Before setting out on his solo folk career, Bradley Palermo spent 15 years fronting the bands The Sudden Passion and Femme Fatality. He grew up in St. Louis, MO playing in local indie bands. All the while he was developing an affinity for the alt-country bands that were emerging from the region at the time. Palermo draws inspiration from Americana acts like Son Volt and The Bottle Rockets, and folk-punk troubadours such as Chuck Ragan and David Dondero (both of which he’s now shared the stage with). His songs are often autobiographical, turning themes of the open road, free living, and mortality salience.

Palermo’s first full length, “Volume 1” (out now) is a reworked and remastered collection of previously released singles. The record is a result of a successful crowdfunding campaign late last year, and is available on digital, CD, and 12” teal vinyl formats. He is currently based in Los Angeles, CA and touring internationally.

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Bradley about his latest release, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

I live in Los Angeles, but I grew up in St. Louis, MO. The short answer is That I play folk, but I listen to a ton of alt-country and punk. I think all of those influences bleed together in my music.  

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?

I’ve been doing it my whole life but it did start to slip away from me for a few years. I got distracted by tedious jobs, toxic relationships, etc. At some point I put it together that being on the road, hanging out with strangers, and sharing my songs was the only think that made me feel whole. Now days I’m trying to do as much music, and as little of everything else, as possible. 

How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?

While I’ve released a lot of music, this is my first solo record. I guess The Sudden Passion was a solo folk project of sorts, but I didn’t bring in anyone else’s input at all for this. Just me boarded up in my bedroom doing whatever the hell I wanted. I also sing a lot more about death on this record, maybe that’s just what headspace I was in when I wrote it.

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?

I do this project very DIY. I’m not sure it would be as possible without the digital opportunities we have today. I used Kickstarter to fund this record. I wasn’t even concerned with finding a label, because at this level it was a better deal to go direct to my supporters. Some of my guest musicians I found online, and worked with them remotely from parts of the world I may never never see. I don’t worry too much about the way things used to be, all of that energy is better spent navigating and utilizing the modern musical landscape. 

What was the last song you listened to?

I’m listening to “Blame It On Geography” by Micah Schnabel at this very moment. I think he’s one of the best out there. I’m crossing my fingers I cross paths with him one of these days. 

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

I’m most excited to have my new record out on vinyl, and I like to have a vinyl copy of all of my favorite records.  I don’t really keep a CD collection or deal w MP3s, I guess vinyl wins!

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why? 

As an artist I think Bandcamp is the most supportive. Folks can stream and buy a copy of the record, or pick up some merch. That little revenue stream goes a long way when we are trying to survive out on the road. Spotify seems to be the most popular though. As a listener I feel like it’s easier for me to find everything I want to hear on Spotify. So I get it, whatever works for people. 

Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?

My website is http://bradleypalermo.com/

Anything else before we sign off?

I have tour dates coming up. I’ll post them below if you don’t mind?

And thanks for talking with me!

• 4/24 Los Angeles, CA @ Satellite 🦷 (album release event)
• 4/30 Victorville, CA @ Kennedy’s Pub 🦇 
• 5/01 Las Vegas, NV @ The Dive Bar 🦇 
• 5/02 Reno, NV @ Pignic Pub 🦇 
• 5/03 Willits, CA @ Shanachie Pub 🦇 
• 5/04 San Francisco, CA @ The Plough & The Stars 🦇 
• 5/05 Bakersfield, CA @ El Conquistador Music Experience 🦇 (album release event)
• 5/07 Canoga Park, CA @ Scotland Yard Pub 🦇 🐕 
• 5/08 Santa Ana, CA @ Beatnik Bandito Music Emporium 🦇 (album release event)
• 5/09 Lancaster, CA @ The Britisher 🦇 
• 5/10 San Diego, CA @ Rosie O’Grady’s 🦇 (album release event)
• 5/11 Tucson, AZ @ Saint Charles Tavern 🦇 
• 5/12 Tempe, AZ @ Yucca Tap 🦇 
• 5/13 Yuma, AZ @ Littlewood Art Co-Op 🦇 
• 5/14 Flagstaff, AZ @ The Hive 🦇 
• 7/24 Cottage Grove, OR @ Brewstation 🐕 
• 7/25 Seattle, WA @ Skylark 🐕 
• 7/26 Tacoma, WA @ The Valley 🐕 
• 7/27 Bremerton, WA @ Hi-Fidelity Lounge 🐕 
• 7/28 Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Hideaway 🐕 

🦇 = w/ Tim Holehouse 

🐕 = w/ Sim Williams 

🦷 = w/ Typesetter, Tiny Stills, Divided Heaven