Meet Levi Bradford | Creative Dreamer, Entrepreneur, and Music Innovator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Levi Bradford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Levi, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
Running NAMS and building a music and art community in Frisco was one of the greatest honors of my young adult life. NAMS provided me with the freedom to dream, create, and imagine without limits—a true treasure for the artistic mind. It sparked enthusiasm, connected me with people from all walks of life, and gave me a platform to inspire growth in others. Music, in its classlessness, was a bridge. Through it, I connected with the wealthiest and the humblest, finding meaning in every interaction.

Selling the business was incredibly difficult because NAMS embodied everything I ever dreamed of growing up. It allowed me to be fully immersed in music, help others grow, and build a world-class recording studio and facility in my hometown. Frisco, a small city when I graduated high school, had grown into an economic powerhouse. Being part of the city’s cultural growth and developing a grassroots music and arts community—long before major city players took interest—was fulfilling and rebellious in the best way. It felt like we were creating something unique and necessary.

I never imagined I would return to my hometown, let alone run a business there for 12 years. The opportunity to do so transformed my life, accelerated my growth, and shaped my perspective of the world. I didn’t initially have an exit strategy, because this business was everything my dreams were made of. But if I did, it would have been to pass this opportunity on to someone else.

Selling NAMS feels full circle. I’m proud to have handed the reins to Anna Thomas, a talented and passionate creative. I’m confident she will lead and serve the team with the same spirit and dedication that NAMS was built on. To see this dream live on in new hands is, truly, a dream come true.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets my approach apart is that, at my best, my creativity isn’t for me—it’s channeled through me. I see myself as a receiver, a vessel, an inspiration catcher, and a conduit for ideas that are meant to be brought into the world. Perhaps my unique strength lies in staying attuned to the frequency of inspiration and having the drive to turn that inspiration into reality.

I’ve always loved music, but my passion extends beyond it—I am a multi-faceted creator. Building NAMS and Noise Umbrella felt just as fulfilling as producing a new track in the studio. For me, creation isn’t limited to a single medium; it’s about bringing something meaningful to life, whether it’s a song, a business, or a community.

One aspect of my journey that made it unique was what I’d call “blissful innocence.” Starting businesses in my early 20s meant I was unaffected by many of the limitations and realities that could have otherwise weighed me down. It allowed me to stay in a child-like dream state, where creation was pure and driven by unfiltered imagination. From that mindset, anything felt possible, and that perspective was incredibly powerful.

However, pursuing audacious dreams in an underfunded sector like music and art wasn’t without its challenges. It required grit, determination, and consistency. We didn’t build everything overnight. It was a slow process—month by month, brick by brick—but little by little, we achieved something truly special.

If there’s one essence I’d want to leave you with, it’s the power of belief. Taking something like music—a subculture passion—and letting it fuel dreams in a big-business economy is entirely possible. Unfortunately, too many creatives become jaded. They feel as though their work doesn’t matter or that the world undervalues what they bring to the table.

Consider this: Music today is often treated as a backdrop. It’s everywhere—playing in coffee shops, behind videos online, and streaming endlessly. It’s no longer the centerpiece it once was, like in the 1970s, when people would sit around a turntable and be transported to another world. Music today has become almost invisible in its ubiquity, and society often treats it as “cute” when a creative says, “I make music.” The underlying suggestion is: “But when will you get a real job?”

And yet, music becomes essential in life’s most profound moments. When we lose someone we love, it’s often a song that becomes the only solace, the only way to express our emotions. When we achieve a lifelong dream or experience life’s greatest joy, it’s a song that becomes the triumphant soundtrack of the moment. Music is far from a luxury—it’s an essential part of living life fully.

So, if there’s one message I want to leave with other creatives: Don’t lose belief. What you do matters. Your work has the power to heal, inspire, and give meaning to people’s lives. Never underestimate that.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A visit to Frisco wouldn’t be complete without marveling at the incredible concrete developments that now define the city. The Star, Legacy West, the PGA headquarters, and even Grandscape in The Colony are all testaments to what can be achieved and built on a grand scale. These are the modern marvels of the area and showcase how far the city has come.

But to truly experience the heart of Frisco, you have to go back to where it all began—the Rail District. This rebranded downtown area is rich with history and is quickly becoming a gateway to the arts and culture scene. It’s where you’ll still find traces of Frisco’s small-town charm alongside its evolution.

I’d start with a visit to Didi’s Downtown, a local favorite for live music, great food, and an unbeatable patio environment. The owner, Scott, ensures every visit is a fun time. Just a few doors down is Heritage Table, an amazing farm-to-table restaurant that perfectly captures the spirit of community and quality. For coffee or authentic Mexican food, you can’t beat La Finca. It’s a gem on the strip and a must-visit for anyone looking for a great vibe and even better flavors.

The Rail District also offers a mix of music shops, retail spaces, and creative spots to explore. I can only imagine what this area will look like in 5-10 years, but I sincerely hope that its roots and small-town charm remain intact as it continues to grow.

Frisco’s story is one of transformation, and a visit to these spots lets you experience both its ambitious future and the essence of its beginnings.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I want to thank God for the opportunity to live this dream. Without faith and grace, none of this would have been possible.

As for the people who walked alongside me, there are so many to recognize. I want to shout out the unbelievable community I met through NAMS. Over the years, we served thousands of families, taught countless students, and celebrated so many dreams and successes together. I’m deeply grateful and overwhelmed by the love and support I experienced through this journey.

I owe a special thank you to my father-in-law, Mark, who was an early believer in this small business. His encouragement gave me the confidence to take the leap. I also want to recognize the incredible team at Design Technik, who shared my vision of integrating a music school with a state-of-the-art recording studio. Together, we built an amazing control room that is now a creative space for all to enjoy, learn, and create within.

To my wife, Courtney—your sacrifice and commitment to the small business dream were unwavering. You believed in me, even during the toughest moments, and I couldn’t have done this without your love and support.

Finally, I want to celebrate the NAMS staff. From the beginning, I made it clear to every new hire: NAMS was meant to be a springboard, a launching pad for their dreams. We didn’t want people who felt like they had “arrived” by working here. We wanted dreamers, people with audacious ambition. Supporting their journeys was always a core mission.

Because of this ethos, many of our staff alumni have gone on to incredible achievements—Grammy nominations, national tours, millions of listeners for their music, and even founding their own teaching studios. Witnessing their growth and success has been one of the greatest joys of my career.

I’ve always operated with the Zig Ziglar philosophy: “You can have anything in life you want, as long as you help enough people around you get what they want.” My dreams came true because I focused on helping others achieve theirs. Starting with a pitch to build a recording studio within a music school and leaving behind a world-class creative environment is something I’ll always treasure. I am beyond grateful for this journey.

Website: https://www.noiseumbrella.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/namsfrisco

Image Credits
Zach T. Lopez