INTERVIEW: Liv Wade Moves in "Slow Motion" On Radios and Buffalos

A queer, two-spirit artist with Metis and Scandinavian roots, Liv’s family originally came from the Red River Metis Nation, eventually settling in a Northern Manitoba area called Pine Bluff, just outside of The Pas. Now living in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, Liv’s rich cultural heritage and profound personal journey continue to deeply influence her music, now revealed on her latest EP Radios And Buffalos. Below, Wade describes the origins of her entrancing music, and the world she imagines for us all.

Explain the title of your album and overarching theme of your album.

The title Radios and Buffalos has a few different meanings that are intertwined to encapsulate the entirety of the album, but also pulls from one of the songs titles this on the EP. This title symbolizes the modern world of commutation (radio) in contrast with a more natural way (buffalos) and how with the modern world, we are losing touch with aspects of the natural world and our surroundings.

The album draws from a time and place of feeling lost, finding new direction and on a new journey of self-discovery, while at the same time, also not allowing myself to be treated in disrespectful ways and leaving a toxic place/time. So, I was looking for a sense of direction and having to pull from different places within and externally to find direction forward – I pictured myself “out there” in nature, having to rely on myself to find my way. Furthermore, the buffalo is a great significant symbol to Metis culture, and I was inspired by how it has been a central part of many aspects of the Metis people culturally, in governance and belief system. Inspired by my Metis roots.

Do you start off with the music or lyrics first? Why?

Most often I write the music first, though there are times where lyrics are written first/or a concept idea. Most of the time, I will start playing chords on the guitar on the piano and then, hum a melody… then the lyrics tend to come and carefully, a song is formed. I do this as it feels more natural to me and I don’t like to overall think about what I am going to write, I just let whatever is in come out in a creative way, then refine it lyrically into a message/story/expression.

What would you like to say to people who are currently questioning their identities?

Love yourself – because you are beautiful, valuable and belong! Despite all the homophobia/transphobia, there is a supportive diverse community of people who will love and accept you for all that you are. Take your time. Reach out if you need support.

Do you try to make the most of being in a city, or do you prefer to just rest up?

I live in the countryside, surrounded by nature and wildlife. It’s very peaceful and I feel lucky to be here. If I am in the city, I like to enjoy the aspects of it that are different from living more rurally.

What is your vision for a more just music industry?

A place that offers equity, safety, inclusion, value and dignity for diverse communities and cultures to share their talent and ways. In my opinion to ensure that folks with intersectional identities feel safe and seen in these spaces, there must be efforts to create non-tokenistic opportunities for racialized individuals to lead and flourish in their artistry. Non-BIPOC folks must do their work to ensure they are contributing to equitable and accountable spaces; and understand that they must move forward with integrity as being an “ally” is not simply a badge one wears but defined by intentional action.

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