Artist: Kevin Waide
Band Name: The Kevin Waide Project
Genre: Blues
Kevin Waide is a guitarist and singer-songwriter with a passion for the blues. A native of Tupelo, Mississippi, Kevin was raised on the sounds of blues greats like Albert King, Muddy Waters, and John Lee Hooker. Coming from a musical family, it was only natural that he would pick up an instrument. Kevin started guitar at age 8, and quickly learned by listening to albums by B. B. King, Buddy Guy, and Howlin’ Wolf. Playing semi-professionally since the age of 16, Kevin has “lived the blues” both on and off stage. A purist in the sense that every performance is unique, his unconventional, sometimes irreverent approach to the blues is to just let it flow.
Who or what would you say has been the greatest influence on your music?
“Everyone I’ve ever listened to, from the big names to the local guys. I can learn something from just about anyone and find a way to apply it to my playing/singing/writing.”
Do you have a favorite of your own original songs? What’s the story behind it?
“”Call My Name” is my current fav, simply because it’s got a heavy funk influence and is so much fun to play! The story behind it is funny (to me, at least). I was on my lunch break going home and I saw a cute little redhead (I’m a sucker for a redhead!) walking her dog. I opened my mouth and “She’s a little cutie” came out. As I drove past, I looked in the mirror to watch her go, and out came “She’s got a big ole booty!” Realizing I had a pretty catchy rhyme, I started writing it down as soon as I got home, having the first verse and chorus finished by the end of my lunch hour.”
If you could meet any artist, living or dead, which would you choose and why?
“No brainer: Hendrix, for all the obvious reasons.”
Most embarrassing thing ever to happen at a gig?
“I jumped off the stage while playing guitar, not realizing it was too high for me to jump back up onto while still playing.”
What was the most significant thing to happen to you in the course of your music?
“That I’ve stuck with it for so long.”
If music were not part of your life, what else would you prefer to be doing?
I can’t remember NOT ever playing music. I work a day gig as a Graphic Designer and I enjoy that pretty well.
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