Home grown, Hollywood-honed

A local musician is back from Hollywood and wants to entertain you with a new sound all of his own.

Bradley Hoffman, a 2002 graduate of Margaretta High School, went west to attend the Hollywood Musicians Institute and came back with a self-titled album that is as real as he is.

A recent musical technology graduate, Hoffman completed the Recording Artists program at the Hollywood Institute. The program is designed to educate the student in writing, recording and producing music. The musician is also taught self-promotion and learns the business aspects of the industry.

Hoffman keeps racking up accomplishments. While in Hollywood, Hoffman recorded, mixed and mastered his first album, designed his own Web site and was nominated for most outstanding student for his recording artist project. He explained that the album took about five months to master -- it was worth it. The contagious song set is a testament to country roots and exfoliates creativity.

While in Hollywood, Hoffman secured an internship with Sony Connect, which is a Windows-based version of I-share offering MP3 downloads to music lovers. The internship provided Hoffman an opportunity to design promotional marketing devices for big-name celebrities. While working with Sony Connect, Hoffman worked a marketing spot with the band Train.

The Hollywood experience was beneficial for Hoffman on all fronts. He had the opportunity to play many Hollywood spots, including cafes and the Hollywood Baptist church. He also performed as a guest star for a Christian public television show.

Hoffman discovered his musical talents at a very early age. He learned to play the guitar in second grade and went on to learn the bass guitar and piano shortly thereafter. His main interest areas are country, Christian and jazz. After high school, Hoffman played with a three-piece cover band and then went on to play solo at many local entertainment spots.

Hoffman defines his musical influences as Eric Clapton, Alan Jackson and The Beatles. He is now working with his agent to further develop his musical career. You can pick up his new album at www.cdbaby.com, and to get a preview of the song set visit www.bradleyhoffman.com.

Written by Matthew Alan Marshall