Dakota Bradley

Dakota Bradley’s debut single ‘Somethin’ Like Somethin” is a mostly charming pop-country love song that showcases the 18-year-old’s spunky personality. He doesn’t run from his Bieber-ness. Instead, he adds just enough steel guitar to keep him on the right side of the radio.

This singer will appeal to a younger country audience. One glance at that all-American boy album cover shows that is clearly his intent; it looks like a Disney movie jacket. But this being country music, Bradley has a responsibility to the parents of the teens that will love him… and he fails with one lyric in the chorus.

“But it’s somethin’ like summer and somethin’ like Saturday night / Somethin’ like getting drunk for the very first time / Free fall, cannonball / Into the river, no clothes at all,” Bradley sings. The line about getting drunk — and naked — sticks out like bad fish among his other refreshing comparisons.

Aside from that, the ‘Somethin’ Like Somethin” lyrics are sharp, descriptive and a joy to follow. “I would be a millionaire if I could sell the air / That I walk on when I’m near you baby / I wouldn’t save a dime, I’d spend it all on time / Everyday the rest of my life would be …” he sings before bursting into the bouncy chorus once again.

Bradley isn’t a great singer, but he overcomes his vocal limitations with heaps of charisma. The music seems to reflect who he genuinely is — something the backward cap, rows of corn and cliche acoustic slung over his shoulder do not do. There’s plenty of room for another young, good-looking male with a great personality and a positive attitude to make an impression in country music… as long as the music is there first. - Taste of Country

I've mentioned before that I'm very new to the whole country-music scene, but that doesn't mean I don't pick up on when an up-and-comer is on the rise. Commit Dakota Bradley to your memory. He's cute, talented, and has the support of country-heavyweights—his forthcoming 2013 full-length album is co-produced by Tim McGraw. The 20-year-old is going to be a star, I tell ya. - Glamour Magazine

From his initial foray into guitar, Bradley learned how to play drums, piano, and bass--and practiced it all in a rock band with his friends, where they slammed out covers of Guns N' Roses, Motley Crue, Aerosmith, and the Black Crowes. "I’m wearing an AC/DC T-shirt right now," he laughs. (Astute observers may notice he's also wearing a Led Zep shirt in the above photo.)
Rock wasn't the only music that moved him, though, of course. Bradley also educated himself in the realms of blues and country, citing Keith Urban's guitar licks as an early influence.
At around age 15, a home fire forced him and his mother to move out of his native St. Louis, and they decided on Music City for a "fresh start." While in Nashville, Bradley began posting videos to his YouTube channel, one of which attracted the attention of famed talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres, who invited the (at this point unsigned and unknown) artist to perform on her show a mere two days later.

"I couldn't believe it when I got the email," Bradley admits.
From there, Bradley was off and running, managing to score McGraw as a producer on his album--which is anticipated to be be out this summer. Bradley admits he was initially intimidated to work with such a huge star; however, "He's such a nice guy," he relates. "I was really nervous when he walked in the room, and he was all smiles and laughter."
Bradley, who is joining a rapidly growing pack of talented and very young artists, is outspoken about his support for fellow musicians such as Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift. "I'm definitely a Taylor supporter," he says--and as for Bieber? "That kid came from nowhere. And now he's a star. Can't hate on him--he's doing something."
Sounds a lot like Bradley, who is definitely doing more than just somethin' (pardon pun) at a very early age. The homeschooled teen admits to a total focus on music (college plans are on hold right now), and gives the following advice to other young hopefuls: "Just practice and work hard and write from your heart, keep going. A lot of people told me no. "
He also recommends keeping an open mind. When asked where he wants to be in five years, Bradley simply says, "Having fun. I don't really know where I'm gonna be!" - Yahoo! Music