An Interview with Jerry Dale McFadden

By The Hanmade Website

"At what age did you start your piano lessons and did you have the freedom to play the music you liked?"

I was in second grade which puts me at about 7 years old, when my parents asked me if I wanted to learn the piano. They traded a ski boat for it. I said yes, having no idea what a piano was. I was glad for my decision because I soon discovered Elton John and wanted to be him bad! That's where it all started. I was lucky because I could pick out stuff from listening to records, playing by ear, as they say. I'm glad for my lessons but I did learn a lot on my own. I'm still learning. I think you should always strive to learn more and I'm not just talking about music here.

"What inspires you to write a song? Do you reserve time to compose or do you grab a pen when an idea hits you?"

The ideas don't come so effortlessly anymore. I find that I'm so busy now that if I don't make time to sit down and play around, then it'll never happen. There were times where music and melodies and lyrics just came flowing out while walking to school or driving down the road. It's a little more forced now but that doesn't mean it doesn't mean anything to me. It actually means I'm probably putting more thought into it, dealing with the song head on with no distraction in the time I've allotted to writing.

"What comes easiest, the lyrics or melody?"

Melody. Lyrics require so much thought, but melodies come easily. Everyone can stroll along whistling some new tune off the top of their head but the poetry of words, for me, is like a science.

"Do you ever use a computer to compose or mix your music?"

Never. I'm not much of a computer guy. It's a miracle I can even answer emails. I'm not very technical at all. This is odd for a keyboard player. Most keyboard players are gear heads, programming and such, but I'm more organic. I consider myself a piano player more than a keyboard player I guess.

"Your piano solo in the live version of 'There Goes My Heart' has a Floyd Cramer feel to it. Is he a musician that you would add to your list of influences?"

Yes! I played "Last Date" in my first band, The Peanuts, when I was 12 years old.

"You always seem to bring a 'sense of fun' when you're on stage. A couple of years ago you brought the stage to life at the Royal Albert Hall (While wearing your 'fab' Beatles suit!:-)). If you had the opportunity would you consider being in a stage show or musical?"

Yeah. When I was in college I wanted to write a musical because I'm a big fan and at the time one of my music professors said my compositions were very musical-ish and urged me to pursue that direction. I love to entertain. Sometimes I think I'm more of an entertainer than a musician because I don't think my playing is up to speed but getting an audience to respond comes easy for me.

"I think the bonus track on 'This Girl' has the foundations of a 'Big Band' number. (If only Frank Sinatra was still with us!) Would you welcome the opportunity to lead or take part in a Big Band? Perhaps Tony Bennett should give this track a listen!"

That track was never finished. I had intended to add horns and a few other things to it but it fell by the wayside and never got finished. I stuck it on there anyway with just a bass and drums 'cause I thought the album was very serious and sombre and I wanted to end it on a comical note because that's what people probably think of most when they think of me.

"I know Catch-All would do really well in the UK! Are you planning on promoting and releasing Catch-All here?"

Yes! Can't wait! I think it's coming out soon on a label called New West. We will definitely come play over there when it's released there.

"Do you enjoy living in Nashville? Is it a fun place for music?"

I love Nashville. I moved there to go to college and never left. It became a great place to base out of for touring and all. A nice home to come back to after travelling. Nice friendly people and a supportive music community. There are thousands of studios and lots of recording work. I must admit though that I've been thinking about moving to another city just for a change of pace and change of atmosphere. My wife and I need a little life changing adventure to share in. I'm a little settled in here. I think I'm up for the challenge! We'll see.

"Do you have a favourite Cheap Trick song?"

Surrender is one of the greatest rock songs of all time! It's an anti-anti-establishment song, know what I mean? It says your parents aren't as square as you think. They're actually pretty cool, you just can't see it right now but someday you will. That's so unusual in a rock song.

Ed:Many thanks Jerry Dale!!

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