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

Hi Mista, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
One affirmation that I’m constantly reminding myself of is that everything happens for a reason. I think most of us will often look back on mistakes that we’ve made, or things we regret, and wish they would’ve happened differently. Accepting the fact that you’ll never be able to go back in time and change the outcome is something that really helps me push forward and move on. And to be honest, it’s always an uphill battle — you’re always going to have scenarios in your life that you wish could have played out another way. But taking that approach has been a real gamechanger for me mentally, helping me avoid unnecessary stress and anxiety.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think the thing that sets my creative work apart from others is how diverse my skillset has become. I produce and mix and master music, and do graphic design work that can range from logos and brand packaging to album artwork, event flyers, social media banners, and so on. It started out as a gradual process of teaching myself music production as a hobby. Then once I realized to put out music in today’s world (especially low budget), you have to wear multiple hats (e.g. designing artwork, logos, social banners, etc.). And with the Internet and YouTube, you can learn anything you want for free. So overtime, developing those skills was just another hobby I took up. It was fun for me to watch tutorials every single night for hours, and then test out those new skills the next day. I think a big part of why I’m still eager to create new art today without getting burnt out or driven off course is because I still have so much to learn. For me that’s where my passion comes from — the idea that I can always get better and add more skills to the arsenal.

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.
The good thing about living in the DMV is that we got options, and if it’s food they’re after then they’re in great hands with me. I think the first place I like to take people for dinner would be Iron Age – it’s an all you can eat Korean BBQ spot, but the vibes are on 1000. Then for brunch (non-lit), Milk and Honey in College Park is the only correct answer. To drink, U Street is always standard if you’re going out in DC, but pre-covid a place in Arlington, VA called The Lot was one of my favorite outdoor spots. They had some bomb food trucks, and you could play trash can pong.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Everyone has heard a story where someone’s parents didn’t approve of the creative route that their child took. I think that’s what can drive alot of people off the course of pursuing creative goals, so I’m really thankful that both of mine have always been supportive. I also have to thank my cousin Jared for being the first person who really believed in me and pushed me when I first started making music — even when the beats were definitely trash! 😂

Website: bradleywastler.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mistvbrvdley

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgdXHkm7Uega7KpYv5ObZAA

Image Credits
Brooke Wastler

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