Conversations with Wade C. Long

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wade C. Long.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in the city of Cleveland, Ohio. That’s a place rich in musical heritage. Also, I come from a musical family so it was inevitable for me to follow suit. I had a similar foundation as many others, singing and playing piano with church choirs, as well as the occasional talent show. When I made it to my 20s I started working with other artists in Cleveland, writing and producing for them, and when a possible opportunity to sign with a major label came up, I moved to LA to be closer to the people I hoped to be working with. Although that particular opportunity fell through, I found myself falling in love with this town and making my life here. I released my debut EP in 2014, and since then, I’ve released several other singles and EPs. I’ve been a finalist for two Soultracks.com Reader’s Choice Awards. The first one was New Artist of the Year in 2020, and most recently I am a finalist for this year’s Instrumentalist of the Year Award. My second full-length album, “A Long Story” will be out next January. It has the iconic songstress Hil St. Soul and Billboard #1 Smooth Jazz bassist Christian de Mesones on it. I couldn’t be more grateful for my path behind me and excited for my future before me.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As an independent artist, you’ll always experience a set of unique circumstances. Some of mine have been producing quality art while maintaining a day job. There are only so many hours a day and I like to commit myself to excellence in whatever I undertake. Also, I budget my own projects out of my personal funds so there’s always the challenge of making ends meet and making my music sound up to par.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am probably best described as a singer-songwriter-producer. I am most known for blending current music styles with styles from days gone by. I’m most proud of the two Soultracks.com Reader’s Choice Awards I have been nominated for; New Artist of the Year, in 2020, and Instrumentalist of the Year, in 2022.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
While luck can play a part, I try not to focus on that as much, or at all. Luck is the part of things that I can’t have any natural control over so I try not to dwell on that too much myself.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wadeclong/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/WadeCLong
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHzR3uXCkTNMWyUzCXvBS4w
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/wade-long

Image Credits
Ameer Espy