Making Music That Matters: Social Gravy Talks Sound, Soul, & Connection
By KBR
In a music world flooded with filters, loops, and click tracks, Social Gravy is a refreshing reminder that real music still matters. Based in Los Angeles, this indie rock duo—Brad Kohn and Vee Bordukov—builds their sound from the ground up with live instruments, raw emotion, and a touch of rebellious spirit.
Think: the warmth of vintage analog, the depth of honest songwriting, and the soul of classic rock—with a modern edge. Social Gravy’s influences span from The Beatles and Coldplay to The Black Keys and Paul Simon, but what truly sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to human connection, hope, and musical integrity.
Photo of Social Gravy by Rachael Warecki
We caught up with Brad and Vee for a conversation about how they met, what drives their work, and the stories behind some of their most powerful tracks. Dive into the Q&A below for insight straight from the artists behind Social Gravy:
Why music? Why this path?
Vee: I feel like music chose me. I started classical guitar at 10, and it just stuck. Then came The Beatles, and I had to write. Over time I got into flamenco, jazz, blues. Now I’m into Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, Philip Glass — all LA artists. This city’s diversity is inspiring.
Brad: Music has always been part of me. Since I was a baby, it’s what I’ve wanted to do. I’m grateful to live that dream every day.
Can you tell us how you met and formed Social Gravy? And why the name?
Vee: We met in LA. Brad liked a song of mine called Fallin’ and suggested we work together. We’ve just released our 20th track together, These Are The Times, and looking back, I’d say it was a great decision. The name "Social Gravy" came from the idea of human interconnectedness — in many forms, big and small.
Brad: Social Gravy started when I was doing tracking work for Vee. We became writing partners and the name stuck. It’s open to interpretation, which is what I love about it.
What message do you want listeners to receive when they first hear your music?
Vee: Broadly, that there is hope. That’s top of my list. Hope comes in many forms if somebody is looking. We aspire to strike that chord.
Brad: We’re making music with depth and soul. It’s not for everyone, but we hope that those who like it, love it.
Tell us about “Love You Better.” What does it mean to you? Was it written for someone in particular?
Vee: It’s one of my favorites. The structure is unique — three different moods wrapped into one. It pays homage to I Want You (She’s So Heavy) by The Beatles with that spiraling progression at the end.
Brad: For me, it’s a projection of love. I’m deeply connected to my partner’s scent. The song feels like a prayer — a desire to inspire.
What are your core goals as a band?
Vee: To produce good music. I don’t care how it comes out, as long as it’s good. Diversity is key for us.
Brad: We strive to create honest, authentic music that says what we want to communicate. Our next release, The Pebble EP, is our strongest work yet — we’re even submitting it for the 2027 Grammys.
I know your song “Fools” encourages social dialogue. How does human connection influence your work?
Vee: Fools was a not-so-subtle warning around the 2016 election. Though rooted in that moment, its message still resonates — maybe now more than ever. We aim to make people think and feel, and hopefully, create a positive impact through our music.
Brad: Human connection is everything. Even though we’re not gigging right now, the support we’re getting online is incredible and really motivating.
What’s been the easiest part of working in the music industry — and the hardest — in 2025?
Vee: I wouldn’t say anything is easy, but it’s all worth it. Doing what you love and helping people feel something? That’s everything. The hardest part right now is funding.
Brad: Knowing when a project is finished comes easier now. The biggest challenge is still cutting through the noise. I had to remix The Pebble EP three times because of a faulty plugin!
What’s the meaning behind your track “Happening Now”?
Vee: It started as a reflection on environmental concerns and grew from there. There’s a festival I love right now called Change Amplified: Live Music and the Climate Crisis. That’s the vibe — questioning the old ways, embracing change.
Brad: The lyrics are prophetic but grounded in the present. We want listeners to reflect on the miracle of existence — and the messages life holds.
Photo of Social Gravy by Rachael Warecki
What can fans expect next from Social Gravy?
Vee: Diversity. We’re pulling from different directions to explore new ideas. The Pebble EP is a good example.
Brad: The Pebble EP is a six-track album, and I truly believe it’s our best work yet. First singles should drop later this year.
Continue Listening to Social Gravy
If you're a fan of indie rock that blends classic influences with modern urgency — if you crave songs that mean something — Social Gravy is your next obsession. Their deep, live-produced sound is a breath of fresh air in a heavily digitized industry, and their lyrical focus on hope, connection, and authenticity is the kind of storytelling we need more of.
Don't miss what’s coming next from this rising duo. Follow Social Gravy online or listen now at www.socialgravymusic.com to dive into their growing discography. Keep an ear out for The Pebble EP — dropping soon.
