Brad Hargreaves

Highlight Magazine was given the opportunity to get an interview and update from Brad Hargreaves, the drummer of Third Eye Blind.
Interview by McKenzie Hughes // Photo by Colson Griffith

1. From having been apart of International bands (Third Eye Blind, Year Long Disaster), working as a solo DJ Drum Set (Just Brad), and having composed five scores for Independent Films; what more do you aspire to achieve?
I just seek more fulfillments in my life through making and playing music. It’s what I have been blessed and fortunate to do my whole life and I don’t want that to ever change. The music itself is what keeps me going.

2. While being apart of this Industry, have there been any significant lessons you’ve learned this far?
Follow your gut and instincts. That is all you can really do because nobody has it figured out. There is no one-way to go about being successful with so many independent outlets for music. I love music blogs. You can be a smash hit on YouTube before even entering the “industry”. I look at how a lot of electronic artists promote themselves as the template. Pretty Lights, The Glitch Mob, and Bassnectar utilize all aspects of the Internet like never before…and it’s working. Obviously apps are going to be a centerpiece as well.

3. When in the process of crafting music, are there any challenges that you have to face?
Always, some ideas are easy to develop and are basically a gift while others require a lot of work. We have been doing lots of writing and pre production for Third Eye Blind’s 5th studio album. A song or two were literally written in 10 minutes while we are still shaping others.

4. From having years of experience both as a composer and drummer, what made you want to be apart of the DJing side of the Industry?
I have always liked vinyl since I was a kid listening to my Dad’s records. I have always loved beat making since I first heard Public Enemy and Dr Dre. I love getting a physical reaction from people by presenting them with music. The first mash up I ever heard was of Back in Black and Get Ur Freak On and it really showed the creativity you can have mixing music. Mostly, I want people to hear the music I think is good. All of that supports my DJ hobby.

5. Being noted as an Advisory Board member for NCSA Athletic Recruiting, could you briefly explain how athletics fell into your hands while you were working mainly on music?
One of my best friends started NCSA right around the time 3eb’s first record came out. We went to some Bulls games and just struck up a friendship around our shared love of both sports and music.
Music and sports is so similar I feel like I could write a book about it. Having followed Phil Jackson coached teams for a long time I see success in both areas having the same ingredients. He used Rudyard Kiplings quote: For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack. That sums up teams sports and bands to me.

6. For the remainder of 2012, are there certain plans or goals you would like to accomplish?
Third Eye Blind is about to record our 5th record in London and all focus is directed at it. We have some shows each month but the record is our first priority and I am really excited about it.

Keep up with Brad: 
Twitter // Third Eye Blind