- Thu, 2009-07-23 14:58
Max Martin, the man with the pen and the production skills behind the likes of Pink, Britney Spears, Katy Perry and Kelly Clarkson, recognised the talent in the early Carolina Liar demos as soon as he heard them. He wasted no time assigning himself as producer of their debut album Coming To Terms and passing their demos through to Atlantic Records.
Cue a quick change for Carolina Liar frontman Chad Wolfe. From living in his car in Los Angeles writing songs to studio time with Max Martin and sessions with the legendary Diana Warren, his passion for music only grew. We caught up with him for a breif chat about his music, inspirations and the future plans for Carolina Liar.
"I Like Music because… music is everything to me.” Chad Wolfe
ILM: How would you describe the vibe of your debut album Coming To Terms?
Chad: It's like the first time you've been alone in a car, driving for a life changing move.
ILM: Can you describe the Carolina Liar process of making music? How does it all come together?
Chad: Our music comes together like a good soup. It starts off with a base which could be a beat, one line or a story and from that we add more until there is a something that feels soulful and sustainable.
ILM: What do you look forward to the most about playing live?
Chad: Getting out the way of the songs. Sometimes, if you can pull yourself out of the equation and let the song take over, then you can see what it means to the crowd. To me that is the real gift.
ILM: Your story is very inspiring, full of hard work and dedication. What would be your advice to anyone looking to come into the music industry?
Chad: Don't ever, ever stop and always admit to yourself that you can be better at everything you do. Don't settle. Work from a place of love and passion. No matter how hard things get, you need to know in your heart that you are still being as true to yourself as you can be. Somehow from that, you will get to where you want to be.
ILM: You worked with the legendary Diane Warren. What was the biggest lesson you learnt from that experience?
Chad: She has never stopped believing in her songs and her work. She is so passionate that most people think she's crazy, but in most cases that's what it takes.
ILM: What is your earliest musical memory?
Chad: Singing in church as a kid around 3 years old...
ILM: What has been your most recent musical discovery?
Chad: It's funny but I would say going back to the most basic chords I know how to play. They tend to be a never ending string of inspiration.
ILM: What are your future plans?
Chad: My plans are just to work and give back in every way that I know how to. I really just want to keep playing all the shows we have as best as I can right now.
ILM: What music are you listening to at the moment?
Chad: For the most part I've been listening to Lady Gaga and a lot of Thin Lizzy.
ILM: Out of all the live gigs you have seen, which have been the most memorable?
Chad: There was this Cajun band called Chubby Carrier I saw once in South Carolina. That, to this day, has left a mark on my soul.
ILM: Who are your musical inspirations and why?
Chad: I don't even know where to start. Anyone who has made a recording that I've been able to get my hands on is inspirational to me because they did it. It takes so much work to get out there and give your soul. That is something that always moves me.
