Singer-songwriter Brad Kirsch joins me for an honest conversation about songwriting, creative growth, and staying aligned as an independent artist.

In this episode, Brad and I talk about his 2026 career goals, his writing process, and the emotional meaning behind his song “Miss You Anyway,” which he performs live during the podcast. We break down where the song came from, what it’s holding emotionally, and how it reflects Brad’s journey as a songwriter.

This podcast is part of my ongoing creative journey as a queer independent artist learning how to produce my own music. These conversations are about being witnessed while learning, sharing real creative processes, and spotlighting artists who are doing the work with honesty and intention.

🎶 In this episode, we discuss:

- Brad Kirsch’s 2026 career goals
- His songwriting and creative process
- The meaning behind “Miss You Anyway”
- A live performance of the song
- Navigating growth as an independent artist

If you’re a songwriter, music lover, or creative trying to build something sustainable... Welcome!

🔔 On this channel:

Original music, song breakdowns, reactions through a queer lens, and long-form conversations with independent artists.

🎤 Check out and follow the artist:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bradkirsch1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradkirsch11/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Jvata85s6rOgKU7v5p9LA?si=F8qsd0rRRVit_fuKPW_5kw
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@babybop321
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/brad-kirsch/1795556186]

🌍 Stay connected: https://linktr.ee/caseyryanofficial

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro
00:40 – Where Is Brad So Far In 2026
02:29 – Feeling Aligned
03:35 – Juggling Being An Independent Artist And Working
04:07 – How Emotions Guide Songwriting
04:56 – Writing New Music
09:10 – Finding Power While 'Floating'
11:44 – How Previous Jobs Help With Performing Live
13:24 – Our Writing Processes
16:04 – Performing Original Music
21:43 – Reflecting On 'Miss You Anyway'
23:30 – Why 'Miss You Anyway' Is My Favorite Song
24:38 – 'Miss You Anyway' Live Performance
27:58 – How Brad Still Relates To 'Miss You Anyway'
29:08 – Dissecting The Lyrics To 'Miss You Anyway'
31:54 – 'Friends With Benefits' Owning Your Own Truth
33:43 – Upgrading Sound & Staying Authentic
35:39 – VoyageLA Magazine Article
37:07 – The Importance of Staying Humble
40:25 – Performing Outside Vs Indoors & Reading The Room
41:20 – Looking Ahead
43:40 – How To Support Brad Kirsch
44:09 – Outro

In this first episode of the CaseyRyan Reacts Podcast, where I get to react and unpack new music with the artist, I am joined by the amazing Justin Renaissance for their newest single Into The Night. A Rock Power Ballad that hit me to my core.