“Breath, slow it down and think.”
Blending everything from sunshine pop to Krautrock, L.T Wade is set to release his debut album ‘Transient’ this month. We chatted to the London-born, Californian-based based musician aka Liam Wade, about the challenges of being an independent musician, his plant based diet and Bob Dylan.
What are you listening to, reading and watching at the moment?
New Music: I’m listening to Pusha T’s latest record with Kanye Not so new: I’ve been vibing hard on Caribou’s “Our Love” Older music: Manuel Göttsching E2 – E4 I’m also curating my own Spotify playlists called ‘LT’s Echo Echo’ and releasing them through my website and socials. I’ve asked a few musician friends to submit their own playlists too, it’d be good to have a little collective going. I’ve got some great ones lined up. I’ve really been enjoying discovering artists and genres through the process of play-listing. Stuff that I absolutely love but had never heard before from all corners of the world. Reading: I just finished ‘Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas’ AGAIN! Hunter S Thompson is my favourite author. The subtle humour to outright ridiculousness is my bag. Watching: A show that I enjoyed and that I’m looking forward to the return of is ‘GLOW.’ Very funny show with a great story . When we first moved to NY we watched every episode of Seinfeld in order. It was the first time I’d ever watched it properly. It made so much sense now living in NY and experiencing a lot of what they joke about. Cold Showers, Parking and laundry etc.
What has been your biggest life challenge so far and what did you do to overcome it?
Biggest life challenge right now is just trying to exist as an independent musician in a very challenging industry. I’ve been making some kind of a living from music for 12 years. It’s tough out there. I over come a lot by being dedicated to my craft. I’m extremely independent in my output these days. I have no need for a label at the moment. I write, record, produce and mix my albums and I’ve started my own label and publishing company to release it. That came about because I had a small budget and I wanted to make my own record but couldn’t really pay anyone to help me. So I started teaching myself to mix and I became a better producer and songwriter along the way. I’m lucky that I work with great musicians like Olly Betts on drums. He’s a soul brother to me, he knows exactly what I want when I send him my songs to track to. I guess that’s what 9 years of friendship and playing together have done for the music we now make together. I also worked with Grant Zubritsky on a couple of tracks who plays with a bunch of top artists like Lorde, MSMR and currently Nick Murphy (FKA Chet Faker). He’s a fantastic bass, sax and synth player based in NY where I finished my album. I can do a lot but it’s good to work with other like minded musicians who can really push my song writing to another level.
What would constitute a ‘perfect’ day for you?
A perfect day to me would be…drink sangria in the park with my lady. Maybe feed the animals at the zoo? Then later a movie, Then we’d go home.
For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
I’m grateful for having such a wonderful wife and strong family and friend unit. I’ve always been very supported and free to make my own choices. Family and friends come first.
Complete this sentence: “Ace mental health for me means…”
Living your true life. Being happy, healthy and free to pursue what you want from life.
What do you eat to stay healthy?
I have a plant based diet 95% of the time, so I eat a lot of fruit and veg…and Vegan Pizza. I love to cook, I’m the chef at home. The other 5% is I don’t let that first choice control every aspect of eating for me or anyone I’m with…. so for example if everything at the restaurant has got cheese on or in it…. I’ll eat it. I won’t ever eat meat again though.
Do you have a daily routine of exercise or do you make it up as you go along?
I do 5K runs a couple of times and week and do Tai Box conditioning at the gym round the corner from my apartment. I also love to ride my bike around the City. Other than that, a bit of football (not American) and a lot of walking in NYC.
Here at The Mind Map we remember playing football and ‘tag’ – running around the playground everyday and loving it – can you share a similar memory?
Me and my school friends were all football fanatics so it’d be football every break time in the playground. Even if there wasn’t an actual ball to hand we’d use something to kick in a game of “footy”. A squashed soda can was often a temporary solution.
What three songs lift your spirits?
Velvet Underground – Rock n Roll.
Steve Monite – Only You.
Bob Dylan – Lay Lady Lay.
What is your favourite self-help book, or motivational quote?
I read a fair amount of this sort of thing. The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell was good. I also read Drive by Dan Pink recently. I’m currently reading ‘74 Creative strategies for Electronic Music Producers’….Catchy title.
What advice do you offer to friends when they are feeling overwhelmed?
Breath, slow it down and think. Remember the important things in life. I’m a big fan of meditation. I started 4 years ago and although I don’t manage every single day I do get 4/5 in a week. It’s been a massive help to me.