It starts like a song reminding me the heighties ; a voice both delicate and dark – reminiscent of Bryan Ferry – over a rolling piano ballad. Then the darkness tone of the ending intro song turns deeper into a superb flying tune : Your Side of the Mountain… Then, an amazing and devilish cover of Dylan’s ‘Girl from the North Country’… then. Then, I’m really grateful to cdbaby.com for such a discovery, allowing me to introduce you : Wade Ogle and his first solo album : Songs from Winter.
At the age of 44, Wade Ogle, following a seven years absence, is back on the rock scene with an awesome collection of 11 tracks recorded during the winter months of 2007/2008. The former singer-guitarist of Dali Automatic, now leading a family, renewed with his unique dark songwriting. Songs from Winter album handles a collection of mature folk-blues originals with personal takes on Bob Dylan (Girl from the North Country), Fred McDowell (Got to Move), and Nick Cave (New Morning). With a series of 5 songs about outlaw Americans – including two of my favorites ‘William Bonney‘ – distilling an enchanting sound from an electric sitar and the staggering Huddie Leadbetter, we’re close to a brand new murder ballads vintage.
Once again, I couldn’t resist asking Wade couple questions about his music.
YCD : Hello Wade, how’s it going ?
Wade Ogle : All is well. It’s very beautiful here in northwest Arkansas this time of year.
YCD : It’s about 7 years, you’ve been away from the music scene ? Tell us about this break ?
Wade Ogle : I had essentially lived out of a van with 3 or 4 other guys for 13 years playing shows across the US. A struggle that really only makes sense when you’re young. After the band ended, I really wanted nothing more to do with being an “organzied” musician. Also, during this break, I married and started a family.
YCD : After many years playing in various bands (Dali Automatic, the Faith Healers…), what are the motivations for a solo record ?
Wade Ogle : I prefer to travel light these days. I had guest musicians perform as a band of sorts on the record and I may form an accompanying live band but I think my “one for all, none for one” band days are well behind me.
YCD : Songs from Winter, your new full length is a collection of old and new songs. It also contains 3 covers (Girl from the North Country – Bob Dylan / New Morning – Nick Cave / Got to Move – Fred McDowell ),. Is it a kind of synthesis in your musical background opening to a new solo career ?
Wade Ogle : I hadn’t thought of it but I think you’re right. Especially live. I think I’m stumbling upon this mix of my musical past and present. Mixing experimental music with traditional songwriting. Perhaps I just have too many effects on my pedalboard.
YCD : William Bonney, Bonnie & Clyde, Huddie Leadbetter, Robert Johnson … ? It’s a new murder’s ballads ?
Wad Ogle : Maybe. When I began writing new songs again, I wrote an entire collection about outlaw Americans. Many more than are on the record. Some were based on real characters, some were entirely fictional. I think I found it easier to get the writing ball rolling with that limitation. After that, new…more personal songs came.
YCD : As a French, I can’t resist asking you about the intro of your Bonnie & Clyde song referring to Serge Gainsbourg ?
Wad Ogle : I had written that song without incorporating the Serge intro. Live, I began to drop it in. In the end, I couldn’t do without it. So, it’s my respectful tip of the hat to Mr. Gainsbourg. You know, as much as some Europeans might romanticize what life must be like in the grand old south, it’s Serge Gainsbourg’s music which makes southerners desire a one-way ticket to Paris…never to return.
YCD : Is there a song you wish you had written ?
Wade Ogle : That’s an excellent mind reeling question. Practically any song by the filthy five who are Cohen, Dylan, Cave, Presley and Cash. Barring that, I’d say “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” by Frankie Valli.
YCD :If you could share a stage with any band or artist who would you choose and why?
Wade Ogle : Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. We’re in a similar musical park which is dark blues without being blues really. Also, I don’t take up much room on a stage. Perfect support act haha.
YCD : What are your projects for the coming months ?
Wade Ogle : I know they’re are two video projects. One for “Your Side Of The Mountain” and another for “Lost All Beliefs”. Also, a remix of “Robert Johnson”. Also, I’m going to release a live solo performance (digital download). Beyond that, I’ll be playing a lot live.
YCD : Thank you so much for your time Wade. For sure, we’ll keep a pair of ears on your music !
Artist : Wade Ogle
Label : 5AM Records
Where to buy : Cdbaby.com, Itunes
If you love Nick Cave or Mark Lanegan, Wade Ogle should soon become a favorite.
You should also enjoy : Pete Ashman, Neil McSweeney and the Gents, New Pretoria.
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