Meet Liam Wade

We were lucky to catch up with Liam Wade recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Liam with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

i get my work ethic from my parents, my wife, and my family. growing up in a small town in the northeast of england, you develop this drive to see and experience more of the world, and that pushes you to work hard and take every step forward. there are a lot of talented people from my hometown, and i’ve seen many go on to achieve incredible things. rod temperton, who wrote ‘thriller’ by michael jackson, is from the grimsby-cleethorpes area—a great example of what’s possible.

beyond that, it’s the love of the work itself—whether it’s music, art, writing, or product design—that keeps me motivated. when you’re truly passionate about what you’re creating, the process doesn’t feel like work—it feels like purpose.

i’ve also been drawn to stoicism and its focus on living with intention and embracing what we can and cannot control. a recent health scare really brought that into perspective for me—reminding me just how unpredictable life can be, and that we never know how much time we have. that understanding has fueled me to do more, live fully, and make each day count.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

i’m a musician, producer, writer, and creative director, and my work is deeply rooted in creativity—whether it’s through music, design, or storytelling. musically, i perform under my own name, LT Wade, and i’ve been part of several projects over the years, including my former band FURS. i also explore electronic music through my project ‘signal maps’ and am currently launching a new endeavor called NO MA (north of manhattan), which focuses on improvised instrumental compositions inspired by desert blues and global jazz. the project is centered around independent musicians in the new york area, where i live, building a platform to highlight their talent and creativity.

my professional music career began when i was 22 years old, playing as courtney love’s live guitarist. it was an incredible experience and a crash course in the realities of the music industry. those early days taught me so much about performing, collaboration, and the creative process, and they’ve shaped everything i’ve done since.

NO MA is more than just a musical project—it’s also a collaborative effort that combines music and visuals. i’m in the early stages of developing plans to film each session, creating high-quality videos to share on youtube. i’m fortunate to be working with a couple of really good friends who are incredibly talented directors of photography, and their visual artistry will bring a whole new dimension to the project. the goal is to capture the energy and authenticity of live, improvised music while offering viewers an intimate glimpse into the creative process. although it’s still in the beginning stages, i’m excited about what we can achieve together.

as a creative director, i bring together elements of writing, graphic design, and photography to tell compelling stories across different mediums. my short stories and essays have been published in Far Out Magazine, and i regularly share my writing on substack, which you can follow here: ltwade on substack. storytelling is central to everything i do, whether through words, visuals, or music, and i’m always looking for ways to connect with people on a deeper level.

on the entrepreneurial side, i run and am one of the creative directors for a brand called ‘bone new york.’ it’s a collaboration with my wife, where we handcraft dog collars and leashes from vintage materials. it’s incredibly rewarding to work alongside her—she’s an exceptionally talented designer and creative mind, and her eye for detail has been invaluable to the brand. we started the brand because of our beautiful dog rupee. who is my literal angel.

whether it’s music, writing, or product design, what excites me most is the connections my work can create. everything i do is driven by a desire to make something meaningful—something that resonates, whether it’s a song that transports you, a story that inspires, a product you cherish, or an experience that leaves a lasting impression.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

looking back, i’d say the four qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are adaptability, curiosity, perseverance, and discipline.

adaptability has been key because no two opportunities or challenges are ever the same. starting my career as courtney love’s live guitarist at 22 was a crash course in the unpredictable nature of the music industry. over time, i’ve learned to roll with the punches and embrace change as an opportunity to grow. for anyone starting out, i’d say, don’t get too attached to one path—be open to where your journey might take you.

curiosity has driven me to explore new ideas and develop a wide range of skills, from music production to starting a small business. i’m constantly asking questions and learning, whether it’s about stoicism, the nuances of sound engineering, or the finer details of product design. my advice here is simple: never stop learning. read, watch, listen, and surround yourself with people who inspire you.

perseverance has kept me moving forward, even when things were tough. whether it was building my first studio or launching a creative project, there have always been moments when giving up might’ve seemed easier. but i’ve learned that staying consistent and pushing through those tough times often leads to the most rewarding outcomes. my advice? take it one step at a time and remember that progress isn’t always linear.

and finally, discipline has been the backbone of everything i do. whether it’s sticking to a practice schedule, meeting deadlines, or refining a creative process, it’s discipline that keeps me on track. for those early in their journey, i’d recommend creating habits that align with your goals. discipline isn’t just about working hard—it’s about working consistently, even when motivation wanes.

for anyone starting out, focus on developing these qualities like you would a muscle. try new things, stay curious, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid of failure—it’s all part of the process.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

a book that has played a huge role in my development is mastery by robert greene. i read it recently, and i’m already going through it again because it resonated so deeply with me. it’s a brilliant guide to understanding the process of mastering your craft, whatever that may be. one of the most valuable insights for me was the importance of apprenticeship—not just in the formal sense, but as a mindset. greene talks about the idea of embracing the process, focusing on the long game, and learning through observation, practice, and mentorship. it’s a reminder that mastery isn’t about talent alone; it’s about commitment, patience, and continuous growth.

another book that’s been incredibly useful on my journey—and yes, probably a bit cliché to mention—is meditations by marcus aurelius. the simplicity and practicality of stoicism have been a guiding light for me, especially in navigating challenges and staying grounded. one idea that has stuck with me is the focus on controlling what you can and letting go of what you can’t. it’s such a timeless principle, and it’s helped me approach both creative and personal obstacles with a clearer perspective.

both books, in different ways, have reinforced the idea that success and fulfillment come not from chasing immediate rewards, but from dedicating yourself to the process and living with intention.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.liamtwade.com
• Instagram: @liamtwade
• Twitter: @liamtwade
• Other: https://liamtwade.substack.com

  www.bonenewyork.com

  instagram: / @bonenewyork

Image Credits

hannah clayton
alex smith