Helen What was interesting and what did you most enjoy on the Japanese trip?
The Japanese trip was incredible. I didn’t have any idea I would enjoy it as much as I did. I am so thankful I got the chance to go see it. It’s one of the most interesting countries I’ve every been to. I was really, really taken aback by how polite and respectful the people were. How clean the city was. It was just amazing. it reminded me of what America used to be when I was a kid. You didn’t see a speck of graffiti any where. I actually took a picture of a public transportation bench at a bus stop, because it was perfect. It was pristine. It was an amazing country and - beautiful. The mountain area was gorgeous. It was amazing to see. I was very thankful to get to go.
How were the Japanese country music fans?
The Japanese fans were amazing. They were all out there line dancing. They all had their wranglers and cowboy hats on. In the autograph line, there were people who had every record I had ever made, having me sign them. I couldn’t believe it. It was amazing. That trip was one of my favorites I’ve every taken. It was great.
What’s been keeping you busy lately?
I just finished the new album. I had a couple of things I had to play guitar on and a couple of harmony parts to do. I recorded another hymn on this record. It’s a song called “In Christ Alone.” It’s one of my favorites songs that we sing at church. This album is really good; it’s interesting. I stretched out on a couple of songs. Hopefully they will be surprises in a pleasant way. I did a couple of covers on this record that I’ve always wanted to do. One of them was “Going Where the Lonely Go.” I had to pay homage to Merle Haggard, you know. He meant so much to me when he was living. He was a big part of my childhood. And I recorded a Conway Twitty song, called “Julia." It has always been one of my favorites. And I heard my friend, Megan (Mullins), singing it one day when we were at a gig. I knew that song, so we started singing it together backstage. I said, “I’ve got to record that." So I did that one and I recorded a Chris Stapleton song that I loved. It’s pretty cool. It turned out great!
Helen: Added note from later. Wade is hoping to release the record in late February. The music is ready. Now it's getting the business part (various permissions) and the art work completed.
I know you're eager to promote the new project. Don't start on radio stations about the new project yet. We need to wait until the album is actually available. However, continuing to request his older material is great. Also, think about doing reviews for his music on Amazon.com
Really looking forward to the new music!
VANDERBILT INGRAM CANCER CENTER BENEFIT
This is the 2nd annual event that Wade has presented. He owes his life to this group that was guided by God (whether they actually knew that or not). This is his payback to help their continuing research. Held at the beautiful Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tennessee, it features Randy Owen, Tracy Lawrence and Wade. Great venue! Great entertainment! Great Cause!
FAN CLUB PARTY
We're still up in the air. I thought I had it settled, but got the word that some fans didn't like the early morning hour which was the only time that Hermitage House Smorgasbord could cater for us and it also kept us from overlapping with CMA Fest. We chose Friday to help people on their vacation days. Also, there was plenty of free parking and good food. The other downside was that Wade had to bring sound equipment.
So now we're looking for a place that has space, free parking, sound equipment, will allow us to bring in catered food and is available on Wednesday, June 7 at noon. Hopefully, it won't be too difficult to get to. I don't look downtown because of difficult, expensive parking. Wade will be playing the Nashville Navy show the night before and Wednesday is a day that conflicts the least with the CMA fest activities. Hopefully, it won't be too difficult to get to.
