“It’s a great feeling to see someone connect with your music whether they have ever heard it or not.”-@WADE_MAGEE

Listen to the show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/avaliveradio/2015/10/08/episode-263-ava-live-radio-behind-the-music-with-jacqueline-jax

GETTING TO KNOW WADE MACGEE
by Jacqueline Jax host of A.V.A Live Radio

Starting in music…
I grew up playing the saxophone in the 6^th grade band because I thought it was the “coolest” instrument. Later, I taught myself to the play drums which I played in a local church band. That’s when I started experimenting with songwriting. Over the years, subject matter and style has changed considerably.

Whiskey in the coffee…
The song started about a hangover, as many country songs do, but developed as I wrote more about separation from family and having nothing but the resolve to get through the day. Writing the song, I wrote the lyrics and the chord structure initially. Usually I have very strong musical ideas about where I want a song to go but this is the very first song I have just turned over to a producer and said, “Build it from the ground up.” I sent the chords and lyrics to the prodcucer and he developed the riffs, which I love, and the instrumentation over the course of about a month.

What’s next…
“Whiskey” was a summer single, so to speak, along with 2 other tunes: “Daddy’s guitar” and “Coming home.” These are song that I wanted to get out in the public. Right now, I am working with several musicians recording songs for an upcoming LP album, Blurry Days/Foggy Nights. We hope to have the first single of the album out by November and release it at the end of January. I’m really proud of the new songs and the way they’re developing across a wide range of subjects.

The music scene in Dallas…
There are bars and nightclubs everywhere with live music in Dallas. There are plenty of opportunities to play acoustic or with the full band and I’m trying to take advantage of it. We’ve also had the opportunity to play in the Houston area recently to expand the fan-base and hopefully that keeps going well.

The music industry…
I think there’s a fine line between being a musical “idealist” and creating music for a large fan base. I am trying to keep the balance between creating music that I am proud of, while also making sure it’s quality music that you might hear in the mainstream. All of it essentially comes down to having a “product” people will like and being willing to put in the work and money as an investment in my career.

Overcoming pitfalls…
Every time I have a show, I have to tell myself to play and sing my heart out. You have to make the people remember you, whether there are 5 or 100. As far as recording, I have to communicate clearly exactly where I want a song to go and how I want it to sound. So far, it’s been working well with the new material.

Social media…
I like sharing my life and processes with others. Sometimes it’s funny, sometimes it’s serious, but there’s always someone who can relate and give feedback.
Overcoming challenges…
The most obvious challenge is the process of booking shows. I hate the process. I love playing and singing, not negotiating a show. That’s part of growing in this business. I’m trying to build a steady schedule and fan base. Sooner or later I’ll have some help with the scheduling.