The beginning is the most important part of the work, according to Plato. For Braiden Sunshine, the beginning shaped his future in great ways. He grew up like any other boy. He grew up in Connecticut and went to Lyme High School. Sunshine played with numerous bands and groups all around the area, even with some of Ledyard’s finest in the band Silver Hammer. The band started in 2010 when Sunshine was only ten, but he’s come pretty far since then.
On Sept. 21, Sunshine auditioned for “The Voice” with “The Mountains Win Again” by Blues Traveler. With this blind audition Sunshine got onto Team Gwen Stefani and it was the beginning of his musical journey. Since his audition, Sunshine has sung twice on the show- once in a battle round with Lindsey Elm, singing “No One is to Blame” by Howard Jones- and then alone the knockout round singing “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone. Braiden has advanced but now he needs the votes in order to progress to the next round.
While the crowds might be bigger and the performances might be broadcasted to millions of viewers, Sunshine still has the same smile on his face when he sings his songs. However, back before the days of live broadcasts, there was a time when Sunshine sang at more local events. Even just a few months ago on Sept.13, Sunshine sang at the Ledyard Fair with Stone Creek, Tom Bora and Ian Maxwell.
“Sure, “The Voice” has me thinking about my career,” Sunshine said. “But I’ll always love singing, no matter where it’s at.” Sunshine urges people to vote for him so that he can stay on “The Voice” and finish what he started.
After an astonishing performance of “Everything I Own” by Bread, Sunshine is headed to the finals. His small beginning got him this far. Where will it take him? From this point Braiden can go a number of ways with his career. His voice got him the fame; What will he do with it?

Savannah Houdeshell, staff writer

Freshman Savannah Houdeshell is a staff writer for the 2015-2016 Colonel. She participates in Operation Smile and is on the soccer team.