Learn More About The Musician/Producer Extraordinaire, James ‘Trakz’ Wade!

James Roger Wade Jr, known professionally as “Trakz” may have been raised as a country boy, but he had early aspirations for a music career due to his families heavy background in music.

He started playing instruments at an early age, watching his grandfather tune and play his guitar inside his old country store.

Instruments were always made available to him due to his family being in multiple bands and singing groups. Trakz was passionate and dedicated when it came to music, and with his family being too busy to help him learn how to play, Trakz decided to teach himself. As of right now Trakz is able to play 9 instruments. He learned to play each instrument by ear because he felt people played with more emotion this way.

As of 2014 Trakz has made significant headway in and around his hometown including making history as the first urban R&B artist featured on local news station WSLS Channel 10. Watching Trakz perform live is extraordinary in the sense that what you hear on the album is exactly what you’re going to hear live. Trakz has been around for over a decade locally but has only recently started stepping onto the scene as a legitimate artist.

“I’m a rookie to a certain degree in terms of being recognized as certified artist and being respected for my craft, but the truth is I’ve been around for a long time so I’m ready for whatever my career may bring.”

Now under the direction of Song Source Music Group, Trakz is ready to share his music with the rest of the world, writing and producing for mainstream recording artist such as August Alsina, Trey Songz, Omarion, Chris Brown, Bruno Mars and Robin Thicke just to name a few.

Learn more about Trakz in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time today! How’s 2016 been treating you?

Thank you for having me, I’m very grateful for this opportunity to talk with you guys.

2016 has been outstanding so far, I just pray it continues to get better and that I continue to make my mark musically.

What were some of the highlights of 2015 for you and your music?

Honestly, 2015 wasn’t the most exciting or productive of years. It was more about preparing really than anything else. I worked on a lot of music and myself physically to get ready for 2016. But some of the highlights so far in 2016 have been being selected by Steve Harvey and his morning show as the artist of the week in January. That was pretty incredible. Another highlight would definitely
have to be my interview with you guys! What a great way to begin my summer!

What does a typical day look like for you these days?

I stay on the road a lot now so a typical day starts around 1pm. I usually enjoy whatever personal time I have until around 8pm, which by that point I’m working. In addition to recording myself I also record, write and engineer for others and Iusually don’t get done with that until the early hours of the morning. 5 or 6 am usually.

Can you talk about your families heavy background in music and how that inspired you to pursue music?

My grandfather was the consummate performer and musician, headlining several gospel groups when he was young, even having my father, aunts and uncle form a group when they were young called Tiny Voices of Hope. It was actually seeing my grandfather sing and play his guitar during my

childhood that inspired me to want to learn about music.

Has your family always been supportive of you and your musical goals?

My family has deep roots in Gospel music. Majority of them are into church pretty heavy so I’m kind of the black sheep since I am a part of the R&B/Hip-Hop culture. Regardless I would say the majority of my family supports me, although there are a few who do not. My mom was my biggest supporter before she passed away and the reason why I do music, to honor her memory. I took care of her for 10 years until the day she passed from lupus. Her last words to me were to chase my dreams and that’s exactly what I plan to do.

So, how did you happen to learn how to play 9 instruments?!

I constantly asked various friends and family members to teach me but most of the time they were too busy. I eventually just sat down and taught myself, simple as that. It took a good 7 or 8 years but it’s knowledge that will stick with you forever. In fact, I learned music software the same way. I didn’t trust anyone engineering my music but me, so I taught myself.

What are they all?

I’ll list the order in which I learned them:
Guitar, Piano/Organ, Bass, Drums, Accordion, Violin, Harp and Harmonica

Which ones are your favorite to play now?

Always guitar and piano simply because an entire show can be performed using either of those instruments.

What do you think you are the best at?

Piano definitely. I play piano constantly, whether it be a midi board or a live piano so I get the most practice with that instrument.

Which is the most fun for you to play?

The most fun is obviously the guitar because you get to kind of rock out a little bit! (laughter)

How do you think you have grown since you started performing in 2014?

Wow, let’s see. First and foremost, I have to say I’m becoming a lot more comfortable on stage which makes me a lot more confident. Second, I feel I’m evolving and elevating myself as a writer, producer and most importantly as a singer. Finally, I feel people starting to pay attention to who I am as an artist and realizing my potential.

What’s it been like being part of Song Source Music Group?

It has been an incredible journey definitely. A long process, to say the least, which can cause artists (myself included) to get down from time to time. I have learned however that patience is a much needed virtue in this industry, along with faith. Because without either, I wouldn’t have made it this far.

Why is this the right company to host you and your music today?

My agent Adrian is a great individual. And his company is more of a family than anything else which makes for a comfortable and relaxed environment. He’s also an A&R who knows the business inside out which allows me to trust in him more because I know he will protect me from sharks that are definitely lurking in those industry waters. It’s a blessing being part of his company because I will avoid a lot of the unfortunate mishaps that a lot of indie/unsigned artists go through while trying to reach their goal.

Who are some of your favorite artists?

I love all kinds of music but there is only as elect handful of artists who I listen to daily and find a lot of
inspiration in. Prince, Marvin Gaye and Michael Jackson are my big trio. The Beatles and Pink Floyd are my favorite bands. I like just about any 90s R&B artist/group too. (Laughter) As far as current artists go, I dig Justin Timberlake, Ne-Yo, Kehlani, Bryson Tiller, The Dream, Drake & Lil Wayne of course.

Who would you love to work with in the future?

That’s almost an endless list! It would depend on who I would be writing/producing for or actually singing with. I would definitely like to work with my fellow Virginians Chris Brown and Trey Songz. I’ve looked up to Drake for a minute now and Lil Wayne is a living legend so that would
be a no brainer! Kehlani, Milla J and Ariana Grande are bare talented and I would love to write/produce for them as well as sing with them. Taylor Swift is an amazing songwriter so I would love to just create something together. And finally K.Michelle. We both have strong personalities and it would be interesting to see what kind of songs would be made.

Where do you think you are happiest- in the studio recording, on stage or elsewhere?

I would have to say it’s a three way tie, honestly. I’m happy while creating my music, bringing what’s in my heart and soul to life for others to enjoy. I’m happy on stage, interacting with people who know who I am and watch how my music affects peoples lives. Finally, I’m always happy visiting back home on the farm. (laughter) I know that sounds funny but that’s where I find the most peace.

At the end of the day, what do you hope is the message of your music?

I want people to interpret my music individually. I wouldn’t say there is one message for the masses. I hope my music will speak to each fan individually and let them take away a sense of inspiration.

What do you hope listeners take away from your songs?

I want my listeners to take away one thing from mymusic, and that is REALITY. I want them to know I sing about what’s real to ME. And if people around the world can relate to my reality then all the better. I could never write about things I don’t know, it seems dishonest to myself and the listener. I can’t sing about having lots of money, cars or jewelry because I’ve never known that life. What I can sing about is love, heartbreak, sex and living life to the best of my ability. And at the end of the day, that’s what we’re all trying to do.

Do you have any upcoming shows that you would like to promote?

At the moment, I don’t think I do have any upcoming shows of importance. At this time I’m continuing to work on my new project and get my brand “Hidden Trakz Entertainment” off the ground, which I’m very excited about!!!

Is there anything else that you would like to share about yourself or your music with our readers?

I would like my fans and listeners to know it is never too late to try and make your dreams come true. No matter what your age is, as long as you have faith, patience and dedication, anything is possible.

Thank you guys for this opportunity.