The neon lights of Nashville’s Broadway strip have seen countless aspiring country artists come and go, but Brad Lee’s journey from Denver, CO to chart-climbing phenomenon proves some stars are simply meant to burn brighter. When his breakout single “Follow The Girl” unexpectedly rocketed to #4 on regional charts earlier this year, it wasn’t just a career milestone—it was validation for every late-night writing session, every grueling tour stop, and every moment Brad bet on himself in an industry that rarely makes it easy for independent artists.
A Sound Forged in Honky Tonks and Rock Clubs
Brad Lee’s distinctive “country with a rock edge” style didn’t emerge from boardroom meetings or focus groups—it was born in the crucible of live performance. “I cut my teeth playing four-hour sets in bars where half the crowd wanted George Strait covers and the other half wanted Bon Jovi,” he recalls with a chuckle. This musical duality manifests perfectly in “Follow The Girl,” where Dean Scallan’s polished Nashville production provides just enough sheen to complement the song’s infectious, up-tempo energy. The track’s instrumentation—a savvy blend of twanging Telecasters and pounding drums—creates what Brad calls “music for people who love country but still want to feel the volume.”
More Than Just a Love Song
While “Follow The Girl” plays like an upbeat romantic romp on first listen, deeper cuts reveal Brad’s gift for layered storytelling. The now-iconic line about “walking on coals” isn’t just a clever turn of phrase—it’s a thesis statement for his approach to both music and marriage. “That night with Tracy wasn’t just some wild date,” he explains. “It was the moment I realized this woman would drag me into adventures whether I was ready or not.” This willingness to embrace life’s messy, unplanned moments informs his entire creative process. While Brad has collaborated with some of Nashville’s top songwriters, he ensures every track remains “true to the people and places that shaped me.”
The Independent’s Advantage
In an era where major labels dominate country radio, Brad’s success as an independent artist is particularly noteworthy. “There’s freedom in doing it our way,” he says of his partnership with SSM Nashville Records. Without corporate timetables or A&R interference, he’s been able to cultivate an authentic connection with fans—whether through surprise acoustic sets at local record stores or his notoriously engaged social media presence. “When someone messages me about how ‘Follow The Girl’ reminds them of their own love story, that’s the real chart position that matters,” Brad reflects.
What’s Next: Bigger Stages, Bolder Stories
With a full-length album in production and tour dates being finalized, 2025 is shaping up to be Brad’s biggest year yet. Early studio previews suggest he’s doubling down on what works—heart-on-sleeve lyrics, rock-tinged arrangements—while pushing his sound into new territory. One upcoming track channels Toby Keith’s American values and dedication, while another leans into traditional country storytelling with a modern twist.
“I’m not here to chase trends or play it safe,” Brad declares, with the “Follow The Girl” music video (filmed in Nashville) set for release any day now. “Great country music should make you want to raise a glass, call your sweetheart, and maybe get a little reckless—and that’s exactly what we’re bringing on tour.”
For an artist who once played to indifferent bar crowds, Brad now finds himself in the enviable position of turning away venues. “We’re being selective because these shows need to feel special—like a big backyard party with your closest friends,” he explains. It’s this careful balance of ambition and authenticity that suggests Brad Lee isn’t just passing through Nashville’s spotlight, but building something meant to last.
Fans can catch him at CMA Fest in June 2025 with SSM Nashville Records for his third consecutive year, where he’ll host a Meet & Greet. As “Follow The Girl” continues its radio domination and new music looms, one thing is certain: country music’s newest storyteller is just getting started—and he’s inviting us all along for the ride.