For Paulden, Arizona artist Bubba Kushman, music has always been more than just entertainment. It became an escape, a way to connect with people, and eventually something he could see himself building a career around.
Bubba spent his early childhood in Kingman, Arizona, until his parents divorced when he was around 10 years old. After the divorce, he and his mother spent a summer moving between family in North Carolina and Tennessee before his aunt eventually brought them to California, where they lived for about a year. From there, Bubba eventually made his way to Paulden, where he would continue growing into the person and artist he is today.
Moving around so much naturally made Bubba more introverted, but music gave him something to turn to. It helped him pass the time, escape from whatever was going on around him, and connect with people in ways he sometimes couldn’t otherwise.
His family also played a major role in shaping his mindset. With a small family and a mother who has dealt with several medical issues, Bubba grew up watching her push through difficult situations and continue to function independently. Seeing that strength gave him a different perspective on life and motivated him to chase his dreams, work for what he wants, and not allow challenges to discourage him.
Everyone goes through their own struggles, but those experiences helped Bubba become more determined to create something for himself and the community around him.
His introduction to making music started in high school. Around 14 or 15, Bubba was freestyling with friends after school just for fun. Eventually, freestyling became something he did regularly in his free time. By 17, he realized music was more than something he enjoyed doing—it was something he wanted to seriously pursue and potentially turn into a career.
His musical influences come from a wide range of genres. Growing up, Bubba listened to plenty of 90s and early-2000s bands, including Fall Out Boy, Panic! At the Disco, Jimmy Eat World, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Green Day. That era of music is where he first developed his love for music as a whole.
When he discovered artists like Lil Uzi Vert and Lil Peep, he found another side of music that immediately connected with him. The emo rap scene, including artists such as Trippie Redd, XXXTentacion, and Juice WRLD, became a major influence.
Freestyling became an even bigger part of his development through artists like Juice WRLD, Lil Wayne, JID, Denzel Curry, and Cordae. The ability to create clever wordplay and put together complete ideas off the top of the head impressed Bubba and pushed him to want to master that skill himself.
When it comes to his own sound, Bubba is still figuring it out—and that’s intentional. He doesn’t want to limit himself to one genre or one formula. With a love for different styles of music, he wants the freedom to experiment and continue discovering what the Bubba Kushman sound truly is.
At the same time, he knows the type of people he wants his music to connect with: people who care deeply about others, smokers, money makers, pretty women, and what he describes as empathetic narcissists. In many ways, those are the people he feels he relates to most.
Bubba currently records his music through Valley Music Recording Studio in Glendale, where he rents his own studio space. Along the way, he’s worked with engineers @fckulast, @joeybandino, and @cheatuhs, who have all contributed to the music he’s putting together.
Growing up around Prescott and Paulden, there weren’t endless places to go, so Bubba found ways to stay active. He enjoys hiking, taking fitness pictures, and volunteering whenever he can. His work schedule can make finding the time difficult, but he continues to make room for the things that matter to him.
Now, Bubba Kushman is continuing to build his catalog and find his place within Arizona’s growing music scene. His latest release, “Touchdown,” arrived August 7, giving listeners another look at where he’s headed.
And he isn’t slowing down. His next release, “Pretty Girls,” is expected to drop in September.
Through all of it, Bubba makes sure to recognize the people who helped him along the way. He gives thanks to God, his mother, and his aunt, along with @kapg for jumping on his first song. He also credits his engineers @fckulast, @joeybandino, and @cheatuhs for helping bring his music to life, as well as the friends who continue to repost his work and the Arizona artists he looks up to.
