Brazen Folly is the neo-soul alternative project of Los Angeles-based songwriter, keyboardist and producer Bruce Johnson and Cuban-born singer-songwriter Tani Paz. Rooted in storytelling, soul music, and fearless emotional honesty, the duo creates music that feels both intimate and expansive — blending atmospheric soundscapes with deeply human narratives.

Born and raised in Chicago, Bruce emerged from the city’s art-rock and creative underground, forming early musical ties within The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Wicker Park music communities before building a career as a screenwriter and film director in Los Angeles. His songwriting draws inspiration from artists as diverse as Sly Stone, Joni Mitchell, Björk, Radiohead, and Randy Newman — combining soul, wit, vulnerability, and cinematic atmosphere into a singular musical voice.

Born in Cuba and raised in Los Angeles, Tani brings a rich artistic background that spans music, literature, and live performance. A published novelist with a devoted international readership, she has long fused storytelling and music in both her writing and performances. Tani’s hypnotic vocal style gives Brazen Folly much of its emotional power, balancing raw intensity with vulnerability and soul. Her intimate live appearances and performances at literary and music events throughout Norway and Finland became a natural extension of her storytelling. Several of her original compositions have also been adapted and performed by European choirs, reflecting the emotional depth and lyrical sophistication that define her work.

Together as Brazen Folly, Bruce and Tani merge soulful melodies and cinematic production into a sound that feels timeless yet contemporary. Their debut EP, Brazen Folly 2026, introduced audiences to the duo’s emotionally charged blend of neo-soul and alternative music, while their forthcoming full-length album, Soul Freedom, continues to expand their immersive and unmistakably original musical world.