Wade Bowen is an American Texas Country/Red Dirt Singer from Waco, Texas. He has been making music for twenty years. He recently performed at the 2018 Old Settler’s fest (recap here) and released his newest album “Solid Ground” which features other well-known country artists such as Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram and John Randall. “Solid Ground” is said to be a love letter to Texas with songs such as “So Long Sixth Street.” We had the opportunity to ask Wade some questions while he stopped by Old Settler’s about inspiration, the new album and more.
When and why did you start writing/playing music?
Wade: Music was always around in my family growing up. I didn’t take it seriously until I was about 17 when I started teaching myself guitar. I wrote my first song when I was 18.
What are your fondest musical memories (in your house, in your neighborhood or town, on a tour, etc.)?
Wade: Listening to my dad sing very loudly off-key to Guy Clark, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. And my mom was singing Patsy Cline and Elvis Presley.
Describe your songwriting process. Do you have a routine when it comes to songwriting/creating music?
Wade: I write mostly off inspiration. As much as possible. I save ideas and try to write when it hits and then go back and rewrite. I cram a lot when it comes album time and procrastinate by heart.
What are the biggest influences that go into your music?
Wade: My own life for sure, and lots of Springsteen.
What other artists, if any, do you get inspiration from?
Wade: Bruce Springsteen, Guy Clark, George Strait, Willie Nelson and Jackson Browne.
How has your music changed over the years? What is the biggest difference in your music now compared to when you started?
Wade: I’ve just gotten older and wiser. I feel I know what I want and how to get there better than I did when I was younger. When you’re young, you only write for you and the song. As I’ve gotten older I realize now the song has more to it than just the two of us.
Do you have a favorite song that you enjoy performing most? If so, which one(s)?
Wade: I think that’s always changing depending on the crowd and my mood. Right now it’s songs from the new album “Solid Ground.” I would say probably “Couldn’t Make You Love Me.”
How was your experience at Old Settler’s Music Festival?
Wade: I absolutely loved the festival. Such an honor to be there and perform there. Even with all the rain, everyone seemed to have a blast!
As a family man and artist, how do you balance your music with your other duties as a husband, father, and friend?
Wade: I just do the best I can. I always let my kids know I love them over and over and that I’m always rushing to get back home to them. And you have to have a good woman by your side that is willing to put up with this life and be that bad ass wife and mom. And she is.
We know you recently released your new album “Solid Ground,” but what’s next for you in the coming months? What are you looking forward to most?
Wade: I will be heading out on my Europe tour in June and continue to work the new album as much as possible anywhere and everywhere I can.
To find where you can catch Wade Bowen next visit www.wadebowen.com. And if you’re in the Waco area you won’t want to miss the 20th Annual Bowen MusicFest, returning on June 3. REO Speedwagon, Midland, Ray Wylie Hubba and many others are set to perform. The festival is hosted by Wade and the Bowen Family Foundation, which has raised over $2.5 million for charities that support children and families in and around Waco.
Leigh is a native Texan gone temporary New Yorker and now proud Austinite. Passions include but are not limited to music (both as a spectator and dabbler), traveling & cultural adventures, film & television, true crime, design (of the fashion, interior, and graphic sorts), and photographing & writing about all the aforementioned. Self-acclaimed coffee connoisseur & wino, cat aficionado, book worm, and nature junkie.