With over two decades and a staggering 4,000 shows under his belt, Wade Bowen has etched his name into the annals of country music history as a consummate artist, masterful songwriter, and captivating performer. This Texan powerhouse has released his new album ‘Flyin’ today, May 10th (you can find out what we think about it right here) and we were thrilled to catch up with him to talk all about it.
Thanks for taking our questions today Wade, it’s good to reconnect with you again. We last spoke in August ’22 around the release of ‘…..secret and the Truth’ Before we dig into ‘Flyin’ – we did get to speak to Randy Rogers about Hold My Beer Vol.3 last July so we wanted to get your thoughts on that collection. I really loved ‘Shooting Hand’ from that EP. What were your favourite songs on there and why do you think that you and Randy work so well together?
I really think ‘Dumb Kids’ was my favourite song on that project. And it’s sad it kinda got overlooked. I think that song really sums up a lot for us looking back on the memories of our childhood, and it was so different from anything we put out! I also love ‘I Moved Into A Bar’ just being the barn burner that it is! I think we work so well together because we are so different from each other but seem to embrace that as friends. What we do on stage and with these projects isn’t fake. It’s exactly who we are, and I think that’s why people latch on to it! They see the real friendship there!
There’s loads of Texan artist coming through right now, from Parker to Randall King to George Birge. I interviewed Tanner Usrey recently and you were the artist that inspired him to become a musician. Do you see yourself as a grandee of the Texan scene that inspires these younger musicians and does it frustrate you a little that this media and commercial attention didn’t happen twenty years ago?
I’m proud of what I’ve done for sure, and I’m so honoured when these younger artists say that I influenced them. I’ve put a ton of work into what I do and I’m glad to see they see that and hopefully use it to make themselves better! I think there’s a ton of young talent out there right now doing things the right way and being sponges, and I love to see that! And no, it doesn’t frustrate me to see it happening. Everything goes in cycles and, I’m glad to see them get what they deserve. That’s all that matters! Represent our state and our scene with pride and have fun – I believe they are doing that!
Loving the new album!!! There are some slightly different sounds and styles on this record. What was your mission statement when you were putting it together?
I just wanted the best songs as always. Albums for me don’t really show their face until we get in the studio, so I loved seeing where this one wanted to go. I love the energy we got out of these tracks, and I really think people are going to enjoy the diversity within this project.
The title track sounds like classic Eagles to me, especially that a cappella opening. Were they an influence on your sound and style at all?
When I was first learning to play guitar, I’d sit around fumbling through Eagles songs to my mom. She has always loved the Eagles so I knew eventually they would come out more as an influence on my music than they have in the past. I’m glad it finally did!
‘Someone Else’s Now’ is my favourite song on there, although it does change from listen to listen. If Parker McCollum released that it would go to number one. Tell me about writing that one – is it the catchiest song you’ve ever written?
I’m so glad you like that one! I do feel it is probably the most “commercial” of the tunes on the album. It has some pop appeal to it in a good way. This is one of the songs that came out of these writing retreats I take every now and then with my friends Heather Morgan and Eric Paslay. We head out to a ranch and just get away from everything for a bit, and I’ve found it to be so productive for all of us. Just simply getting away for a bit. We’ve written so many good ones doing this and have so much fun. This is one of the tunes that came from that experience.
Hillary Lindsey sounds great with you on ‘When I Wanna be Wanted’ – how did you go about securing her for that appearance. It’s like a cross between Bryan Adams’ ‘Run to You’ but done by George and Tammy!
I was just lucky enough that my manager happens to be friends with her. It was my first time working with her, and I can’t say enough great things. She is a brilliant, genius human and you can feel the energy she has even over the phone. I hope this is the first of many opportunities to work with her. What a talent and what a voice! She completely changed the scope of this album in my opinion with her appearance on this track! I’m forever grateful.
‘Love Does What it Wants To’ is another stand out track. Darker! Dramatic! Such a clever melody and structure. How do you challenge and motivate yourself to keep writing unique and original songs?
I don’t know how. I just always look for what hasn’t been said or another way to say things. I mean we can all tell stories, but the unique side of us as humans will show itself in one way or another. I really do believe I look at things a little different than most and that is maybe what helps. Having people like Lori McKenna know you wanna go there helps and having someone like her running with you is special. Nothing is ever off the table with Lori as a co-writer, and I love that she will go to those places with me when a lot of others aren’t quite sure they want to.
Of course, there are still lots of Texan influences on there. ‘The Request’ I could see on a George Strait album. If you had to build your Mount Rushmore of your four favourite Texan artists who would you choose and why?
Oh my gosh, that’s pretty impossible if ya ask me to only choose four. Our state has so much pride in music, and I’m so proud of where I come from for that – being able to draw from all of those influences has been huge. I’d say George Strait, Willie Nelson, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Miranda Lambert as our female representative! (laughing) Guy Clark should be on there also though so like I said, there’s too many to choose to only have 4!
‘Friday Night’ feels like a big, commercial radio single from the 80s. How important is radio & things like CMT to you? Does it drive any of your creativity and commercial strategies or do you just let the art dictate how it emerges and not worry about what each song might or might not achieve?
I really don’t worry much about commercial stuff or radio. I think I’m blessed that some of it just happens naturally with some songs and the direction fits radio. It’s definitely not something I strive for in an album anymore. We just don’t get enough airplay to warrant that nowadays, but I do love that the songs we put out are radio friendly and if given the chance can be successful on the radio. They just need a chance!
What’s the plan in terms of getting these great songs out to people over the coming year? Tours, tours, tours?
As always yes, tour, tour, and tour! I’m playing a great show right now with my band and these songs are only making the shows better. I love what they are bringing to the table for options for us! And I’m excited to see how people react to this project. I haven’t been this excited in a long time.
Is there a chance we might see you over in Europe in this next ‘Flyin’ cycle do you think?
It’s on my list! I absolutely love touring over there and cannot wait to get back!!!!!!!!!!
Check out Wade Bowen’s excellent album ‘Flyin’ – out today (May 10th) right here.
