Chicago’s Terry Blade is a soul singer for the new generation, using his sultry baritone to explore taboo issues of sexuality and mental health in a rapidly changing world. Ignoring commercial trends, he instead embraces an artistic sound that fuses R&B with indie singer/songwriter influences, allowing him to express his individuality in a way that mainstream artists never can. While his songs often speak to issues affecting the black and queer communities, the raw emotional truths he expresses have a universal appeal, with the ability to cause any individual to pause and reflect on life. An iconoclast in the making, his debut EP “Misery”suggests that he will be a constant presence in the underground for years to come. We decided to catch up with Terry Blade for an exclusive interview discussing his past, present and future.
What inspired you to get into music?
For me, music is therapeutic and cathartic. It can soothe, agitate, energize, and drain you–all in one sitting. It is a potent method of self-expression, and it has helped me survive some very difficult periods in my life. It wasn’t “inspiration” that got me into music. I got into music out of necessity.
How would you describe your music?
Right now, my music is in a “less is more” space. It is stripped, minimalist and personal. My current EP, “Misery” explores difficult subjects like mental illness, loss, and personal insecurity. It fuses soul, blues, acoustic, folk, and r&b with lo-fi and singer-songwriter soundscapes. My music isn’t what I would call very “commercial.”
What would you say is your recording and songwriting style?
My recording style falls on the raw end of the spectrum, and I tend to go for more of an underproduced and organic sound (think Neil Young, Pink Floyd, or Jefferson Airplane). My songwriting style relies on a hodgepodge of metaphor, storytelling, and repeating a message.
Where would you like to see your music career in 5 years time? I’d like for any music I make in 5 years to be an accurate reflection of who I am at that time.
Where can music fans listen your music?
Website: www.terryblademusic.com
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/terryblade
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6QXdeafZdeOvusyWmtRO7Y
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/terry-blade/1506678816
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjH_314fDrZJt76i0UlTVYQ
Drooble: https://drooble.com/terry.blade
