Interview with Nathan Wade
by Janelle Landauer
How did you get your start in the music business? And how long have you been writing?
I had never really sung for anyone - just always messing around among friends, until I decided to get married at the ripe old age of 21 (live and learn), and chose to sing the wedding song myself at the ceremony. The song I chose was Jeff Carson’s’ "That Last Mile." I sang it live in front of all of our family and friends. What made me feel like this was something I would like to pursue was when they recorded the performance to play at the reception, and hearing myself back I thought it didn’t sound too bad. I immediately started entering contests, and realized just how much I loved performing for an audience. I had started dabbling in writing songs before that, but it was really after that, that I picked up a guitar and started putting lyrics down. So, all in all it’s been about 11 years now. I started writing with Tim Bezy and making the trips to Nashville in the last 2 years, and I think we have a real good thing going.
What goals have you accomplished and what do you still hope to accomplish with your music career?
Well, early on it was more about the singing. I got into a lot of contests, won a little money and made some life long fans and friends. The best early experience was at The Red Barn Opry Show house in Omaha, NE. It was always all about the music….no booze, no smoking….everyone was there to listen to good old country music. My first big show was a packed house. They had advertised it for a couple months, and low and behold I got laryngitis and could hardly talk. I felt such an obligation to the patrons who were coming out, I decided to give the show a go. IT WAS AWFUL! My voice was cracking on almost every note, so I was apologizing profusely to everyone….and all those people did was clap louder in appreciation that I would even attempt to do the show in my condition. I will never forget that feeling.
I would still love to record a project in Nashville of my music, and I still plan to. At this point though, I am really trying to lock into the songwriting. I had never co-written before I met Tim, and it has been great. We seamed to mesh right away, from the first session we wrote a song, (I still think it’s a good song too, just on the back burner now). Continuing to integrate into the Nashville scene, make good contacts, good friends, and great music. Eventually make the big move, and put all the cards on the table. I am a dreamer, always have been, always will be. I would love to hear a song I helped craft on the radio full blast, driving fast and smiling big singin' along!
Who has been the greatest influence in your life(music related or not)
Well, I would first have to say my mother. She raised two hell raisin' boys up to be pretty good men. Then, surprisingly enough, I would say my Father. I only met the man once, and I really have tried to live my life opposite of what I got from him.
If you could collaborate with anyone musically who would it be?
If I had to choose one (there are so many) I would have to say Alan Jackson. To sit and write a true and honest country song…that would be the pinnacle for me.
What’s the most valuable lesson that I’ve learned through the years of working in the music business?
Never give up. To believe in myself, and give everything I have to achieve the goals I set forth.
What advice would I give to those who plan to get into the music business?
Love it….with everything you have. Music is a gift, embrace it, and share it with whoever will listen.
Where do you find the ideas and inspirations when writing songs?
Everywhere, that is the beauty of being a songwriter…being able to take any moment, good or bad, turn it into 3 minutes that can effect you or someone else’s life maybe forever. Magical!
Do you have a favorite song that you’ve written overall? If so, what is it and why is it your favorite song?
"Dead Soldiers" is certainly right at the top. I think the title invokes such a strong feeling, and the message that Tim and I set out to deliver with it really hits the heart of every listener. I have played shows, and it still chokes me up when I am trying to sing it.
Can you explain the process that goes on from the point after you write the songs? (Do you sing on / make the demos? Pitch the songs to the artists? etc?)
Well, a lot of times the song will get a re-write. Then it is a matter of a work tape, to a demo, to the hands of a song plugger….hopefully to the artist that belongs to the song, and then they cut it. Sounds pretty simple right?
What other songwriters (or artists) have you written with or for?
One of favorite country voices of all time, Daryle Singletary…sang on our song "I Swear To God." As far as other writers…there is a collection of great people, some upcoming artists and others who are just trying to make a living honing this craft like the rest of us.
Have you worked on any new projects lately you’d like to tell us about?
So many things going right now. I just did a Benefit concert for Domestic Violence here in Omaha. Networking and promoting Bezy/Wade Merch. Also in the process of writing a Teen Safety song for the state of Nebraska that we are very proud of. Another trip to Nashville around the corner….11 hour drive, non-stop writing for 4 days, and then 11 hours back to Omaha. It’s a beautiful thing!
Is there anything you would like to say to country music fans and our readers?
God Bless you! Without country music fans (the greatest in the world) songwriters and artists would not be able to survive and get their art heard and appreciated. The most gut-wrenching, humbling, exciting proud moment, is to sit up on a stage with a guitar in front of a large crowd of people, who have never heard the words about to come out of your mouth…and 3 minutes later they are all laughing, crying, clapping. You’ve touched someone in that moment….what a feeling! Thank You!
Added: April 27, 2008
Songwriter Spotlight: TIM BEZY /// NATHAN WADE
