We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alex Quade a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alex, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
Growing up in a small Wisconsin town where it seemed like everyone practically knew everyone, I was surrounded by hardworking and determined people. I was also raised in a family that not only showed but ingrained the belief that hard work is essential for achieving your goals. As the first person in my family who wanted to pursue music and the arts beyond my school’s music program, there was naturally a slight hesitation in my family. However, as I dedicated more time and effort to my passion for music and began to see success from my efforts, my family recognized and supported my commitment. They witnessed how music was not just a hobby for me, but a part of who I am. My family’s encouragement and belief in me fueled my determination even further. Their words of support became my motivation during challenging times, and their unwavering love gave me the strength to push through obstacles. I am eternally grateful for their guidance and support.
Additionally, the act of creating music, of translating emotions and thoughts into sound, instills a profound sense of purpose and drive in me. I often have very precise ideas or sounds in my mind that I relentlessly pursue to recreate. Similarly, as I ventured into filmmaking, the desire to tell stories and capture the multifaceted human experience on screen has inspired me to delve into the exhaustive process of production. It sounds crazy when I write it out like this, but until I can replicate the sound I’m imagining, or nail the pacing on an editing timeline for a video, the project isn’t complete.
This pursuit for specificity and perfection to a degree is also a stark reality for those who want to “make it” in these industries. They are both characterized by their creativity, quality, innovation, and sheer volume of talent vying for limited opportunities. I also believe that audiences hold artists and creatives to a very high standard for better and for worse. So not only is it a personal drive to do the best I can, but it’s also a necessity if I want to be able to share my work with the world.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Alex Quade and I’m a percussionist, songwriter, producer, and filmmaker based in Brooklyn, NY. My musical training as a classical and non-Western percussionist has taken me around the world performing in venues ranging from Ghana, West Africa to Carnegie Hall. Through my music and producing, I seek to break genre boundaries and craft captivating rhythmic juxtapositions. Some of my influences are Becca Stevens, Bokanté, and Fuensanta. As a filmmaker, my goal is to capture striking imagery with the ability to tell stories full of nuance, care, and respect. With the goal of creating meaningful and impactful art, I strive to push boundaries and explore new intersections humbly and with an open mind. Follow me on Instagram @alexquade_ to see what I’m up to!
Additionally, I’m one half of the band Night Ark, an indie folk duo with a world percussion twist, alongside St. Paul, MN multi-instrumentalist Louie Schurrer. We released our debut EP “Away From Home” on all streaming platforms last October and are excited to have new music on the way! Night Ark stemmed from our mutual longing to make music together during the pandemic. Louie and I sent each other song ideas over the course of a few months and eventually compiled what is now the EP. You can follow us on Instagram @nightarkband for more about us and our new music!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Staying humble in the face of both accolades and criticisms has been a cornerstone of my personal and artistic growth. Humility lets us appreciate the praise we receive without letting it get to our heads, and we can also use criticisms as opportunities for learning and improvement. Embracing humility allows us to stay grounded, open-minded, and continuously evolving in our endeavors. It’s a valuable trait that not only nurtures our growth but also fosters genuine connections with mentors, peers, and audiences.
Trusting my gut has also been a guiding principle in my life. I have learned to listen to that inner voice that nudges me in the right direction, even when logic or reason may suggest otherwise. It has led me to make bold decisions, take risks, embark on exciting adventures, and walk away from situations or collaborations that didn’t seem right to me. While it may not always lead to the easiest path, following my intuition has always brought value to my life and my art.
Being generous, both in spirit and in practice, not only helps in building a supportive community but also in fostering an environment of mutual growth and inspiration. I’ve learned that it’s through giving that we receive–opening doors to new collaborations, learning opportunities, and the sheer joy of seeing others thrive alongside me. Generosity also extends to sharing one’s art, often a vulnerable act, with the intention of uplifting and connecting with others. It’s a reminder that art, at its core, is a gift–one that is all the more powerful when shared.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
In reflecting on the various influences throughout my artistic journey, Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act: A Way of Being stands out as a pivotal guide that has profoundly shaped my approach to creativity and my work. His insights into the creative process, emphasizing the importance of openness, patience, and the courage to explore the unknown, have encouraged me to embrace my vulnerabilities and uncertainties as sources of strength and inspiration. It also has encouraged me to cultivate a deeper sense of mindfulness and presence in my work. This mindfulness has not only enhanced my creative output but has also fostered a more profound connection to myself and the world around me. Revisiting The Creative Act: A Way of Being continually inspires me to explore, innovate, and express with authenticity and courage.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexquade_
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?mibextid=uzlsIk
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vUT7sGEE7E
- Other: Night Ark Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/artist/43zuow24tTIqxJXG8y9UJG?si=LiP7PXykRvi4ZkN9_cj5SA
Image Credits
Henrique Penha
