Brad Thomas Ackley, a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, grew up in Southern California, immersed in the vibrant surf and skate culture of the 1980s. Early influences like Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Guns N’ Roses, and the groundbreaking fusion of RUN DMC and Aerosmith laid the foundation for his genre-defying approach to music.
At 15, Brad began playing guitar, inspired by the competitive and creative music scene around him. By 18, he earned a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music, where he studied Music Production and Engineering, gaining expertise in recording, mixing, and composing across styles ranging from Bach to Miles Davis and Johnny Cash.
In Los Angeles, Brad worked as an audio engineer on The Matrix Reloaded and joined the electro-rock group Ultraviolet Sound (UVS), achieving over 135,000 downloads for their album O.C.D.. Brad has collaborated with artists like Lady Gaga, Robyn, Katy Perry, and Jessica Mauboy, and produced music for international brands such as Adidas, Renault, and IKEA.
In 2012, Brad moved to Paris to collaborate with -M- (Matthieu Chedid) on the album ÎL, which went double platinum and featured the hit single Mojo, co-written by Brad. He joined -M-’s world tour, performing to over 500,000 fans, earning a Victoire de la Musique for Best Show and Tour in 2014.
Known for his innovation, Brad created hybrid instruments like the Basstar and Octopus, merging bass, guitar, and MIDI technologies to push the boundaries of live performance. These innovations have become central to his work with the French experimental rock band iNA-iCH.
Brad’s music has been featured in films (Jamais le Premier Soir, Un Moment d’Égarement), TV shows (Castle, The Hills), and commercials for Adidas, Lacoste, and more.
Blending creativity, talent, and technology, Brad Thomas Ackley continues to transform music, honoring its roots while shaping its future.