Raising a Future Musician: An Interview with Luke Wade
by Diana Palmentiero
Recently I had the chance to chat with Luke Wade, a past contestant of “The Voice.” This singer/songwriter had some insight into how to raise a future musician. Luke said that he had been musical since he was a child, dancing around in diapers, singing along to his parent’s music which included such bands as Led Zeppelin and the Beatles and later Counting Crows, Pearl Jam and the Dave Matthews Band. This music and his mother, a dance teacher, were some of his first influences in music. His older brother, a member of his band, is a saxophone player, his sisters are writers and his dad is an artist. Quite a creative clan, wouldn’t you say?
One of his fondest memories growing up was when his whole family would pile into their Volkswagen Bug for road trips to visit his mom’s family every summer in North Carolina. This is where he thinks that he got the “touring bug.” One of the highlights of his career was his time on “The Voice.” The show’s producers, who are always looking for acts, emailed him to be on the show. He figured, “Why not?” Luke said that it was an amazing experience being on a huge stage with so many talented musicians and songwriters, including Pharrell Williams!
Luke also shared with me that one of the hardest things about a musician’s career is being on the road, away from family. Touring may sound glamorous but it is really not. There is not a lot of money to be made in music today and there are still struggles, such as being able to pay bills. Luke lives modestly. Because of that, he feels lucky that he has gotten the exposure that he did on “The Voice.” Another hurdle to starting a music career for him was living in a small town in Texas. There were not many people there who had any connection to the music business. It took him a long time to get to those connections. He also had to work other jobs, like bartending, to raise the money that is necessary to live and “make more moments” in music.
Luke writes his own songs which he says, “gives more meaning to his life.” And at this point in his life, he is excited about writing songs, not necessarily because they will be on an album, but because he loves it! He is also excited about building a future in the music business. Luke feels that one of his strengths as a songwriter is that he is not afraid to be honest and say whatever he thinks. He also believes that his music can paint pictures when people hear his music.
Here’s how I would summarize Luke’s advice to parents who would like to raise a future musician:
- Let the music interest come first. - Growing up, Luke remembers seeing musical instruments around the house but he was never forced to play them. Just as Luke’s parents did, leave instruments around the house. If they are interested, they will play!
- Start music lessons - If you see that this has sparked some interest, then be sure to start some lessons. However, never force them to attend, but rather, be nurturing to their budding interest. If you force them to take lessons, that will only create a negative association about taking lessons.
- Be supportive - As parents, you play a big role in their future music careers so be sure to provide emotional support, guidance and strategies for them, because every child is different.
- Do research for them. - There are many books about the music business that can help regardless of where your child is in their career.
- Don’t let them do it blindly. - They will need to meet the right people so they need your help to put effort in the right places. The music business is difficult, one in which there are many hurdles. They shouldn’t go at it alone.
Luke’s advice to kids who dream of becoming a singer/songwriter is, if you want whatever you love to do to become your livelihood, then do it all the time because you love it. Things will happen for you when the time is right!