Rising Stars: Meet Brad Kirsch of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brad Kirsch.

Hi Brad, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised just outside of Los Angeles and grew up in the suburbs. I was a quiet kid, very internal, but creativity was always there. Music and the arts were how I processed the world, even when it was something I kept mostly to myself.

In high school, I started singing publicly through choir and fine arts requirements, and right before leaving for college, a close friend taught me how to play acoustic guitar. That changed everything. I began writing constantly; dozens of songs, and performing anywhere I could. Open mics, talent shows, playing out in public on campus…if there was a space where people might listen, I showed up.

After leaving college, I signed with an indie label while working in restaurants to support myself. Music and hospitality grew side by side. At nearly every restaurant I worked in, I eventually performed regularly, building community through live music while learning how to sustain myself creatively.

I later auditioned for The Voice and was selected in the top 100 for Season 2. That experience gave me invaluable exposure to the industry from multiple angles, and I was invited back for future seasons and pilot projects. It deepened my understanding of what it really means to build a career in music beyond the spotlight.

Since then, I’ve continued performing live at events, festivals, weddings, and private engagements, while also working in songwriting and recording for hire. Some of my vocals and songs have been released internationally and featured in television and media projects around the world.

Today, I still work in hospitality and perform regularly throughout Los Angeles and Ventura County. In 2025, I made a conscious decision to focus more fully on my own original music; recording, releasing, and sharing songs on all major streaming platforms worldwide.

I stream live weekly on Instagram and TikTok, write constantly, and release music often. In a time when the music industry has changed dramatically, and traditional representation can feel distant or out of reach, I’m deeply grateful simply to be heard. Being able to connect directly with people through music, in real time and in real spaces, feels like a gift I don’t take lightly 🙂

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Honestly, being artist, let alone existing in your authenticity for the world to judge has been the difficult.

The one only constant thing is change and rejection becomes as often as writing a new song.. often.

Despite knowing who I was at a young age, being gay has been something I didn’t think was that important. It’s not my identity just a sexual orientation however in the world we live in, it consciously and subconsciously likes to put us into boxes. Label me. Hence music “labels” ..music “genres.” Be this or be that, what would sell more..?

I’ve learned to ignore what others want or expect from me and do my best for the music and my voice to speak for itself. It’s a blessing and a curse to own who you are but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Take me or leave me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a singer-songwriter who works in hospitality for over 20 years. A large part of my work is about connection; reading a room, meeting people where they are, and making them feel comfortable and seen.

Working in restaurant’s alongside music has shaped that skill deeply. Being face-to-face with people every day, listening, reading energy, responding in real time with what they need has taught me how to connect quickly and authentically. That translates directly into my performances, whether I’m playing a small room, serving a private event, or streaming live online.

What I’m most proud of is consistency. I’ve built my career by showing up; to my shifts at the restaurant, and gigs.

What sets me apart is presence. I don’t chase trends; I focus on human connection. In an industry that often prioritizes visibility over depth, I’ve learned how to build real relationships with listeners one moment at a time. Listen to our daily specials and also if you have a moment, listen to this special song of mine…

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Being a Sagittarius, as much structure that I do love for myself, I can never be left to take the normal route or be told what to do.

I’ve done data input, been a chiropractic assistant, a gymnastics coach, taught pre-school, and been great at it all but always end up leaving, starting over, or risking it all to do what I truly love.

My career has never been linear and chasing money always makes me feel inadequate as if I’ve lost the plot.

My risks are never taking the traditional paths and being proud of what I do but most importantly, who I am. They won’t remember what I did but they’ll remember how I made them feel. I’ll risk everything time and time again to always be that way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradkirsch11
• Soundcloud: https://m.soundcloud.com/brad-kirsch
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@babybop321

   

Image Credits
Brad Kirsch
Rikki Ramsey
Dom Palombo