Sundress, Sunrise & the Emo Cowboy: Brad Redlich Brings the Feel-Good Back
- Stacie Jowers
- Feb 11
- 3 min read
If you’ve spent any time in Nashville lately, you may have heard the name Brad Redlich — or as he calls himself, the “emo cowboy.”
In this episode of Talk & Tunes, I sat down with Brad to talk about his journey from Chicago to Nashville, his newest single “Sundress, Sunrise,” and how he’s carving out a space that blends country music with 2000s alternative energy.
And yes — he performs acoustically in this episode, including “Sundress, Sunrise” and “Cherry Stem.” 🎸
But what stood out most wasn’t just the music.
It was the mindset behind it.
From Chicago to Nashville: A Musical Shift
Brad grew up in the Chicago area before making the move to Nashville about a year ago. While that sounds like a massive shift — big city to Music City — he described the transition as surprisingly seamless.
Chicago shaped him. Nashville refined him.
His sound reflects that background: part country storytelling, part alternative grit. Influenced by artists like Tom Petty and John Mayer, Brad doesn’t hide his rock edge — but he also leans fully into country when it feels right.
And right now? It feels right.
“Sundress, Sunrise” — A Summer Anthem in the Middle of Winter
Brad’s latest single, “Sundress, Sunrise,” released February 6th, is a feel-good country track that captures warm nights, nostalgia, and that carefree summer love energy.
Fun fact?
He tends to write summer songs in the winter — because that’s when he misses it most.
The track leans more pop-country than some of his previous work, showing a lighter side of his “emo cowboy” brand. And the early response from live crowds and social media helped confirm it was the right song to release now.
Brad tests his music in writers rounds and live shows — watching audience reactions, reading the room, adjusting his set list on the fly.
That instinct matters.
The Heart of This Episode
It wasn’t about picking a lane. It was about being honest.
Brad doesn’t seem concerned with fitting neatly into a category. He writes what feels true in the moment — rock one day, country the next. If something feels heavy, he balances it with something lighter. Not because it’s strategic. Because it’s instinct.
Listening to him talk about his music, it didn’t feel like branding. It felt like someone paying attention to what’s in front of him and trusting that.
And when artists create from that kind of place, it gives listeners something real to hold onto.
Acoustic Performances & Creative Control
One of the most impressive parts of Brad’s journey? He produces much of his own music.
During COVID, when studios shut down, he learned to record, produce, and program his own tracks. That DIY mentality stuck — and now he brings that same hands-on approach to his releases.
In this episode, he performs:
🎵 “Sundress, Sunrise”
🎵 “Cherry Stem” (acoustic version)
Hearing the stripped-back versions highlights something important: underneath the production layers is solid songwriting.
And that’s what lasts.
What’s Next for Brad Redlich
Brad has more music on the way — including a Valentine’s-themed run for February and multiple EPs planned with distinct vibes:
Feel-good country
Stripped-back acoustic energy
Southern rock blues influences
He’s not building a catalog based on one sound.
He’s building it based on who he is.
If you’re looking for a new song to add to your rotation, start with “Sundress, Sunrise.”
If you love artists who are real, multi-genre, and not afraid to experiment, keep your eye on Brad Redlich — because this road is just getting started.
🎙️ Listen to the full episode of Talk & Tunes with Brad Redlich — out now on Spotify and all major platforms.
📌 Follow Brad:
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