Three things would be: Human rights and rights for the LGBTQ+ community, More access to mental health support and treatments, Funding for the arts.
As a part of our series about stars who are making an important social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Bradley Gamborski.
Bradley is a multidisciplinary artist originally from St. Albert, Alberta, and currently residing in Calgary, Alberta. Brad’s main artistic focus is based in film, music, and theatre — pertaining mostly to creation, writing, production, and performance. Starting as young as age seven, Brad has starred in numerous theatre productions and cabaret sets, while also learning production and creation for both film and theatre. At age twenty-three Brad decided to step into the music industry, and has now become a renowned local artist and has an established internet presence, with verifications on; Spotify, Apple Music, & Instagram. Pertaining to artistic training, Brad has a film & video production honours diploma from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (2023) & a bachelor of fine arts in drama from University of Calgary (2026). Other education includes; songwriting from Rosebud School of The Arts, gay men’s sexual health from Centre for Sexuality, and Screenwriting from Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta.
Thank you so much for joining us on this interview series. Can you share with us the backstory that led you to this career path?
Well, I have always had a passion for arts and really couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I’ve dedicated my whole life to three major art forms: Music, Theatre, & Film, and I hope to keep doing that until I die basically. As a little boy I struggled a lot with mental health issues, and still to this day, but it felt easy for me to express my feelings and thoughts through art which became clear to me that it was the perfect calling.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Can I be honest, it may not be funny, but I think the biggest mistake I made was not releasing music sooner. I had been making songs and creating poetic lyrics since I was 10 years old, but it took me to 23 years old to finally release music and I just wish I had done more in my younger years. Although I was very sick as a kid, so it was hard to exactly do things, I wish it could’ve been easier and I could’ve pushed through and realized my potential a lot sooner.
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
Something I even tell my friends a lot too, which is: “DO IT!” who cares if it’s perfect or polished, let people see you and your process and just create things. If you just keep waiting for the perfect piece to come along you’re going to be too late, so just give the world something. Will it bop or flop, who cares, you just have to try.
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?
Not so much a person or human, but my chihuahua ‘Piper’ has been a huge reason for why I’m even still alive today. I went through a really traumatic relationship, with a man who used and abused me in all ways. During our relationship we adopted a dog at the shelter, and she saw some crazy things, but in the end we broke up and Piper and I took our life elsewhere and started over. It was her who got me through all of that. I look to her for comfort and inspiration all the time. She’s why I feel like life is worth living, and why I’m able to feel okay.
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
I’ve always promised that my platforms and social media are a safe space for everyone to feel like they belong. Having a bigger and growing platform means I can advocate for things that matter to me: Human Rights (especially for the LGBTQ+ community) & Mental Health (especially for Schizophrenia and OCD).
Can you share with us a story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause?
Well because these causes directly affect me. I am gay and disabled with Schizophrenia and OCD. I feel like there’s too much ableism in the arts and in music that I want to showcase to kids and adults like me that “You Matter, and You Can Do It Too!” No matter what people say, follow your dreams, and fight for what you believe in.
Can you share with us a story about a person who was impacted by your cause?
I’m not sure I’ve reached enough people who feel inspired by me yet, I think I’m still working through that. I think I need to be more open about my causes and let people see the real me.
Are there three things or are there things that individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?
Three things would be: Human rights and rights for the LGBTQ+ community, More access to mental health support and treatments, Funding for the arts.
Why do you think music in particular has the power to create social change and create a positive impact on humanity?
Because it is one of the most consumed art forms, and it is a universal language that even if you don’t speak the language of the lyrics, you can feel the beat and the rhythm and still dance and move. I think that’s powerful.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”?
Be persistent
Be confident
Be aware of who you talk to and who you trust
Be Kind
Love yourself and the world will love you.
You’re a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
I want to normalize queer people, I don’t want us to be seen as unnatural or non-human, I want people to respect us and see how amazing we are. More queer movies, artists, music, all of it.
Can you please give us your favorite life lesson quote? And can you explain how that was relevant in your life?
“Fight for your rights!” My Grandpa always says that and my mom, and when I feel sad or want to give up I remember to keep fighting because that’s what I’m made to do.
We are blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
Tate McRae, I love her and love her music and she’s a big reason why I was inspired to continue in music because she makes me feel empowered. I love what she has to say and she’s from Alberta which is where I’m from so I absolutely support my queen!
Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was so inspiring, and we wish you continued success!
Music Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Bradley Gamborski Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.