Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Liam Wade. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Liam, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

How did you learn to do what you do?

I have learned to do what I do by experimenting and studying. I experiment with a lot of formats I admire. Music, design, photography, writing. I start off like everyone else – terrible. Then, I practice and I slowly but surely make progress. I arrive at the point where I’m competent enough to apply that skill to a project. It doesn’t matter if I’m perfect. That isn’t my goal.
Often my lack of deep knowledge on a subject is an advantage. You can end up creating something that is weird and beautiful by not focusing on the technical too much.

I’m not an expert in anything. I’m a generalist. But, when added together, all those skills often create interesting work.

Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?

I think as a younger person, I would get angry at myself if things did not go exactly to plan. If everything wasn’t going well, I’d beat myself up. That would often waste my time. I learned over the years that imperfection can be beautiful and I had to embrace it.

What skills do you think were most essential?

Discipline and patience. Like many people, we crave instant gratification from whatever we’re doing. Being patient takes strength and determination. Having a determination to keep going is very difficult. Don’t quit, evolve.
Having the discipline to keep turning up when things aren’t going well is an essential skill. Many people give up when it get’s too hard or there’s no money to be made. Working in the creative world is a series of peaks and troughs. You can have many down periods and you have to keep a strong head.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Life. Moving all the time. I’ve lived in many different places and although each place had a unique impact on me, there is always a period of starting over. Making friends, finding new collaborators. It can be a lonely period as you adjust to a new life and a new environment. But, the obstacle is the way. You learn something new in every place you go.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m best known for working in music as a songwriter, producer and guitarist. But, I wear a lot of hats these days. A lot of the time I’ll do everything from the mixing to the artwork and video. I often get hired to produce and mix for other artists. I even do artwork for them as I consider myself a graphic designer. I started taking design seriously about 5 years ago. When I moved to New York, I studied painting and graphic design at Parsons and New York School of The Arts. I even had a few years writing and recording music for TV and advertising.

In 2022 I set up my own small publishing company and label ,Wade Music Group, where I’m starting to offer label services to other artists. Everything from writing, production, artwork and marketing. I help solve problems for artists who are looking to release professional standard music in the new music industry. There is so much that goes into a release and It’s taken me 20 years to learn all that goes into it.

I started off at college by studying Music Production. I have a couple of diplomas in Music Technology and production. Production was my main interest, I wanted to work in sound design for TV and film. That was where I originally wanted my career to go. I loved creating interesting sounds and foley. I found it incredibly inspiring. But, as life can do, I was thrown a curveball and It took me out of my comfort zone and to a completely new place. Los Angeles to be specific. I got offered an audition to play in Courtney Love’s band back in 2007 and ended up getting the job of rhythm guitarist. I flew out to LA the next week and started my career as a professional musician. I’ve been doing it ever since.

I’m not sure there’s a specific thing that would set me apart from others. I’m often humbled by the talented people I meet in the creative world. I have friends that have really achieved great heights in their careers and they always inspire me. I am always curious and willing to take a chance on learning a new skill. I have a strong work ethic and drive to keep creating.

I’ve had a wonderful career in music. I’m proud of the many things I’ve achieved, the places I’ve been and the great people I’ve met. One big highlight was Johnny Marr offering my band FURS main support on his tour because he genuinely liked the music. One night on tour, as I was warming up on stage at the Ritz in Manchester, Johnny came out to talk with me and complimented me on my playing. It was a great moment for me as I was such a big fan of The Smiths growing up, especially him as a guitar player and songwriter.

2023 has been a big year for me releasing my own music through my label. I am putting out my third record of my solo project LT Wade and new music with my band FURS, which is with my sister Elle Wade as the vocalist and Olly Betts (The Duke Spirit) on drums. It really is a dream team. I’m lucky to have worked with so many great musicians through the years. You can check us out on all streaming services.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal as a creative now is honestly to keep engaged and connected to people through my art. Whether through music or visual art or products. Communication is the key for me. Everything I create or share is an opportunity to communicate ideas or thoughts with others, people I don’t know and will probably never meet. Sharing a story about love that connects with someone and makes them feel something that relates to them in their own life. Words, music or visuals that can transcend time. I could write something today that someone in twenty years may enjoy and perceive that message in a new way. It is magic, It’s the closest thing to time travel I know of.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect about being a creative for me is if something I’ve created brings someone joy. When someone has read or listened to something I’ve created and reached out to me to tell me how much they enjoyed it. That means a lot to me. It’s a very special feeling.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.liamtwade.com
• Instagram: @liamtwade / @fursmusic
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamwade/
• Twitter: @liamtwade
• Other: Writing https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/author/lt-wade/

Image Credits
Main Image – Photo Credit – Elizabeth Fisher