We had the good fortune of connecting with Bud And The Night and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bud And The Night, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
For me, risk has always felt less like stepping off a cliff and more like stepping into the unknown with a sense of wonder. Bud and the Night is built on that—on exploring new worlds, new sounds, and new parts of myself. Every time I chase an idea that feels bigger than me, or create something that doesn’t fit neatly into a trend, it’s a risk. But it’s also where the magic usually lives.

Some of the biggest moments in my life and career happened because I was willing to bet on myself before anyone else did. Leaving safe paths, diving into a 52-week challenge, starting a project inspired by fantasy and adventure—none of that came with guarantees. But each leap pushed me closer to who I actually am as an artist.

I think the role of risk is recognizing that discomfort isn’t a warning sign—it’s usually a compass. If something scares me a little, it means I’m expanding. And in both music and life, I’ve learned that the most meaningful breakthroughs tend to happen right past that point where certainty ends and curiosity begins.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is rooted in wonder, exploration, and emotional escapism. With Bud and the Night, I’m trying to create worlds—places that feel cinematic and full of discovery, the same way fantasy stories like Lord of the Rings or Star Wars made me feel growing up. I want every track to feel like a portal, like you’re stepping into something bigger than just a song.

What sets me apart is how long I’ve been dedicated to learning this craft. I’ve spent 10+ years producing, experimenting, failing, improving, and chasing the feeling that got me hooked in the first place. I even packed up my life and moved to LA to attend ICON Collective, which was one of the most transformative decisions I’ve ever made. That place broke me open in the best way—it taught me not just technique, but how to find my voice, how to express my story with honesty, and how to trust my instincts.

Getting to where I am today definitely wasn’t easy. There were years where it felt like no one was listening, years where I wondered if I was actually getting better or just spinning in circles. But what pushed me forward was a mix of obsession, community, and a belief that even the smallest progress matters. I overcame a lot of challenges simply by refusing to stop—by showing up day after day, finishing music, seeking mentors, and letting curiosity lead me instead of fear.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that growth isn’t linear. Some of the breakthroughs came after long plateaus. Some came after moments where I seriously considered quitting. But every struggle ended up becoming part of my sound—there’s a little bit of every version of me embedded in the music I make now.

What I want the world to know about Bud and the Night is that it’s a project built on imagination and heart. I want people to feel something when they listen—like they’re adventuring somewhere new or rediscovering a part of themselves they forgot about. My story is still being written, but it’s driven by curiosity, resilience, and a love for creating moments that feel alive.

If you walk away from my music feeling transported—even for a few seconds—that’s the highest compliment I could ever get.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Even though I spend a lot of time in Nashville these days, I still spend a good chunk of the year in LA—so my dream itinerary with a best friend would be a mix of the two worlds that shaped me.

If we’re in Nashville, the week would start with some of my go-to spots:

Breakfast at Milk & Honey — no better way to kick off a day. It’s one of my favorite morning spots in the city.

Lunch at M.L. Rose — elite burgers, chill vibe, and the kind of place where a “quick lunch” always turns into hanging out longer than planned.

Dinner at O-KU — genuinely one of the best dinners you can get in Nashville. Perfect energy, incredible sushi, just an overall killer night out.

From there, we’d explore a bit:
maybe catch some live music on the east side, hit a rooftop downtown for some good live music, and wander through some of the creative pockets of the city that don’t always make the tourist guides.

If we jump over to LA for a couple days, it becomes a different kind of adventure—more beaches, hikes, studio hangs, and revisiting the neighborhoods where I studied at and grew so much as an artist. I’d take them to some of the classic food spots, get lost in a couple of record stores, and end at the coast watching the sun drop behind the water.

To me, the best trips aren’t about rushing around—they’re about showing someone the places that shaped your life, your routine, and your creativity. Nashville brings the warmth, food, and energy, and LA brings the inspiration and nostalgia. A week split between both always ends up being unforgettable.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely—my shoutout goes to my mentor and friend, Goshfather. He’s not just a ridiculously talented disco house producer; he’s the kind of person who pours time, energy, and knowledge into hundreds of up-and-coming producers without ever asking for anything in return.

What makes him special isn’t just his sound—it’s the way he builds people up. He’s one of those rare mentors who actually believes in you before you’ve fully learned to believe in yourself. He’s pushed me to experiment, to finish more music, to trust my instincts, and to chase ideas I might’ve second-guessed on my own.

A lot of the confidence and momentum I have in my career comes directly from his encouragement and the community he’s created around learning, positivity, and growth. I genuinely wouldn’t be where I am without him, and I know hundreds of other producers would say the same.

So if there’s anyone who deserves a huge amount of credit in my story, it’s Goshfather—a mentor who turns potential into progress for everyone he works with.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/budandthenight/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/budandthenight

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/budandthenight

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpTaMWhPXGkrl7fO_YCUFrg

Image Credits
Emily Dekoster
Ana Wigmore
Kai Sniffin

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