By Phil Lacombe
This week’s Local Music Spotlight we’re thrilled to welcome Brad Garrow, guitarist, producer, and a driving force in the Coachella Valley rock and metal scene. From shredding with Brain Vat to running Dead End Studios, Brad’s passion for heavy riffs and community‑first creativity makes him one of the desert’s most compelling musical voices. We dive into his journey, influences, studio life, and where he sees this scene headed, so let’s get into it!
CVW: How did your musical journey begin, what was the “spark” that made you pick up the guitar for good?
Garrow: Growing up I didn’t know “regular people” played instruments, because I’d never seen it. One day a friend of mine Mikey Doling, who’s gone on to become a professional musician and tours the world, came over with a guitar in his hand. He played some familiar riffs we knew and loved, and from that moment I was hooked.
CVW: The desert has a unique rock/metal legacy, how has growing up/playing here shaped your sound?
Garrow: During the ENRAGE days all we gave a shit about was that bay area thrash sound, everything fast and shedding. Now I have this great appreciation for the desert rock sound, with its slow heavy riffs, and fuzzy tone. It has influenced my riffs and infiltrated how I write now.
CVW: Walk us through your creative process: do riffs come first, or does a concept take shape before the music?
Garrow: (One word answer) Riffs.
CVW: Brain Vat has been described as heavy, raw, and defiant, how would you define your own style to someone who’s never heard you before?
Garrow: That’s a hard question, but a short answer. I don’t think we fit in a box.
CVW: Running Dead End Studios means you wear producer and engineer hats, how do those roles influence your work as a musician?
Garrow: It’s taught me to self-edit. To see the whole overall picture and not just a collection of rad riffs and create something structured.
CVW: What’s a memorable high point and a tough low point on your musical path so far?
Garrow: A recent high point would have to be Brain Vat opening for the mighty SNOT with a sold-out crowd. Low point? Easy, anytime any of my bands have ended. That always sucks.
CVW: Collaboration is big in this scene, who are some local artists you’d love to work with next, and why?
Garrow: Anytime I can write, jam, or collaborate with the great Mike Pygmie is an honor and always a blast! Anyone really, getting with other people always opens you up to something you wouldn’t have thought of yourself.
CVW: What’s one piece of advice you wish someone told you when you first started playing or recording?
Garrow: Playing wise. I’d say work on bending the notes, no two people bend the same. That’s what will create your signature sound. Studio wise.. turn everything down before you turn something else up, or you’ll end up blowing everything up!
CVW: Looking ahead, what’s coming next for you in 2026? New music, tours, studio projects, something unexpected?
Garrow: Brain vat is sending riffs and song ideas back and forth between the desert and Oxnard that are killer! New music is always near, we look forward to playing as many shows as possible in support of our most recent album Relentless Intent. There are some exciting studio projects in the works, but I’m not going to say because I don’t want to jinx it!
CVW: Where can fans find you?
Garrow: When Brain Vat isn’t in the studio or playing live shows, our music is available to stream on all platforms. Check out our newest record Relentless Intent!
Brad, thank you for giving us a deeper look at your music, your mindset, and your commitment to the Coachella Valley scene. Whether you’re laying down riffs in Dead End Studios or tearing it up on stage, it’s clear your passion drives everything you do. Folks, be sure to follow Brad’s latest work, catch him live when you can, and keep supporting the artists who make this valley sound so electrifying.
That’s a wrap on this week’s Local Music Spotlight, but the party doesn’t stop here. Hit the shows, feel the beats, and keep the valley’s music scene thriving. Because around here, the next song that changes your life might be playing tonight.
