Bradley Bell (musician)

Clinton Bradley David Bell (born March 18, 1983 in Davison, Michigan), known professionally as Bradley Bell, is an American keyboardist, pianist, synthesist, and backing vocalist, best known for being the keyboardist of post-hardcore band Chiodos, and also for being the keyboardist of pop punk band Cinematic Sunrise until their demise, and the keyboardist of experimental band The Sound of Animals Fighting. He was also in a pop punk band called Still No Sign, where he was the lead vocalist. Chiodos guitarist Pat McManaman was also in this band.

Musical career[]

Still No Sign and Cinematic Sunrise (2000–2009)[]

Bell was the lead vocalist, along with members Pat McManaman, and two other members named Matt and Chad, of a pop punk band called Still No Sign. The band released one EP, literally entitled The EP, but disbanded in 2001 so Bell and McManaman could move on to Chiodos.^[1]

Bell was the keyboardist of pop punk band Cinematic Sunrise, along with Craig Owens, Underminded frontman Nick Martin, and the Agency Group manager Dave Shapiro. He was featured on their first and only EP, A Coloring Storybook and Long Playing Record. During the band's last six shows, Bell was absent from all of them, presumably because of bad terms between him and Owens.

Chiodos (2001–present)[]

Bell is the only keyboardist to ever be in post-hardcore band Chiodos, previously known as the Chiodos Bros. Bell has been featured on every release by the band so far, except for their debut EP, The Chiodos Bros. In an interview with Double Dance, Bell was asked about the origin of the title and the concept behind Chiodos' most recent release, Illuminaudio. In response, Bell stated that

"[t]here is no concept to the album but there are themes that seem reoccurring. A lot of the content has to do with stepping outside of your comforts and adapting to change, avoiding manipulation, and coming out of dark situations with a positive outlook. Illuminaudio is a play on words that, to me, means to shine or enlighten through music. We [Chiodos] came up with it one night and it stuck with us."

Bell was also asked about the chemistry of the band after the departure of vocalist Craig Owens and the arrival of Brandon Bolmer. He answered that

"[Chiodos'] chemistry now is great. Everybody gets along. It was funny in the studio when people on multiple occasions would come visit and say, 'This is the first time I have seen the whole band in one room together hanging out.' No bad feelings toward him, but it would have been a task to finish this record, and that's the main reason why we did what we did [firing Craig Owens]. Regardless, the writing and recording is an extremely stressful time when pressure definitely sets in, so it's hard for anyone to remain pleasant all the time.

He also said that he would like to keep touring and do overseas touring as well.^[2]

In another interview question about Owens with Review Rinse Repeat, Bell was asked about what exactly made Chiodos remove Owens. Bell answered with

"There are many reasons as to the relieving of Craig, most of which are personal and can not be released. We don't think it would be fair to provide information that would force anyone to attach themselves to one bias or another. Just know that this record would have been near impossible to create with the lineup the way that it was. The band was at an unhealthy state, that should be undeniable by both parties."

Later in the interview, he was asked about the decision to attempt to keep Brandon Bolmer's position as lead vocalist a secret. He answered that Chiodos was

"scheming a plan to make a big announcement out of Brandon being the singer, which would allow critics and those interested to actually hear some music with him on it, instead of them feeling free to criticize off of presumptions based on his past and what people were expecting from us. Nevertheless, the information leaked right before we were about to do so. Even after months of not telling anyone, it seems you can't keep anything a secret these days."

^[3]

Discography[]

with Still No Sign

• The EP (Self-released, 2001)

with Chiodos

• The Best Way to Ruin Your Life (Self-released, 2002)
• The Heartless Control Everything (Self-released, 2003)
• All's Well That Ends Well (Equal Vision Records, 2005)
• Bone Palace Ballet (Equal Vision Records, 2007)
• Illuminaudio (Equal Vision Records, 2010)
• Devil (Razor & Tie, 2014) ^[4]

with Cinematic Sunrise

• A Coloring Storybook and Long Playing Record (Equal Vision Records, 2008)

References[]