Ep. 123: Brady Watt on how he went from Punk Bands to Bass & Bars & Hip-Hop Legends

Brady Watt joins the Purpose Chasers Podcast to share his remarkable journey from playing bass in New England punk bands at 14 to performing with icons of the music industry.

Far from an overnight success, Brady spent years honing his craft and hustling in the New York City music scene. Over the years he has collaborated with legends like DJ Premier and Talib Kweli, and even toured with the rock band O.A.R. – proving that his rise is the result of passion and persistence, not luck.

In this episode, Brady unpacks the origin of his viral “Bass & Bars” series – the YouTube sensation where he lays down bass grooves while top MCs drop verses. He reveals how an idea from his team (including DJ Premier and Ian Schwartzman) to promote an album. By calling in favors from a network of rapper friends built over years, Brady created a simple, powerful formula: live bass + elite bars. The result? The first few episodes went viral, and the series has now surpassed 70 installments. Brady explains that when something works, you double-down rather than switch up – one of his key lessons for sustained success.

Brady also shares insights into his disciplined daily routine and mindset. He’s played bass literally every day since age 14, exemplifying the dedication behind his talent. He discusses integrating social media into his career while staying sane – from posting music content consistently to deleting the app off his phone to avoid the toxic scrolling habit. This unwavering discipline and focus have helped him prioritize creativity over distractions, ensuring his art always comes first.

Most importantly, Brady offers wisdom on building authentic relationships and trusting your craft for the long haul. He credits much of his success to genuine networking and collaboration – leveraging years of friendships to create new opportunities (the “path of least resistance,” as he calls it). He emphasizes sticking to what you do best and continuing to refine it, rather than chasing quick fame or bending to trends. In fact, Brady’s “overnight” success story was over 15 years in the making. From jamming in basements to jamming onstage at Red Rocks with 50,000 fans, his journey highlights the power of perseverance, consistency, and staying true to your vision.

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