Search - Bradford :: Manic Ghost

Bradford singer, frontman, and namesake Dean-Anthony tried out -- on a whim -- for American Idol, only to learn what he already knew: success in show-business is not always what it seems - what we see from the media can only be as real as we believe it to be. Dean-Anthony's hunger, drive and persistence (he first began his professional journey at age 12) have led him to see the everyday realities outside of the Idol bubble. As corporations, mergers and conglomerates threaten to be an all-in-one enterprise telling the people what they want, and then giving it to them for a profit, Dean-Anthony has stood resolute in the desire for his songs to mean something. Bradford is part of a somewhat dying breed: a band that writes and thinks for itself. In an age where the manufactured pop acts grace the cover of Rolling Stone, Bradford's music is especially poignant. The songs they write - and tirelessly perform across the country - have the human touch of experience that is so obviously lacking from a decent chunk of anyone on the Top 40. Their personal touch on the music comes through in their new album, Manic Ghost. The title is fitting considering that much of the industry that allowed Michael Jackson to break new musical ground and be celebrated for it now turn out cookie-cutter entities that resemble, well, manic ghosts. Bradford has conquered one world of musicianship, having stood their ground long enough to grow into the band they are today, but they will soon face another challenge: surviving, succeeding, and changing in an industry which seems to have almost turned its back on the real stuff altogether.