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
I really appreciate the opportunity to share a little of my story. I would be honored for people to check out Passions Collide. I really aimed to keep it organic, using all live musicians, real drums, and real amps. I wanted to achieve that classic sound, and I think we did.
Connect with Brady Novotny:
Website: https://www.bradynovotny.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bradynovotnymusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bradyanovotny
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bradyanovotny
Thanks for the interview