Why do you write songs?
I like to put words and notes together and make people think, smile, and cry. I love it when I have the opportunity to sing, as in church, and can look out and see that happening. Then when I'm done, rather than applause, I love a hushed silence. It usually means that I have connected with at least some in the room, (or that I've bored them with a less than good song :) ). Usually I get hugs and "thank-yous" for the song touching them in some way.

Who's your favorite songwriter and why?
I don't really have just one. I just really like it when a song hits the mark as to what the writer was trying to say. Whether it's a current hit, or a song from decades ago, when the writer has done his job I just stand in awe and say "wow", that's good!

How would you describe the type of music you primarily write?
God and family driven.

How would you describe your music and the kinds of songs you write?
Songs about God's ceation and how we fit into it. Songs about family and friends. Songs about gettin' through this thing we call life.

What's your favorite song that you've written to date?
Isn't this where I say, "My last one"? The truth is that I can go back 33 years to one titled,"It Bogels My Mind" and still appreciate the lyrics. Over the last five years there are a few that I really like, "Stay Safe", "Just Do your Best", "He's Alive" (the last one).

What's your ultimate goal with regards to your songwriting (e.g., successful performing songwriter, staffwriter, etc.)?
To be able to provide additional income for my family with my writing ( I'm finally getting over my mental conflict that it's OK to make money at doing something I like :), workin' at the ranch [my "day gig"] has helped in that regard as well!).

What's your favorite quote?
We have 2 posted at our computer station. The first is by Hunter S. Thompson and was given to me by Gene Elders (fiddle player for George Strait), "The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side". The second one is the one I hold onto. It's from King David, "May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests".

What's up next for Brad Yunek ?
Keep writin'. Keep gettin' better at it. Find some folks who see commercial value to what I do. Find a co-writer or writers who I "click" with. I would really like to find someone who could mentor me through some of this. It's strange to be fifty years old and just in the last few years coming up to speed of all that is involved in becoming a pro writer. This is a "God-sized" process, and I am truly excited to be in it. I am so very thankfull for what we have as resources in this day and age (i.e. SongU, NSAI, TAXI, etc.). They are helping me make up for 30+ years of lost time.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
Husband to my wife. Dad to our kids. Provider for our home. Songwriter.

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